Blue Smoke

used to it. Maybe he’s a criminal. Or he enjoys bondage.”
    “Mama! Maybe he’s just a cute, slightly strange guy with a great butt and power tools. Mama, I’m a big girl. And I carry a gun.”
    “Don’t remind me.” Bianca waved it away. “What kind of name is Goodnight?”
    “It’s not Italian,” Reena murmured. She pulled up, then watched the door of the house next door open. “Well, it looks like you’re going to get the chance to judge for yourself.”
    “That’s him?”
    “Um-hmm.”
    “Good-looking,” Bianca commented, then stepped out of the car.
    He’d cleaned up, Reena noted. His hair was still a bit damp, and he’d put on a fresh shirt—ditched the tool belt.
    “Saw you hauling stuff in. Thought maybe you could use a hand. Can I get this out of the way?” he said to Bianca. “Wow, beautiful women run in the family. I’m Bo, from next door.”
    “Yes, my daughter told me about you.”

    “She thinks I’m crazy—because I gave her pretty good reason. I’m generally less bizarre.”
    “So, you’re harmless.”
    “God, I hope not.”
    It made her smile. “Bianca Hale, Catarina’s mother.”
    “It’s nice to meet you.”
    “You’ve lived here long?”
    “No, actually, only about five months.”
    “Five months. I don’t remember seeing you in Sirico’s.”
    “Sirico’s? Best pizza in Baltimore. I get delivery all the time. The spaghetti and meatballs is incredible.”
    “My parents own Sirico’s,” Reena said as she popped the trunk.
    “Get out. Seriously?”
    “Why don’t you come in,” Bianca said, “have a meal?”
    “I will. It’s just I’ve been working pretty much round the clock the past couple months, and—Here let me get those.” He nudged Reena aside to pull out boxes while he addressed her mother. “I haven’t been seeing anyone—dating—just recently. I don’t like eating alone in a restaurant.”
    “What’s wrong with you?” Bianca asked. “Young, good-looking. Why don’t you date?”
    “I do—I mean, did. Will. But I’ve had a lot of work, and I’m working on this place in my spare.”
    “Have you been married before?”
    “Mama.”
    “We’re having a conversation.”
    “It’s not a conversation. It’s an inquisition.”
    “I don’t mind. No, ma’am, no marriages, no engagements. I’ve been waiting for Reena.”
    “Stop it,” Reena ordered.
    “We’re having a conversation,” he reminded her. “Do you believe in love at first sight, Mrs. Hale?”
    “I’m Italian. Of course I do. And call me Bianca. Come in, meet the family.”

    “I’d love to.”
    “Slick,” Reena muttered as he stepped aside for Bianca to enter.
    “Desperate,” he corrected.
    “Just put that down there.”
    “I can take it where it goes.”
    “For now, it goes there.” She pointed to the base of the steps, closed the door.
    “Okay. I like your mother.”
    “Why shouldn’t you?” She took off her sunglasses, tapped them against her palm as she studied him. “You might as well come on back—and remember, you asked for it.”
    She walked back toward the kitchen, avoiding a couple of her nephews who raced in the opposite direction. In the kitchen, sauce was simmering on the stove, wine was being poured, and several arguments were taking place at once.
    “This is Bo,” Bianca announced, and silence fell. “He lives next door. He’s a carpenter and has a crush on Reena.”
    “Actually, I’m pretty sure she’s the love of my life.”
    “Will you stop.” But Reena laughed as she shook her head. “This is my father, Gib, my sister Fran, her husband, Jack, one of the kids running out of here was their son, Anthony. This is my sister Bella—the other one streaking by was her son Dom; her other kids, Vinny, Sophia and Louisa, are around somewhere. My brother Xander, and his wife, An; their baby is Dillon.”
    “It’s nice to meet you.” Fran offered him a smile. “Can I get you a glass of wine?”
    “Sure, thanks.”
    “Fran and Jack manage the restaurant for my parents. Bella’s husband couldn’t make it by today. Xander and An are doctors, and work at the neighborhood clinic.”
    “It’s nice to meet everyone.”
    She knew what he saw. The tall, handsome man at the stove giving him a careful measure. Lovely, pregnant Fran pouring wine, while redheaded Jack gave their redheaded daughter a piggyback ride. Bella leaning againstthe counter in her designer shoes and country club hair. Xander sipping wine and standing