Trusting Hearts (The Heart Series) (6 page)

“You’re an idiot.” Rachel said as she rolled her eyes.

“There’s more. I think she’s the one following you and me. She’s trying to make sure we are no longer together. I think she’s trying to get info to blackmail me too. She wants money to keep quiet about the baby and she wants me.”

“Vin, really? This is crazy. I just keep getting hurt over and over again by this nightmare. If the boys find out about this baby, they will be devastated,” Rachel yelled.

“It’s not mine for the last time.”

“Then just ask for a DNA test. This girl is crazy and I’m about to call this bitch on the phone.” Rachel said grabbing her cell phone.

“No. let the police handle it. They will find out who it is.”

“We will see what happens. Right now, I have no idea what’s going on but believe me, Vin, I will find out.”

***

The next day, Rachel sat in her office contemplating whether or not she should call Clara. No girl in their right mind would admit something like that.

Vinnie, you’re going to be the death of me.

Rachel picked up the phone to call Clara.

“Hi, can I speak to Clara?” Rachel tried to sound professional.

“Speaking.”

“Hi, this is Mrs. Rossini, Vinnie’s wife,” Rachel said stressing the title. She wanted Clara to know she meant business.

“Don’t you mean soon-to-be Miss...?”

“Interesting… How would you know that? Listen, I’m going to cut to the chase. Are you pregnant with my husband’s child?”

Rachel knew that sounded fucking nuts.

“No, why would you think that?” Clara asked.

“That’s what he told me.”

“He told you that?”

“Yes. When was the last time you were with him sexually?”

“First of all, he lied. I am not pregnant with his child. I have not been with him since last year.” Clara confirmed.

“Clara don’t lie to me. I know about you and Vinnie.”

“I’ll admit. I had sex with him. I was in love with him, but he told me he was married and loved his wife. I cut it off. I did have sex with him a few months ago but I swear that I am not pregnant with his child.”

“I have two different fucking stories. One lies and the other one swears. I’m so happy for you two. You deserve each other. Have a nice life and stop fucking stalking me. If you want money, go to your babies’ daddy. You’re not getting any from me! I paid enough!” Rachel screamed and then slammed the phone down on the receiver.

Rachel’s head was throbbing. She went to see Brad to get some Advil because she knew he always had them. She told him the entire story. She felt less concerned about her safety and more pissed at Vinnie. She was very disappointed in him. She thought he was trying to change. There was always the possibility that Clara was lying. She would just have to confront Vinnie and be done with this whole situation.

“Brad, do you see the drama I have to deal with?”

“I know. It’s ridiculous. Just be done with him already. Colin is a very nice guy.”

“I know he is, but I need to take things very slow because my heart may belong to someone else.”

Chapter 11

The weekend flew by rather quickly. Rachel and Gia spent the entire day together on Friday. They went to the spa and then spent the rest of the time shopping at the mall. It felt good for Rachel to be able to relax and not worry about all the drama in her life. Of course, she filled Gia in on some of the happenings in her life; she was her sister after all. She did, however, leave out all the details about Carson. She wasn’t ready and it was now pointless anyway, since they were over. On Saturday, Colin had called to ask Rachel out on another date, but she kindly declined. She just wanted to stay in bed all day and watch movies. Vinnie had taken the boys to baseball practice and then they had a birthday party to attend on Vinnie’s side of the family. He was spending time with them since they were leaving for the shore the next day after the baby’s christening.

Rachel was avoiding Vinnie and refused to talk to him until she figured out what she wanted to say to him. She just wanted the day to herself to rest because tomorrow was going to be a long day.

***

The next morning, Rachel arrived at Gia and Brad’s house with Jason and Jeffrey in tow. Donato, Carlotta and Brad’s parents were already there. Rachel and Gia took the little bundle of joy up to his nursery. It is a tradition for the godmother to dress the baby on their christening day. Rachel started to get all teary-eyed as she dressed the baby.

“What’s wrong, Rach?” Gia asked.

“I was just thinking back to the day when the boys were baptized. It was such a nice day. That was back when me and Vinnie were so happy. I feel like my whole relationship was a lie.”

“I know. I remember that day. It’s going to be okay, though,” Gia said as hugged Rachel.

Rachel needed that hug. She just needed to know that someone was on her side.

“Once you’re divorced, you can move on from this.”

“This is the hardest thing I’ve had to do. On one hand, I love Vinnie very much and on the other, he’s a complete asshole who I don’t need in my life. I feel like I don’t even know him anymore.”

“Everything will work out,” Gia said comforting Rachel.

Rachel actually believed her because somehow it always did.

