by Shanna Bell
Mary got up, shaking a little. “You know where Britney and I met. Zoe has an uncle who likes to drink.” She didn’t need say more.
Jazzy’s eyes almost turned feral. “That uncle will get Zoe over my dead body.”
She loved her cousin, who was like a sister. No, she was better than her own sister. Because, as usual, when she needed Gina the most, she was nowhere to be found.
Zoe emerged from her room, dressed in jeans and a pink sweater, holding Spidey in her arms. Unlike her own sister, Mary wasn’t going to abandon Zoe to her fate.
She took Zoe’s hand and they went outside, following Mrs. Wilson.
***
The last few hours had been the worst hours of her life. Zoe had cried, then screamed, and eventually begged Mary to not leave her behind. She hadn’t asked about Britney once, which worried Mary for an entirely different reason than one might think. It was the frown on Mrs. Wilson’s face when she asked Zoe about her sister, and Zoe still kept sobbing for Mary. It was the way Mrs. Wilson’s pencil had started scribbling in her dreaded notebook, as if she was putting another stripe on it, and it wasn’t one in favor of Mary.
Mary was absolutely heartbroken when she returned to her apartment.
She was met by Jazzy and Tommie, still sitting in her living room.
“How did it go?” Jazzy asked.
Mary dropped onto the couch, feeling like crying herself. She kept seeing Zoe’s crushed face. The girl didn’t understand what had just happened. One minute, they were having breakfast, and the next, she was left behind with strangers. She just didn’t understand, because she always went back home with Mary. Which wasn’t healthy, perhaps, but it was better than being in a group home. Perhaps it had been wrong to let Zoe get so dependent on her, but she loved that kid. She wasn’t giving her up without a fight.
“I need help, Jaz. You should have seen Zoe’s face. The hurt, the disappointment. She doesn’t understand. A six-year-old doesn’t care about laws and blood relatives. We were going to…” She hiccupped. “Tonight is cupcake night.”
Jazzy handed her a tissue.
“I spoke to a lawyer and we have an appointment in an hour. Let’s go.”
“Wait. What? When did you have time to speak to a lawyer?”
Jazzy gave her a look. “Um, you’re forgetting that my brother-in-law is one. Jackson’s area isn’t family law, but I’m sure he can help us out.”
“We will figure this out, Mary,” Tommie assured her. “That little girl still owes me a batch of cookies for losing at Mario Kart.”
If it had been his attention to make her smile, it worked. Those two were always holding some kind of video game tournament. Which was just another reminder of how much Zoe enriched her life.
“We’ll get you the best lawyer in town,” Jazzy promised.
“I don’t think I can afford the best of anything,” Mary admitted. “How about a ‘good enough’ lawyer?”
“Could you please, for once, leave your pride at the door?” Jazzy sounded exasperated. “You didn’t accept anything from me after Grandfather died and the mansion was sold, and I respected that choice. I even pretend to be okay with you living in the bad part of town. But this is a little kid we’re talking about. Please, let me help you. Isn’t this what family is for?”
Mary didn’t have much to bring against that logic, or anything at all, really, so she gave in.
They went over to Detta Tower to meet with Jazzy’s brother-in-law. Like all the Detta brothers, Jackson sported jet black hair and piercing blue eyes. Mary knew him to be the most analytical-minded brother, a trait she could really use right now.
Jackson ushered them into his office where he stood against the San Francisco skyline that was filled with sky scrapers, dominated by the Transamerica Pyramid building.
He got straight to business, as he was prone to do.
“Ladies, Tommie.” Then he looked straight at her. “I’ve been on the phone with a friend of mine. He’s one of the top family law lawyers of San Fran. Since he won’t be back in town for the next few days, I took the liberty of hiring him for you. I already received a message that he has petitioned for temporary custody. There will be an emergency hearing within a week.”
Mary groaned. “A whole week?”
“Within a week. In judicial time, that usually means about five work days.” His eyes zoomed in on her. “How old are you, Mary?”
“Twenty-one. I know that’s young, but I’ve been taking care of Zoe since she was three. Britney and I met at the shelter three years ago.”
Jackson didn’t make any notes. She remembered he had an eidetic memory. “What about Zoe’s father?”
