Page 62 of Lost Prince
I swallow, remembering how Lana told me about his former womanizing ways.
“Still being a pig,” Lana retorts. “Besides, he’s not the same. As far as I can tell, Diana is the only woman he’s fucking. Matteo says he doesn’t even look at the women in the club.”
I shouldn’t be happy to hear that since there’s no future for me and Lazaro, but I do feel a thrill at knowing I’m the only one in Lazaro’s life right now.
He’s young. He’ll get over it,” Elio responds.
“Like you got over Piper?”
“I would have married Ava if Piper hadn’t returned. Jesus, Lana, how much did you bust my balls about family duty and this alliance with Vincenzo? Why does Lazaro get a pass?”
“Because it was your duty, Elio. Don’t you feel a little guilty about making him pay for your failure? Especially when he’s still not settled?”
You go, girl, I silently cheer Lana.
“He never said he wouldn’t do it. And we’ve got time. Once he meets Ava, he’ll come around.”
My heart stops. Lazaro never said he wouldn’t marry her? What had he said?
Realizing I’m at risk of being found eavesdropping, I hurry back to the kitchen, now more convinced that my time here is short. Even with Lana trying to put on the brakes with this arrangement, Lazaro must be considering it. And Elio is certain that Lazaro will choose her over me.
I'm just a nobody, a drifter who stumbled into this world of power and privilege. How could I ever think I belonged? Lazaro deserves someone from his own world, someone who can understand and support him in ways I never could.
I turn inward as I continue my duties. Prepping. Cleaning. I’m relieved when Anna tells me she has to go to the store to pick up some last-minute items. I need to be alone. I lose myself in the quiet of the kitchen, only the sound of the dishwasherhumming in the background as I knead dough for tonight’s dinner rolls.
I'm startled from my melancholy by Janey's frantic voice. "Diana. Hurry, we need a tray of tea and cookies.”
“Oh?” Immediately, I put on water for tea. “What’s going on?” Has Mr. Rinella stopped by again?
“Ava Rinella is here with Lazaro. They need to be served in the living room.”
I press my lips together as if that will stop the tears from forming in my eyes. “I’ll have it ready for you in a few minutes.”
“Can you take it? Mrs. D’Amato needs me in Elysse’s room.”
“It will be a minute. You can take it on your way.” There’s no way I can see Lazaro with Ava.
“I can’t. I’m supposed to be bringing up towels right now. Ms. D’Amato caught me on the way to get them to let me know Lazaro needed refreshments.”
So much for Lana protecting Lazaro from having to make this decision.
I prepare the tea and cookies, setting them on a tray. It takes me a few minutes to steel myself at what I’m about to do. Then I pick up the tray and make my way to the living room. As I approach the partly open sliding door to the room, I pause as voices drift out.
“Are you afraid of me?” Lazaro asks gently. I peek through the crack in the door to see him standing away from where Ava sits demurely on the couch.
“I don’t know you,” Ava answers diplomatically. I realize she’s as much of a playing piece to a game as Lazaro is. She has no choice either. Her father wants to pawn her off as a business deal. I feel bad for her even as I’m jealous.
“You know my reputation, though,” Lazaro says.
Ava nods.
Lazaro cocks his head as he studies her. “Is this what you want?”
Ava shrugs. “I want to make my father happy.”
“But what do you want?” Lazaro asks. My heart beat picks up. Maybe if she doesn’t want this, they can find a way out of it.
“I don’t want to go to New York. Your brother was kind to me. I can see you have a close family. I’d be safe in the D’Amato family.”