Cocking her head, Hildie stared as if she could see directly into my soul.
It dawned on me a few seconds too late that Evelyn had probably given Hildie an earful about the security footage. I looked away so fast, I nearly sprained my eyeballs.
“Do you mind if I give you some personal advice?” Her voice softened.
“Sure.” I braced myself for words of wisdom like, keep your clothes on while swimming or lock the bedroom door.
“If you love Enzo, don’t let anyone or anything get in the way.”
Stunned, I met her gaze.
She smiled. “You do, don’t you? Love him?”
The air left my lungs in a gush and my throat tightened to the point I doubted I could speak. Instead, I nodded and hung my head.
“He’s as stubborn as they come, but I believe he’s falling for you, too.” She waited until I met her gaze before continuing. “Evelyn may never approve, but this isn’t about her. It’s between you and Enzo. You make sure it stays that way.”
“I’ll try, but it feels like rolling a boulder up a greased hill.” Once again, I had the feeling she knew something I didn’t. Before I could ask, a buzzing sound filled the room.
Hildie frowned at the clock on the wall and pushed the footstool of the recliner down. “Who in the world is ringing the doorbell this time of night?”
I shot to my feet. “You’re not feeling well. I’ll get it.”
She gave me a patient smile on her way out of the room. “Sweet girl, at my age a little worry and a broken heart aren’t reasons to slack off my duties. Their reminders I’m still alive.”
Broken heart?Was she that upset about my relationship? I had questions and more were forming by the second. I followed her down the hall. “Don’t worry about me and Enzo. We’ll figure it out, but if you know something I don’t…”
“He hasn’t told you?” She spared me a quick glance.
“I know about the security footage.” I hustled to keep up despite the fact we were about the same height.
“No, not that.” Lowering her voice, she stopped in the foyer. “About Nicolina Lazio.”
I knew she wanted my man, and I knew Evelyn would love to see the two of them together, but otherwise, I had no freaking clue. “What about her?”
The bell rang again.
“I’ve said more than I should have already. Sit him down and ask him.” Hildie opened the door.
None other than the woman of conversation herself stood on the front porch.
Nicolina-freaking Lazio.