She props a hand on her hip and counts off her fingers. “Former Marine, assistant coach, so dedicated he probably does pushups every morning just for kicks. For him to humiliate himself over you like that? That’s not just the champagne. That’s something else entirely.”
I want to believe her. But hope is a fragile thing, and Brendan Marco is not someone to take a chance on.
I toss the rag in the sink, then rinse my hands. “Even if it were, Brendan and I could never work. I’m a Rossi. He’s a Marco. Ourfamily business is currently on the brink of losing our space. He’s the rising-star coach of the Carolina Crushers. He couldn’t understand what that’s like.”
Her brows lift. “But you guys kissed once!”
Yeah,once. Right before he disappeared. “We were young.” I turn back to the counter, studying the envelope from my landlord. “But you’re right, I need that vendor contract too much to let ancient history get in the way.”
“Well, money isn’t everything.”
I hold up the letter. “Tell that to my landlord.”
The bell above the door chimes, and Gabriella turns around as Isabella Marco enters. “Well, speak of the devil’s mother,” she mutters under her breath.
I glance up asBrendan’s mom sweeps into the cafe, dark curls bouncing, her brightly colored floral dress turning heads as she moves through the room greeting everyone by name. Her Puerto Rican heritage is striking with her dark eyes, high cheekbones, and sun-kissed skin. It’s obvious where Brendan got his looks.
She saves her biggest smile for me. She and my mom have always had a special connection, and somehow Isabella has made me feel part of it too.
Gabriella leans closer and lowers her voice. “Do you want me to take her order?”
“I can handle it.” I put on a warm smile as she approaches. “Mrs. Marco, what can I get you?”
“I’ll take my usual. And please, Scarlett, call me Isabella. We’re practically family.” She beams at me, and something ripples in my stomach. She’s never told me to call her Isabella before, even as my mom’s friend. I know my mother was a big help to her after Brendan’s dad died. That kind of thing bonds people for life.
“Sure…Isabella,” I say, turning to get her coffee. Black with no cream, just like Brendan orders. She keeps her gaze on me, like she’s waiting for me to say something. “How is your day going?”
“Oh, just fantastic!” she bursts out. “Especially now that Brendan finally told us thewonderful news.”
My hand freezes on the coffee cup. “Oh? What news?”
He probably got another promotion. Or maybe a new girlfriend. That would absolutely make his mother’s day.
“He said you were coming!” Then she leans across the counter, like this secret is just between us. “We aresothrilled.”
I blink at the steaming liquid in my hand. What did I agree to?When?I know I’ve been tired lately, but notagree-to-major-life-eventstired.
The cup suddenly feels unsteady in my hand. “I’m sorry. Coming to what, exactly?”
“The wedding, of course! Brendan told us you agreed.”
I stare at her in disbelief. Apparently, I have RSVP’d to a wedding. A wedding I didn’t even know about until a few seconds ago.
I close my eyes and shake my head. “Um…whosewedding?”
Her eyes widen. “ My daughter, Carmen!”
I most definitely didn’t receive an invitation to a Marco family wedding.
Isabella bobs her head, like it makes perfect sense. “Carmen was so worried her brother would be the only one without a date. Thank you, Scarlett, for doing us this favor.”
Wait,what?
I blink rapidly. “Favor?”
“For my son,” she answers. “He told us you’re his plus-one.”
My stomach drops.