Page 74 of Say I Do

I twisted in the seat and stared at Benito. My husband looked entirely too relaxed while I was sweating bullets. We were only outside of Marianna’s house because I’d asked to go before we went out on our shopping trip.Date?I shook my head. Whatever it was...

“I’m trying, Benito.”

He nodded as he reached over the seat and cupped my face. “I see that.”

My stomach twisted as warmth built in the middle of my chest before traveling throughout and wrapping me up in a warm blanket. I closed my eyes as I gave in to the unfamiliar feeling. It felt good.

Nothing good lasts forever.Ice-cold panic clawed its way through the momentary feeling of peace. I pulled back and looked anywhere but at Benito.

“I can do this alone.”

Benito looked ready to argue with me. “At least take Tony.” He lifted a hand before I could argue. “Marianna knows him. She might not answer the door if it’s just you.”

I blew out a breath and looked at the front seat. Tony was our driver for the day.

“Fine.”

I got out of the car, and Tony popped the trunk. I pulled out the huge basket I’d made. It wasn’t neat or anything, but I’d stuffed everything I could in it. There was even a wad of cash to add to Benito increasing her pay. I’d picked up everything Benito said she liked, from spa day stuff to a brand-new pair of Louis Vuitton shoes. I’d even gotten some stuff for her kids.

“Need me to carry that?” Tony asked.

I shook my head, practically waddling over to the front door of the mint-colored house. The garden out front was well-kept. A soccer ball and a few bikes were tossed haphazardly on one side. It was a normal white picket fence house.

I stuck out like a sore thumb. Nothing about my life would have landed me in such a place. I wasn’t meant to interact with people like Marianna.

My palms were clammy with sweat as I placed the basket down. I wiped my hands on my slacks.

I can do this. Easy. Ring the doorbell, smile, and… Fuck what do I do after that?

Tony reached past me as I freaked out and rang the doorbell.

“What did you do that for?” I hissed.

He smiled at me. “Payback.”

Fucking asshole. I would make him regret that shit.

“Turn around. Someone is opening the door.”

Fuck, fuck, fuck. I whipped around and plastered a smile on my face.

“Si?” A huge man came to the door. He was easily close to 6’ 6”, towering over my 6-foot height.

“Harlow,” Tony whispered.

Right, I think I’m supposed to talk.“Is Marianna home?”

“Yes. Who are you?”

I fidgeted on the spot. I was never nervous, but I never did this either. “I’m Harlow… Vitale. Marianna works for my husband.”

The man’s eyes widened. “Oh yes, hold on.” He backed up and shouted in Spanish.

I didn’t catch what he said as I tried not to freak out too much. I gestured to the basket. “Um, this is for your wife and you and your children. There is something there for everyone.”

He bent over and picked up the huge basket with ease.

“Why are you yelling?” Marianna asked. She stopped short as her eyes landed on me. “What are you doing here?” she asked.

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