“There’s no name on the birth certificate. Britney told me once that her mother didn’t have a clue who the guy was.”
“I’m going to be honest here. You’re in your early twenties, single, live in a rundown apartment, and make just enough to make ends meet. This is going to be tough.”
“Money won’t be an issue. You know that, Jax,” Jazzy said, before Mary could gather her thoughts.
Jackson smirked. “Yes, I know that you’ve wrapped my brother around your little finger, sis.”
Jazzy fluttered her eyelashes in exaggeration. “As is the duty of any wife.”
He shook his head and focused back on Mary. “Even with the Dettas backing you up financially, you’re still a single, twenty-one-year old. It would be different if you were married and could show a stable family life. Something a couple ready to adopt would be able to do. Do you have a partner, Mary?”
I wish.
Sadly, every potential prince she had kissed so far had turned out to be a frog, the latest being Josh. That had ended six months ago, right after the death and demise of her grandfather. Apparently, Josh had expected to land himself an heir. When that ship had crashed and burned, he’d sailed out of her life.
On the imaginary yacht he bought with your money.
Sometimes she hated her inner snark.
Her shoulders slumped. “No, I don’t.”
Jackson’s eyes spoke volumes of what he thought her chances were in court. “I’ll have my assistant mail you the contact info of your lawyer. You should call him and go over the specifics.”
Who was she kidding? No judge was going to trust a six-year-old that wasn’t of her blood to a single, twenty-one-year-old art teacher.
It was as if the corners of her world got darker and darker until she could hardly see the light anymore.
CHAPTER 4
MARY
She dashed out of Jackson’s office. Yes, dashed. Strode out like a bat out of hell. She needed air. Needed to be alone and gather her thoughts, all while trying not to throw up.
The image of Zoe, clutching Spidey, begging Mary to take them with her, was etched into her mind.
“But why can’t I go with you? I don’t want to stay here.”
“Please. I’ll be good. I will never eat too much cookie dough again.”
“Mary? Mary! Please don’t go. Please.”
On her way to the elevators, she almost bumped into Hector. Great. There he was; the object of her fantasies, in all his bulky, growly glory, and she looked like crap.
One look at her blotched face—she wasn’t a pretty crier—and he frowned. “What the fuck happened to you?”
He was always so eloquent. Today she wasn’t in the mood to scold him about another f-bomb; she felt like cursing herself. Unfortunately, she couldn’t get any words past the enormous lump in her throat.
She shot past him and took the stairs. Jazzy called after her, but she ignored her.
Her cousin caught up with her two floors down. “What are you doing?”
“I’m going downstairs.”
“I can see that. But why are you taking the stairs?” Jazzy sounded more curious than annoyed.
“I like taking the steps. It’s great cardio.” It was also a slower way to get back home to her empty apartment.
“We’re on the
twenty-sixth floor. That’s a lot of steps.”
“I just need time to think. I’ll take the elevator when I’ve found a solution to my problem.”
You’re going to end up in the basement.
No, I’m not.
Found a solution yet?
…
She descended another floor, with Jazzy right on her heels. Her cousin was nothing if not tenacious and, honestly, right now, that was the attitude Mary needed to adopt herself. Except, she wasn’t anything like Jazzy.
“Would you stop running for a second?” Jazzy practically growled. “I would think that the key to getting Zoe back is pretty obvious.”
Mary came to a halt and spun around. “How is that?”
Jazzy started typing on her phone. “All you need is a husband. That, and a house in a good neighborhood, with nice schools. So, here is what we’re going to do…”
As her cousin began unfolding a plan, Mary almost kicked herself for not thinking of it herself. It was so obvious.
A flicker of hope started growing in her chest, expanding, until it turned into a blazing sun.
***
The next morning, after a night filled with nightmares of Britney and Zoe, Mary was summoned to Giovanni Detta’s office. Getting a call from his PA couldn’t be a good sign. Then she remembered what she’d discussed with Jazzy the previous day, and she relaxed.
The Detta Tower was a short walk from Union Square. She’d taken an Uber, as it was difficult to find a good parking space so close to the city center. The tall buildings on her right cast lonely shadows across the sidewalk that was buzzing with people in business suits.
