Read Online A Family Affair: The Wish: Truth in Lies, Book 9 by Mary Campisi - Free Book Online Page A

her mother nose around that far from home where she might find out about Robert. It was too soon; Natalie needed an engagement ring on her finger before she brought him home.
    Lydia Servetti tsk - tsked . “Of course this place doesn’t have a dance instructor, unless you count Pop Benito’s waltz lessons at wedding receptions.” She made a face. “And I do not. Just because people call him the Godfather of Magdalena does not mean he can do a jig whenever and wherever he wants. It’s not right and it’s not normal. The man needs to act his age.” Her lips pulled into a tight line. “I called and inquired about dance lessons for you from a place that’s opening up in Renova next month. While I was on the line, I asked about the instructor. Your father found the man’s information on the Internet; you know that darn computer is his new best friend. He likes it more than he likes me.”
    The kids had chipped in and bought their father a computer for Christmas. Her brother Gino had set it up and taught their father computer basics. Now Ernest spent hours online, mostly researching his ancestry and trying to connect with possible relatives. Their mother called it a waste of time and more energy than he had left in his skinny body—which only made the man hibernate more. “Maybe you should think about learning a few computer basics,” Natalie said. “I could teach you.”
    “Heavens, no. I’ve got better things to do than sit around and ruin my eyesight.” She turned back to her list. “There’s a dance instructor from a place called Swirl and Twirl Dance Studio. He’s a possibility.”
    Or not. “I don’t think so.”
    “Most of the other men you know, or you know the families.”
    Curiosity got her. “Who’s the policeman?” Lydia Servetti was a horrible liar. She coughed into her hand, shrugged, and became entranced with a splotch of marinara on the side of her plate. “Mom? Who’s the policeman?”
    “A good catch, that’s who.”
    There was only one “good catch” in the police department and he’d already been caught—by her cousin, Gina. “You aren’t talking about Ben Reed, are you?”
    Another cough and then a mumbled, “Maybe.”
    “Mom! He’s married to Gina.”
    “So?” Her dark eyes flashed, her mouth pinched. “I am well aware of that. They have a baby, too, and another on the way. Don’t think my sister doesn’t take every opportunity to tell me about it. ‘Alexander is the most handsome baby there ever was.’ On and on she goes, yakking in my ear until I have to tell her someone’s at the door and I have to go. I don’t know what I ever did to not be blessed with a grandchild, but you and your brothers don’t seem to care that your father and I aren’t getting any younger and sooner rather than later, we’ll breathe our last breath.” Sniff, sniff, and a tear. “Your brothers never did listen to me, but you won’t disappoint me, will you? You’ll find a husband and have a baby so I don’t have to hear your aunt blab about precious and handsome anymore. Just wait until she sees your baby.” She sighed, leaned back in her chair, and rested her hands on her round belly. “Model beautiful, just like her mother, that’s what she’ll be. If it’s a boy, he’ll be so handsome, people will stop to stare at him.” She slid a glance at Natalie, said, “Of course, they’ll be staring at you, too, because they always have.”
    And they were right back to looks and competing with Aunt Marie, her mother’s younger sister. The two sisters had married the Servetti brothers and had been in competition ever since. Ernest and Lydia had been ahead of Carmen and Marie in number of children and, of course, the widespread knowledge that Natalie was more beautiful and desirable than their only daughter, Gina. Uncle Carmen and Aunt Marie battled that last comment by trying to make Gina more like Natalie but that was never going to happen, and somewhere along the way, Gina had