“I know,” Rachel said as she went back to dressing the baby, who was now smiling up at her with his perfect little face and Gia’s blue eyes.

Rachel and Gia went downstairs to meet up with the rest of the family to make their way to the church. When they arrived, the church was packed with all of Gia and Brad’s family and friends.

Rachel and Bradley Jr., accompanied by his parents headed to the front of the church to the first pew on the left. They joined Brad’s oh-so- single cousin, Harrison, who is the baby’s godfather. He was sitting on Brad’s right side and Rachel could feel him turn his head every few minutes to stare at her.

You’ve got to be kidding me. I’m old enough to be his mother.

Rachel’s parents were sitting behind them in church with Jay and Jeff. Carlotta leaned over and whispered in her ear, but her whispers are not whispers at all. In fact, they can probably hear her in the back of the church. She should have just got up on the microphone.

“Rach, there’s a nice good looking rich guy for you.”

“Mom, sit your ass back,” Rachel says agitated.

“Mom, for real,” Gia exclaimed.

“Don’t curse in church. Jesus doesn’t like nasty,” Carlotta continued.

“Jesus doesn’t like crazy matchmaking mothers. I’m sure Mary didn’t do that to him,” Rachel said through gritted teeth.

“One day you’ll thank me.”

“I’m sure,” Rachel and Gia said in unison as they rolled their eyes.

They weren’t mean to their mother. They loved her completely and would do anything in the world for her, but sometimes she just says the craziest things at the wrong time.

The priest began the ceremony which lasted forty-five minutes. It was so beautiful and touching. The baby didn’t cry at all. He looked so peaceful. Rachel felt maybe she needed to be baptized again and just start over. After the service, Rachel said hello to some family members and took some pictures on the altar with her family. She spotted Carson talking to a couple of people in the back of the church. His back was to her so he didn’t see her standing there. She was looking for her sons to tell them that she was ready to go to the lunch reception. All of a sudden, she felt a hand on her back. She turned around and it was Colin. He kissed her on the cheek.

“Hi Rachel, how are you? I’m sorry we didn’t get to see each other that much while I was in town. I’m leaving tomorrow to go back home,” Colin said with sadness in his voice.

“I really wish we could have. I’ve been going through so much,” Rachel explained.

“I understand. We can take it slow. We’re going to be spending a lot of time together with this project.”

They got into a conversation about the project. Rachel could feel Carson staring at her back. She didn’t even have to turn around to know. She just wanted to get out of there. Rachel excused herself from Colin because her sons were coming over to her.

“I’ve been looking all over for you.”

“We are driving with Grandmom and Pop,” Jason said.

“Okay. I’ll meet you at the club.”

Rachel exited the church through the side door and went to her car. She was finally able to breathe. She looked over at the steps and saw Carson standing there. He must have been looking for her. She acted like she didn’t see him and drove away. She just needed to get through the reception at the country club and she would be fine,
or so she thought
.

Chapter Twelve

When Rachel walked into the country club, she was the first one to arrive. She checked to ensure that everything was perfect then made her way to the bar.

“Can I get a mimosa?” Rachel asked the bartender. She figured she would keep it girly and light.

“Sure thing. Do you have ID?” he replied.

Rachel laughed out loud at the bartender.

“Hey, it’s my job.”

“I’ll take it as a compliment.”

As Rachel placed her glass on a nearby table, Gia and Brad arrived with the baby. Her parents and sons were right behind them. A few minutes later the rest of the guests started filing in to the reception hall and finding their assigned seats while others made their way to the bar.

Rachel spotted Maria coming toward her. She said hello and introduced her to her new boyfriend, Ricky. Rachel couldn’t believe that Maria left Carson for this new guy. Carson was way cuter. Rachel excused herself and looked around the room. There were so many guests, but there was only one person she was looking for. She caught Carson’s eyes. He flashed Rachel his smoldering smile. He winked at her from across the room. They made their way to each other. He kissed her on the cheek when they met in the middle.

“How are you?” Carson asked.

“I’m good and you?”

“I miss you like crazy. I wanted to call you but I know it’s for the best,” Carson said with hurt in his eyes.

“I miss you too, Carsy.”

“I saw you talking to the doctor in church, I’m assuming,” he said in a jealous tone. 

“I was. We went on one date Wednesday and that was it. He was saying how he wished we could see each other more.”

“Do you want to see him again?” Carson asked.

“Honestly, all I thought about was you.”

They talked as if they were the only two people in the room.

“It looks like he moved on because he is over in the corner talking to Sheila,” Carson pointed out.

“Well that didn’t take long. Men are dogs,” Rachel said rolling her eyes.

“Some of us, not all.”

