Page 90 of Storm in a D Cup

Story? But Angelica was a child. What was wrong with this guy? Renata had known and had tried to keep it from me, because she knew I had enough on my plate. She was trying to protect me, I know, but she shouldn’t have.

‘It’s over and you’re both OK,’ Joey whispered as she hugged Maddy who let herself be pampered. Joey, the one who never got herself into shit situations like this, was good for Maddy. Joey was a quality girl. And so was Renata. And I had doubted my best friend. I had thought she was cheating on her husband when she was only trying to protect my daughter. Was I a piece of work or what?

‘Are you mad, Mom?’

I looked up. ‘I’m so mad I’m going to spoil you rotten. Both of you.’

Angelica had worshipped Genie Stacie, and had tried to emulate her by having her own impossible crush, and had almost paid the price. Damn Genie Stacie. Damn Leonardo Cortini. I wished they would hook up and bugger off together forever.

Maddy laughed and cried at the same time, then smiled at Joey and patted the bed. ‘Get in,’ she said and Joey stared at her, wide-eyed.

‘Really?’

‘Of course. We’re family now, aren’t we?’

I got to my feet before they could see my tears and tried to remember if I had all the ingredients for a major chocolate cake. Who was I fooling? Of course I did.

I floated down the stairs and sank into a chair at the kitchen table. And then I dialed Julian’s number.

‘He’s in hospital,’ came Julian’s flat voice. ‘With a broken jaw.’

‘That’s too bad. You should have letmefinish him off. What did the police say?’

‘They actually saidthank you.’

‘I’m sure. That little shit’s been on the loose too long.’

‘Well, now that they have the evidence they can incriminate him. How’s Maddy?’

‘She and Joey are huddled under the covers together,’ I said.

‘You’re a great mother, Erica,’ he whispered, and I could actually feel him smile.

‘I know,’ I said with a sigh. ‘When are you coming home? I’m making a cake.’

‘I’m on my way.’

Next I called Renata.

‘Pronto?’

‘I’m a terrible mother and you’re the best friend a woman could have.’

‘What?’

‘Leonardo. He tried to seduce Angelica—’

‘Oh, mio Dio…’she moaned.

‘She’s OK. So is Maddy who was there.’

‘I didn’t think…’

‘No, you didn’t think. I had a right to know. You only wanted to spare me some grief, and for that I love you. But you can’t keep things from me. OK?’

‘OK…’

‘Good. Can you go down to theCarabinieriand make a statement?’