Page 50

I turn into Ollie’s arms, and his face is closer than I expected.

“I have to get her out of here before Chase realizes she’s here. I don’t want her to ruin their day.”

Ollie frowns. “Do you think she’s here to do that?”

I nod. “You don’t know her. She will ruin this day if we let her. Do me a favor. Can you discreetly tell Cam? I’m going to take her out of the room.”

I let go of Oliver and move in quick steps, intersecting my mother before the attendant shows her to a table. “Marilyn, can I see you for a second?”

She blinks at me. “Luciana, I just got here. I have not spoken to your brother yet.”

“It won’t take long.”

“Bella.” Mateo smiles.

I hook one hand on my mother’s elbow and the other on Mateo’s and pull them both with me. We walk to the far end of the lobby.

“Where’s Eddha?” I ask.

“I didn’t need her today.”

“What do you mean you didn’t need her? You don’t go anywhere without her. You’re supposed to be in the Hamptons.”

“I know, but I couldn’t miss my son’s wedding. Mateo was kind enough to do what you and Cameron should have done. He picked me up and brought me.”

She couldn’t miss the wedding, but we’ve been at the reception for two hours.

“Marilyn, you’re not supposed to be here,” I say, holding back the urge to scream.” Neither you nor Mateo were invited.”

“Don’t be rude, Luciana. Mateo is a perfect gentleman. He’s here because he cares for you enough to be with you on your brother’s wedding day so you’re not alone.”

“I was never alone. The room is full of people in there, and soon-to-be dad of the year is not welcome. Anyway, the two of you have to go before Chase realizes you’re here.”

“What are you talking about? I’m his mother. Where else would I be on Chase’s wedding day?”

Jesus, can she stop saying wedding day like she has a right to be here?

“Please, go home. Lauren and Chase have been through too much. It’s their day. For once in your life, think of your son.”

“Luxxy, that’s a horrible thing to say. She’s your mother. I’m sure Chase would be happy to see her. Weddings are best when the whole family is together.” Mateo is frowning at me.

His words are horrifying. Marilyn in that ballroom with all of us? He’s never understood the dynamic between Marilyn and me. He’s always tried to get in good with her, and together, they’ve ganged up on me. Not anymore.

“All she does is cause strife. Chase won’t appreciate it. No one here would.”

“His wife will. A good partner knows the importance of getting along with the family. Also, it would look bad for Ms. Marilyn to be the only person missing today, especially since your dad can’t be here.”

Is the universe punking me right now? I guess he never was listening to me when I explained that both my parents were personas non-grata for my brothers and me.

Marilyn sighs. “Mateo, don’t waste your breath. I’m going inside. I don’t need an invitation to be at my son’s wedding, even if he’s not marrying the kind of woman I would have chosen for him. He and Cam never listen to me. I’m happy you are here, because Luciana still has time to make a good choice.”

What the fuck?

The way she’s looking at Mateo is downright cringe. This woman cannot think I am going to marry this fucking player. She must have forgotten about the times he’s shown up on Page Six because he was creeping on me when we were together.

Why shouldn’t she forget, Luciana? You did. You kept taking this douchebag in and ended up back in the sheets too many times.

“Let me escort you both back inside,” Mateo offers.