“Sheila will eat him up and spit him out,” Rachel joked.

They both laughed.

“I want us to be together. Can I see you again and call you?”

“Yes. I think that would be nice. I will be free because the boys are leaving tonight to go to the shore with my mom for the summer, but I will be going down on the weekends to visit them. They will be working in a neighbor’s restaurant.”

“Wow that’s great. We can work around all of that. I want to be with you no matter what.”

“They really wanted to do this, and I thought it would be a great experience for them.”

“It sure would be. It’s good to start them working early on.”

“Yeah, so they could turn into a workaholic like their mother. Oh by the way, there’s a Vinnie scandal going on and since you’re my lawyer, you should know about it. Let’s talk tonight, come over around nine.”

“Are you sure?”
 

“Yes.”

“Come and say hi to my Mom,” Carson requested.

“Why? She hates me.”

“Are you nuts? She loves you. She says you’re the one that got away,” Carson smiled.

“That’s funny.”

Rachel always loved Carson’s mother. She treated her like family the entire time they were together. She kissed her hello.

“Hi Mrs. Licciano, how are you? It’s been a long time.”

“Rachel, how are you darling? You’re just as beautiful as you were in high school. Those sons of yours are going to be heartbreakers. Your Mom introduced me to them at the church.”

“Thank you so much. You’re too kind.”

Mrs. Licciano kept looking from Carson and then back at Rachel.

“Carson told me you went out on a date,” she stated.

“Did he now?” Rachel said smiling at Carson.

“Mom, you weren’t supposed to say anything,” Carson said annoyed.

“Please. She’s the one that got away. You better scoop her back up before you lose her again. Leave them young girls alone.”

Carson was completely embarrassed. Just as they were about to end their conversation, his dad, Joe, walked over.

“Hi, Mr. Licciano,” Rachel said as she kissed him on the cheek.

“Hey pretty lady… Call me Joe.”

Rachel laughed out loud. This was killing Carson.

“This guy over here better get it together,” Joe said patting Carson on the back.

“For real, Dad? I’m going to the bar. Do you want anything, Rach?” Carson said sounding embarrassed and aggravated.

“I’ll take another mimosa, thanks. I’m going to find the boys. I’ll be back,” Rachel said excusing herself.

She spotted the boys sitting at the table with her Dad. She went to see what they were up to.

“Hey what’s going on? Why aren’t you dancing?”

“They’re too cool,” Donato chimed in.

“Mom, Dad called. He wants to see us before we leave. He wants to come and pick us up and then drop us back off at Grandmom’s to leave by eight,” Jeff said relaying the message.

“No. First of all he’s not coming here. He just wants to be nosy. Secondly, he saw you yesterday and he knew you were going to your cousin’s christening. Do I go barging in on his family parties?” Rachel said disgusted.

“Hey, don’t shoot the messenger,” Jay said in a cocky tone, referring to his brother.

Donato wacked Jay in the back of the head, “Respect your mother.”

“Come on, Pop! My hair!”

Rachel was so happy to see that her Dad was a great role model for her sons.

“Uh, he’s calling me now,” Rachel said announcing to the table, throwing her hands in the air.

Rachel answered the phone even though she really wanted to throw it across the room.

“What do you want and my answer is no?” Rachel snapped into the phone.

“Do you know the question?” Vinnie asked.

“Yes, Jeff told me.”

“I want to see them.”

“You saw them yesterday and
I
don’t want to see you.”

“You’re avoiding me since I told you about the issue.”

“It’s your issue and don’t use my sons to get to me. I’m at my nephews christening and I don’t feel like being bothered. I’ll deal with you later when I’m ready,” Rachel screamed.

She hung up the phone as angry as can be.

“Don’t let him get to you. He knows he can,” Donato said, trying to comfort her.

“You’re right. I just want to have a normal life. Is that too much to ask?”

“You’ve been given that chance.” Donato winked and nodded his head forward.

Rachel looked at him like he was crazy. She turned around to see Carson coming toward them with her drink.

“We’re friends,” she whispered to her Dad.

“Yeah, okay. Come on guys. Let’s hit the green with Uncle Brad,” Donato said, leaving her and Carson to their privacy.

“Hey, I thought you forgot me,” Carson asked.

“I didn’t. Vinnie was starting shit and I had to deal with it.”

“It’s going be okay. Take it from your lawyer.”

“Now I feel reassured,” Rachel said sarcastically.

“Come on. Let’s dance. There’s a lot of people on the dance floor.”

“Maria’s out there with that guy.”

“And? You’re the only woman I see in this room.”

“Oh, Carsy.”

