Page 36 of Knocked Up by My Dad's Mafia Boss

I dress in a pair of slacks and a t-shirt, not expecting to need a suit today. I head downstairs and see Maria standing in the dining room, frowning. She breaks out into a smile when she sees me.

“Oh, good. I was thinking I’d have to throw this out.” The table is full of pancakes, sausage, biscuits, and cut fruit.

“You made enough for an army.”

“Elio likes his breakfast. I know he’s out of town, but it’s just habit. Is Miss Samantha eating with you?”

I stiffen. “I don’t think so. I think she has lunch plans.”

Maria hums. “I guess you’ll have to eat double, then.”

I laugh, relaxing my shoulders. I have to calm down. She wasn’t implying anything, just making conversation.

Maria smiles, ducking her head. “I’ll get out of your hair.”

“Sit. Eat with me.” I spread my hands. “I certainly can’t eat all of this.”

She flushes. “I shouldn’t. It’s not proper.”

I scoff. “You’re part of the family, Maria,” I say honestly.

She hasn’t been with us very long, just about five years. She’s around my age, and pretty with a round face and wide blue eyes.

She flushes deeper and sits down hesitantly, making herself a plate. I sit next to her and we chat while we eat.

She’s deep in a story about how her husband, Ralph, tried to dig them a pool at their old house and I’m laughing, nearly doubled over when Samantha walks in.

Samantha freezes when she sees us. She’s wearing a pair of denim cut-offs that show off her thick thighs, and a flowery blouse. She looks adorable. I finally sober and wipe at my eyes.

“Didn’t think you’d eat before lunch.”

“I’m not,” she says flatly, her dark eyes meeting mine. They’re flashing with something I can’t quite name. “Was looking for Ricardo.”

“Oh shit,” I say, pulling my phone out of my back pocket. “Forgot to text him. I’ll do it now.” I shoot a quick text to let Ricardo know he’s needed and Samantha huffs.

“I have to leave in an hour.”

“He’ll be here in fifteen,” I say, frowning at her sharp tone. Maria stands, an awkward expression on her face, and exits the room.

“What’s with the attitude?” I ask in a low voice as I stand up.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She turns on her heel and walks into the living room.

I follow her, still frowning. “Samantha.”

She whirls around to look at me. “What?”

“What is going on with you? Are you upset that your father’s coming back?”

Samantha wilts slightly, but her eyes are still flashing. “No.”

I walk closer to her, cupping her cheek. She leans into the touch. “Well, something’s going on. Tell me,tesoro.”

Her bottom lip pokes out and my heart clenches in my chest. “I guess… I guess I was jealous.”

I blink. “Jealous?”

She huffs again. “You and Maria.”