It Takes Two (Italian Summer Book 1) Read Free

day to unload it all.”
    So that was why the place looked so full. Rona examined one of the boxes. It was one of the cribs.
    “I thought you said you’d ordered forty cribs? Where are the others? They can’t have all fit here and in Connor’s garage.”
    “They didn’t. Kim is storing some in her apartment.”
    Miss Goody Two Shoes. “Is she?” Now Rona understood. Naturally, the woman had plenty of time on her hands and no wonder she worked more hours.
    “I wasn’t prepared for the Italian products to be so successful so quickly.”
    “How come you asked Kim to come in on the weekend?” Instead of me?
    “I didn’t ask her. She volunteered. She’s been doing full days during the week.”
    “Oh.” Deflated, Rona reconsidered her options. “I could work an extra hour or so if you need me to.”
    “I think we’re okay,” said Ava slowly. “How’s mom doing? Is she still feeling tired?”
    “Yes,” replied Rona. “I don’t want to pressure her into having Tori if she’s not up to it yet.” Though she’d need her mom in a few nights time.
    “I still think there’s a lot of emotional stuff going on with her. Especially with regards to Edmondo. She was becoming quite fond of him. I think his death has hit her as hard as dad’s did.”
    “No way,” said Rona hotly.
    “Rona, think about it. What would you do if you lost Carlos? Mom lost dad when we weren’t even ten years old. Your world would break apart. Mom’s already been through that once.”
    “She was not becoming fond of him, not in that way,” insisted Rona.
    “What makes you think so?”
    “She’s past it.”
    “Past what?”
    “Feeling that way about someone.”
    “Says who?” asked Ava.
    Rona stifled a laugh. “Are you serious?”
    “I don’t think love has an age limit.”
    “That’s because you’ve just fallen in love all over again. Everything looks fresh and lovely to you.”
    “Fresh and lovely?”
    “You think anyone can fall in love at any time and it will last forever,” Rona explained.
    “I do and I sincerely hope so.”
    “I can’t see it. Not for mom.”
    “She still has a heart, and emotions, feelings, and desires.”
    “Ewwww. Don’t.”
    “Your way of thinking is so stunted.”
    “I’m sorry if I can’t see or feel their lurve .”
    “You weren’t here to see it,” said Ava. “ I did, she looked happier than I’ve seen in a long time. They had a connection, and it was beautiful. It was beautiful that she had another chance to find happiness after all these years.”
    Rona huffed. “But they’re both so old!”
    She heard Ava groan. “Age has nothing to do with it,”
    “How would they even—?” Rona began to think, but couldn’t take the thought any further.
    “They connected and you had to be blind, or insensitive not to see it. I feel terrible that it was taken away from her. Don’t you see?”
    “Don’t I see what?”
    “That Mom had a second chance. They say lightning doesn’t strike in the same place twice but it did for mom.”
    Rona refused to see it. Edmondo had been a friend, nothing more. “It’s hit her hard because she’s older now.”
    “It’s hit her hard because she had genuine feelings for Edmondo and he did too.”
    Rona said nothing.
    “Whatever you want to believe, I think she’s in deep grief and we need to keep an eye on her.”
    “How are you doing anyway?” she asked Ava, wanting to change the subject.
    “I’m okay.”
    “And the wedding?”
    “I think it’s coming along. Nico’s in charge of the legalities. He says there’s a lot of paperwork because I’m American and I’m going to be so obviously pregnant. He’s adamant he wants to get married in the church his parents got married in.”
    “That’ll teach you for marrying such a romantic.”
    “It’s the least of my worries,” said Ava. “Do you think mom will be okay to have Tori next week? I’d really like you to get all caught up. Maybe if you could do extra hours? I’m