Page 100

“Care to comment on Marjorie Storm’s lawsuit? Is it because of your previous engagement with her or the surprise baby?”
I cursed and bit my cheek, keeping my expression blank. However, even without a reaction, the press continued taking photos.Lawsuit?
Rocco hadn’t mentioned it. I knew the trip to the Dolomites, the Italian Alps, had more to do with his studio than skiing, but hadn’t known he was short on investors.
“How did they know we’d be here?” I asked Rocco once inside.
He blew out his breath. “People tell them. You’ll get used to it. Don’t worry.”
My tension eased at his assuredness. I followed him as we took the stairs to the second floor, which was mostly empty. And at the top was the power couple, Nadia and Paul. They both dressed to the highest degree and were stunning. I mean, wow. She was beautiful in a male-styled suit, complete with a tie. And Paul wore something similar. His handsome face made it hardto look away from him, but then little Paul, Miles, came forward with an extended hand to me. He had a lovely head of thick black waves and bright blue eyes.He’s a little Paul in a suit.
“Hello, I’m Miles,” he said, holding out his hand to formally shake.
I smiled at his politeness and shook his hand. “Very nice to meet you, Miles. I’m Adelina.”
“Hey man,” Rocco greeted him, tossing his curls with his hand. “How about a flight?”
Miles snorted. “Flying is for babies. I’m a big boy.”
Rocco’s mouth dropped open. “Oh…okay.”
Miles’s pout turned into a fit of giggles. Nadia and Paul joined in.
“So you’ve picked up Paul’s humor, eh, Miles? Nadia, you, too?” Rocco said and tsked.
“Miles’s idea,” Nadia said, laughing.
“They were right. It’s funny,” Miles said in a squeaky voice and giggled. He turned his head, and his eyes widened. “Oncle Laurence,” Miles yelled cheerfully. He rushed over to an older man in a tailored suit who had to be Laurence. The man scooped him up, and Miles kissed both his cheeks.
I glanced around questioningly because what I’d known about Paul was that he only had one sister, Jane.
“Laurence is our personal manager, and he’s also family,” Nadia explained.
“That’s right,” Paul concurred. “He’s family. Laurence?” he called the man and he walked over, and I stood to shake his hand as they introduced us.
“Beautiful wife you have there. How did you get so lucky, Rocco?”
Rocco laughed and hugged him. “Yeah, I feel lucky every day.”
“Can we go now?” Miles announced. “I don’t want to be last.”
“Okay,” Paul told him.
“Allons-y,” Miles shouted in a high-pitched squeal, and I fought not to say “aww.” It was so cute.
Nadia took my hand and led me away. “How are you holding up? I know it’s hard with the press and public constantly following you with cameras and stories.”
I nodded. “It’s hard. They made up a baby. I tried to avoid looking online, but sometimes I want to defend myself, but I’m afraid.”
She nodded and sighed. “I know, but it’s better not to do it. I’ve found it only makes things worse. I’m also available whenever you want to vent. When I return to New York, I hope we can go out, and see more of each other? I can show you my favorite places.”
I beamed at her. “I’d love that.”
Her eyes shifted and she turned her head. “Hey, Miles. You’re not leaving yet. We get goodbyes first.”
Miles ran back, and we all left the booth so he could kiss all of our cheeks. He then went to Laurence and held his hands up.
Laurence picked him up and flew him around with Miles’s arms outstretched like a superhero.