Chapter 2

I went home that night without speaking to Renzo.

Sienna was on the couch with Mom, showing her something on her phone. They stopped talking when I walked in.

“Nice uniform,” I said. “Didn't know you were working at the hotel.”

Sienna smiled nervously.

“They were short-staffed, so I offered to help.”

“Since when do you help out?”

“Blair!” Mom snapped. “Your sister's trying to do something useful. Can't you be supportive for once?”

I shrugged and went upstairs.

Behind me, Sienna sighed.

“I don't know why she hates me so much.”

Poor thing.

I was removing my makeup when Renzo texted.

Where were you tonight? I waited for you.

Something came up.

He called immediately.

“Blair, what's going on?”

“Anything interesting happen at the gala?”

He chuckled.

“Some waitress spilled wine all over me. Sweet girl, though. Insisted on paying for my suit.”

“Her name's Sienna.”

“How do you know?”

“She's my sister.”

A pause.

“Seriously? Small world.”

“Apparently.”

“Look, she seemed nice. Don't tell me you're upset about a little accident.”

I stared at my reflection.

He'd met her once and was already defending her.

“I'm not upset. Are we still having dinner tomorrow?”

“Of course, beautiful.”

The next evening, Renzo sent his driver to pick me up.

He'd reserved a private room at my favorite Italian restaurant. My usual pasta was waiting, along with the wine I liked.

He even remembered that I hated mushrooms.

For twenty minutes, everything felt normal.

He asked about my writing, complained about his father's latest demands, and promised we'd spend the weekend together.

Then the door opened.

“I'm so sorry to interrupt.”

Sienna stood there holding a garment bag.

Of course she did.

“Mr. Vieri, I brought your jacket back. I had it professionally cleaned.”

Renzo looked surprised.

“How'd you know I was here?”

“Your assistant mentioned it when I called about the bill.”

She handed him an envelope.

“And here's my first payment. I'll send more every month.”

Renzo opened it.

A hundred dollars.

He laughed.

“You're really serious about this?”

“I made a mistake. I should pay for it.”

“Keep your money, sweetheart.”

Sienna shook her head.

“I don't want charity.”

Renzo studied her for a moment.

“Then how about a job? I could arrange an interview.”

“I don't want special treatment.”

“You won't get any. You'll have to earn it.”

After some hesitation, she accepted his business card.

I watched the entire conversation while my dinner went cold.

When she finally left, I put down my fork.

“You know she's not actually poor, right?”

Renzo frowned.

“What?”

“Our parents own the hotel. She drives a Porsche and has never needed to work.”

“Maybe she's trying to become independent.”

I laughed.

“Renzo, she only started working yesterday.”

“Everyone starts somewhere, Blair.”

I looked at him.

He sighed.

“I know your family has treated you badly, but that doesn't mean everything your sister does is some kind of scheme.”

That stung.

He knew exactly how much they'd hurt me.

And now he was taking her side.

I picked up my wine.

“Fine. Forget I said anything.”

Renzo relaxed and reached for my hand.

“That's my girl.”

I smiled.

If he wanted to spend his time playing hero for Sienna, I wasn't going to stop him.

But he was going to have to make up for neglecting me.

And Renzo Vieri had always been very generous when he felt guilty.