name would attract paying customers. He’d stopped a shooting at a charity event, and was still New York’s hero.
“So soon. Wow. How is it living in Paul’s house?”
“Wonderful. The space is more…intimate, smaller. But it’s got a great layout and is beautifully furnished.”
“It probably doesn’t matter where you are, now.”
“I guess. But the best thing is Finn’s only fifteen minutes away and we’re closer, proximity-wise, to Paul’s family. They’re a rowdy bunch, but I’m loving the difference in them from my own family.”
“Yeah, when the Casella cousins were together, we got us some rowdy on, too.”
“I remember. I miss that.”
Julianne walked into the kitchen. “Hi, Hayley, Seth.”
Hayley got up and hugged her. “I’m sorry I was so frantic at the hospital I barely talked to you.”
“There was a lot going on.”
“How was your afternoon?” Seth asked when Hayley sat back down.
“Fine. It was nice seeing you, Hayley.” Julianne hurried upstairs.
“She’s skittish around you,” Hayley told him.
“Yeah, she has reason.” He glanced away. “Which I can never overcome, I guess.”
“I thought that about Paul, too. And look at us today.”
“I’m glad for you. But happily-ever-after with Julianne Ford is not in the cards for me.”
Chapter 4
* * *
Julianne sighed.
At the stove, stirring the gravy, Carmella caught it. “What’s wrong, dear?”
“I hate imposing on you.” She leaned against the table. “Your family dinner is today.”
“Which will include you again.”
She sighed again. “Carmella, I’m not going to be family.”
“In your mind maybe. To me, you’ll always be a daughter. Now, are the police in your house yet? I haven’t seen their cars.”
“Yes, the crime scene cleaners are there this weekend. I think I’ll be able to get in my house tomorrow.”
Carmella checked the pot roasts simmering on burners, set her oven mitts aside and crossed to the kitchen table. “Sit with me.” When they were settled, she asked, “It’s Seth, isn’t it?”
“Of course. What were the chances that we’d be stuck here together? And I don’t mean any offense to you.”
“I understand. I wonder if you do?”
“What are you saying?”
“You still have feelings for Seth.”
“I never denied that. How could I not still care about a man who’s been such a part of my entire life?”
Carmella took Julianne’s hand. “For some reason, no one knows exactly why you broke up all those times. Or a year ago, apparently for good.” Her dark eyes dulled. “But I’d guess my son did something to cause the split.”
Julianne’s pulse sped up. “Why do you think that?”
“Because you made the decision to call it quits every single time. I don’t want you to break confidences, but let me tell you one thing. Relationships are hard, and people fight. Lord knows Tomaso and I did. There were some big issues, too, and we came close to separating. But I’m happy I stayed with him through it all.”
“Hey, Mama,” they heard from the mud room. “We’re here. I put dessert in the fridge in the garage.”
The twins, raced inside and hugged her. Their smiles came easily. But then a scowling young man came in. Julianne’s mouth dropped. “Petey?”
“Pete, please. Hey, Jules.” What Seth called her.
“You’ve gotten so big. You’re a young man.”
“That he is.” Alessia went to ruffle his hair, but he moved back. She rolled her eyes, but Julianne knew her well and she could see the hurt there, too.
Julianne stood and hugged Alessia warmly, missing the friendship they’d had. “Hey, Ali.”
Ali hugged her back. Maybe she missed Julianne too.
Pete turned to his mother. “Can I go play Mutant Forces on grandma’s TV in the bedroom?”
“Ask her.”
“Yes, honey, you can. I’ll come with you to make sure you can set it up.”
A flash of annoyance flitted on Pete’s face. But to his credit, he turned and walked out with his grandma.
Ali got a cup of coffee and sat down. “I’m so sorry about the break-in. You must have been scared, probably still are.”
“Yeah, I was. I’m calmed down now and am going home.”
Her old friend frowned. “I noticed the tape’s still up.”
“The crime scene cleaners are there.”
“All the guys are going to Billy’s parents’ house.” Ali had lost her high school sweetheart and husband at an early age. “I’m sure they would keep them for a few days. I could come stay with you for a bit.”
Julianne felt her face turn soft. “That is so sweet of you to offer. I wouldn’t ask you to give up all that time, but maybe we can start seeing each other more.”
“I’d like that. Let’s make plans.”
“Tell me about you. Have