They joined their mothers, Gia and Rachel’s aunts, who by the way, are completely nuts on the dance floor. The DJ was playing music from back in the day. Rachel loved music from the seventies and eighties era. They were having a blast and then a slow song came on. It was Taylor Dayne’s
, I’ll Always Love You
, which was Rachel and Carson’s song when they were dating.

“May I have this dance, Sweetie?”

Rachel was totally speechless.

“Nothing or no one in this world is going to stop me from dancing with you right now,” Carson said.

“I can’t believe you remembered.”

“I’ll never forget.”

Carson wrapped his arms around Rachel’s waist. She put her hands around his neck and rested her head on his chest. Tears welled in her eyes. He always knew how to make her feel special. Their mothers were watching them from the side of the dance floor. Rachel felt like she was at her prom again… With chaperones.

Carson whispered in her ear. “I’ll always love you, Sweetie. I want to make love to you all night tonight. We can talk about Vinnie tomorrow. Tonight you’re mine.”

“Promise?”

“I wish I could kiss you right here, but that would be too much,” Carson said.

“I know. Thank You for this. It felt good to go back to a time where my life was perfect and I had no worries.”

When the song ended, they sat down to talk. Gia ran over to them and said she needed to talk to Rachel for a minute. She pulled her out onto the small outside balcony.

“Wow. What a nice view. What’s going on? I know it’s not to show me the view,” Rachel asked.

“What’s up with you and Carson?” Gia questioned Rachel.

“Nothing. Why?”

“It looked like something and you have been together the entire party.”

“We’re friends and he’s my lawyer.”

“Look, I’m behind you no matter what you do. I love you. I want you to be happy. Maria came up to me and made a comment,” Gia explained.

“What did she say?”

“She said ‘Oh, what’s he back with the love of his life.’ I said, “What’s that supposed to mean?” She said, ‘Nothing. I just wanted to let you know I was leaving.’ She hugged and kissed me goodbye and left.”

“She has room to talk. Flaunting her new boyfriend in his face. That little hoe,” Rachel said with anger in her voice.

“There’s something I want to tell you. It stays between me and you,” Gia said as she made Rachel pinky swear.

“I would never say anything. What’s going on?”

“I think Maria is having you followed.”

“What? There’s no way. Vinnie is saying he thinks its Clara. She’s trying to pin him as her baby’s father. She’s trying to get money and because I’m his wife she wants it from me. That’s his story. I called Clara, her’s was different.”

“Listen, I really think it’s Maria. Brad showed me the video and the girl looks like her. It’s hard to see but I’m ninety percent sure,” Gia confirmed.

“Why would she have me followed?”

“Rumors are flying about you and Carson. She wants the house and she’s pulling out all the stops to get it, plus she’s trying to see if it’s true. What people are saying and all that.”

“So, now I have two people it could be. Bitches are crazy. I don’t think I should get involved with Carson then.”

“Fuck her. You deserve to be happy and you both love each other. Everyone out there could see it and knows it. Mommy and Mrs. Licciano were crying.”

“This is insane. It’s really like a Jerry Springer episode.”

“At least you have action. It gets boring sitting in a mansion all day,” Gia complained.

“Poor little rich girl. You’re house is like a city. You don’t even need to leave it.”

“That’s true. I guess once I go back to work, I’ll feel differently. Look, go out there and don’t let anyone stop you. I’m here for you 100 percent. I love you, always. We’ll deal with this together. Nobody’s going to hurt my sister… The old head.”

“I can still kick your ass… Short stuff,” Rachel joked.

“Try it,” Gia dared.

They joked all the way back to the table inside. Rachel felt so happy to know people were there to support her.

The rest of the party was so much fun. Rachel and Carson drank and danced. She felt a little more relaxed with Carson after she had her conversation with Gia. She made her realize that she loved him and she shouldn’t care what other people thought. Carson had to take his parent’s home because his Mom didn’t drive and his Dad was drinking. They said their goodbyes and he said he would be over her house at nine that evening.

As Rachel was getting ready to leave, Colin came up to her.

“I guess I know why you couldn’t be with me.”

“It’s very complicated, but I’m still married regardless of the situation.”

“True,” Colin replied.

“Um, I saw you talking to Sheila most of the night.”

“Yeah, she’s a really nice person.”

“She grows on you. She’s Brad’s ex.”

“She mentioned that. She asked me out, too.”

“That’s Sheila.”

“I told her I couldn’t do that because she was Brad’s ex.”

“Oh, trust me; Brad would pay you to go out with her.” Rachel quipped.

“So I guess we’re just friends,” Colin asked with a sad look on his face.

“I guess so. I’m sorry. I need to figure out my life.”