Page 14 of Beguiled and Broken

Bianca looked confused and angry and said, “Work late? I don’t remember saying I had to work late.”

Fuck. Think fast.“Bianca, I’m so sorry. I must’ve misheard you this morning when you guys were rushing around. I’m really, really sorry. I’ll fix you a plate.” I stood and went to grab a plate for her.

Bianca sat down where I was sitting and gave me stern look. That’s when I realized I had been sitting in her seat. She locked eyes with me and held her gaze to make sure I understood it. Then she said, “Thank you, Catarina. I’ve never missed dinner with my family. I don’t intend for that to start now just because I have the boutique.”

She sounded pissed but Vinny spoke up, defending me. “Babe, it was an honest mistake. She made lasagna and it’s amazing. Let’s enjoy dinner.” He kissed her on the cheek. “The kids had a great day too.” He looked at them and smiled and then looked at me and winked.Mmm.That wink.

I sat across from the kids when I got back to the table with Bianca’s plate. It took forever for me to get here, and I didn’t wait to fuck it all up on day one. Dinner went on and was nice. I stole glances at Vinny and felt like he knew I was thanking him with just a look. When it looked like everyone had finished up and the conversation started winding down, I said, “I’ll clean up. Kids, time to go get into your jammies.”

Bianca spoke up. “I’ll take them.”

“No, that’s ok. I can do it.”

“I said, I’ll take them. I missed my babies today.” Bianca cracked a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Sure, of course. Night, kiddos.” The kids gave me a hug, then headed upstairs with Bianca.

Vinny looked at me and said, “Dinner was great, Cat. Thanks for taking care of everything. Don’t worry about Bianca. This new schedule I think is just going to take some getting used to.” He leaned against the counter next to me with his arms folded across his chest…his broad chest, his arms flexing. I couldn’t stop staring.

Smiling and blushing, I said, “I feel just terrible about dinner. I really thought she said something about being late. Anyway, I’m glad you enjoyed the meal. Even the kids seemed to love it.”

“Yeah, it was great. Best meal I’ve had in a while. Thanks again. Do you need any help cleaning up?”Best meal he’s had in a while. Oh my god. He’s beautiful. So glad I could satisfy his...hunger.

“Do you want to dry the dishes as I wash them?”Stupid question. This is your job, idiot.

Vinny grabbed a towel and said, “Um…yeah, sure.”

“You don’t have to. I’m sorry. That’s my job. I can take care of it.” I looked down and kept washing dishes.

“Hey, it’s fine. No problem. We’ll finish fast.”

And we did. I washed, he dried, and we laughed about random stuff. I heard a throat clear, and it made me jump.

Bianca was leaning against the wall at the bottom of the stairs. “You have Vinny drying dishes? I’m impressed. Vinny, can I talk to you upstairs please?”

Vinny said, “Yeah, baby. Let me finish drying here. I said I would help.” He looked at her and then back at me.

I didn’t want to get him in trouble, so I said, “Oh, it’s ok. I can do it. Thanks for your help. You guys have a good night. I’ll just finish up here, make sure the lights are off, and head to bed.”

Vinny smiled at me again, saying, “Thanks, Catarina. Again, great dinner.” Then I watched him turn and follow Bianca upstairs.

Chapter 10

Bianca

It had been an exhausting day. I pulled into the driveway and shut the car off. I felt like I finally knew what all those moms meant when they would post about sitting in their driveway for a moment of peace before going into their house. I love my family, but I was sure the kids would be on ten waiting for dinner. If I knew my husband, Vinny was probably annoyed too, waiting to eat.

I walked in and heard laughter. Kicking my shoes off, I walked toward the kitchen and was taken aback. They were eating dinner… without me. Catarina was sitting across from Vinny, inmy chairwhile they were laughing and talking, and the kids were eating. What the hell? I had felt like I was interrupting a family dinner only the fucking family was mine.

I knew I sounded angrier with Catarina than I meant to, but I was hoping to celebrate my first official day working full time at the boutique, too. It was like everyone forgot that. My feelings were hurt, and I was pissed. Vinny should’ve known better.

When we finally ate dinner together, I felt like an outsider with my own family. I wondered if it was just my own insecurities, and it was only day one. I’d taken care of my family for so long. Now someone else was taking care of themforme.

Then, Catarina just decided to do everything and tell my kids what to do before I could even say goodnight. I told myself,this is what you wanted, Bianca. More help.

I was glad I could at least put them to bed. After, I kissed them, switched off each of their lights and headed downstairs, I was surprised once again. This time to see Vinny and Catarina at the kitchen sink together. She was washing the dishes and he was drying them. They were laughing and talking so naturally like they were the best of friends. For someone who didn’t want her here, he sure looked quite comfortable.

After I interrupted them, Vinny said, “Thanks, Catarina. Again, great dinner,” and followed me upstairs.

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