Page 50 of Naughty and Nice
Joséfina laughed. “All ninos should be spoiled with love.”
“They should.” I tried not to think of my own parents.
“Congratulations,” Jasmine said as she came up to us, her baby bump protruding from her midsection. “Beautiful wedding.”
“Thank you.”
“Liliana, may I speak with you a moment?”
My gaze went to Nick and back to Jasmine. We were aware of one another, but I couldn’t recall a time Jasmine and I spoke privately. Nervously, I followed her out onto the terrace.
“Congratulations again,” she said once we were more secluded. Her hand went to her belly, the way many pregnant women’s did. “I wanted to personally invite you and Nick to our home for Christmas Eve. It’s a tradition with my family, the feast of seven fishes.”
“I’ve never heard of that.”
“It’s an Italian-American tradition.” She scoffed. “I’m not really Italian, but I was raised that way by Dario, and it doesn’t feel right not to carry on the tradition with all of our family.”
I pressed my lips together. “I’m sorry, Jasmine. I don’t think I’m ready to enter your home.”
“It was yours first.”
I shook my head. “It wasn’t a home then.”
Jasmine nodded and inhaled. “Before I moved to Sacramento with Reinaldo, there was a coordinated attack on Jano’s house and ours. It did a lot of damage. Rei had the house renovated. Maybe you can be there with Nick and make new memories. We really would like the two of you to attend.”
Swallowing my emotion, I nodded. “I’ll talk with Nick.”
Her smile bloomed. “Thank you. That’s the most I can hope for. I’m sure you remember, the house is huge. We really do have room for everyone.”
“Thank you, Jasmine.” I reached out and squeezed her hand. “If Nick isn’t needed here, I’ll do my best. And thank you for bringing Sofia.” I remembered my earlier thought. “Did my parents come down with you and Rei, too?”
“No.” She shook her head, a cloud passing over her blue eyes. “I didn’t know your parents came. Are they still here?”
“No, they had to leave.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t even think of asking them to travel with us. I know Rei has mentioned Socorro from time to time.”
Pressing my lips together, I shook my head. “Please don’t worry about it.”
Her eyes widened. “I could ask Rei to invite them to Christmas Eve.”
“Oh no. I wouldn’t want them to intrude.”
“It’s—”
“Please don’t,” I interrupted. “My father and Nick…” I lowered my voice. “Nick might actually kill him next time, and I think that’s the wrong way to spend Christmas Eve or your fish feast.”
“Feast of seven fishes,” she corrected with a giggle. “You’re serious about Nick?”
“Very.”
“Okay, noted,” Jasmine said. “We will not invite your parents.”
“Your invitation is sounding better all the time.”
Mia came up to us holding a champagne flute. “Jasmine, I’d offer you a glass, but you and I are in the same boat.”
“Damn Roríguez men,” Jasmine said with a smile.