Gio’s assistant let her into his spacious office with a view over the Financial District.
To her surprise, she was welcomed by Gio, who sat at the corner of his desk. Jazzy was nowhere in sight. Her cousin’s husband was intimidating enough to deal with when Jazzy was around, but it was even worse when she was alone with him.
Then she spotted a movement in the right corner. Hector leaned against the wall overlooking the San Francisco skyline. He was in his usual black fatigues with large pockets on the side. His Army green t-shirt stretched across his large chest.
She immediately relaxed. Normally, she didn’t feel comfortable around big, bulky men, but with Hector, it was different. She felt comfortable around him. Safe.
“Come in, Mary, and take a seat.”
“Where’s Jazzy?” She perched her butt on the sofa in front of Gio’s desk. Her back tingled as Hector’s gaze settled on her. As usual, he didn’t hide his true feelings around her.
He’s annoyed that I’ve entered his orbit.
At least he’s acknowledging your existence.
Yay.
“She told me last night what you two are planning.” Gio shook his head, a smile tugging his lips. “She has the craziest ideas sometimes. I suppose I should be thankful she didn’t want to flee the country with you and Zoe, becoming a fugitive. I believe she called that ‘Plan B.’ Either way, I wanted to speak to you before you go on with this crazy idea.”
A blush crept up her cheeks. “It’s not crazy. It’s actually very practical.” The more she thought about it, the more it seemed like the perfect solution to her problem.
“Marrying a complete stranger to get guardianship over Zoe is not crazy, you think?”
Hector’s head snapped up. “You what?”
She ignored him and gave Gio a pleading look. “Could you please ask him to leave?”
“No. Also, he has killer ears. He’d hear you from anywhere in the building.”
Mary rolled her eyes. She knew the stories about Hector “the Wolf” Diaz. They made him sound like some super soldier.
“I don’t understand why you care.”
“Jazzy considers you like her sister. You spend time together. Which means that any man entering your world will, at some point, be around her as well. I’m just looking out for my wife. I can’t have a Caruso or Bianchi situation again.”
Mary sighed, leaning back into the sofa. Given that her cousin was kidnapped and almost shot, she could understand Gio’s concern.
“Fine. I promise I won’t look for a man that could be of any danger to Jazzy. Can I go now?”
“Mary, are you sure about this? Taking on the care of a six-year-old is a lot of responsibility.”
That had her sit straight up. “I am. Don’t try to dissuade me. It won’t work. I might not be Zoe’s mother, but I love her as my own. She’s my godchild. I’m not abandoning her to the system.”
Gio contemplated that for a second, his fingers tapping the edge of his desk. She really hoped he wasn’t going to go all badass on her. He had the means to sabotage her claim.
“I figured you would say that,” he eventually said. “Which is why I called our contacts and got the name of the judge who will be handling your case. He’s a firm believer of a child being raised in a conventional family. Perhaps Jazzy’s idea isn’t so crazy after all. I just had to make sure you’re sure about this.”
“Thank you for not butting in.” She was about to get up when he gestured for her to remain seated.
“I’m not finished yet. Marrying a stranger can be dangerous. You’re a beautiful woman; surely you know of someone who could help you out. A former boyfriend, perhaps?”
Lovely. When she woke up this morning, she hadn’t expected to be grilled by Gio about her lack of a love life.
“I broke up with Josh six months ago. He’s of the ‘children should be seen but not heard’ club.” Which had been one of the reasons to end things with him.
Gio stood from his desk. “Tell you what. How about if you pick one of Hector’s men? Obviously, one of the single ones. They’re all ex-military and have had extensive background checks. That way, at least you’ll be sure you’re not marrying a serial killer. And I don’t have to be without my wife for days as she chooses men for you from some dating app. Tommie and her sounded very enthusiastic last night, discussing all the qualities their ‘perfect’ man should possess.”
The immediate protest on her lips died the second she discovered this might actually be a sound plan.
“Any of his men?” she asked, just to be sure. From the corner of her eye, she glanced at Hector, but he stood frozen, as a massive boulder.
“Any of them. I’m sure Hector won’t mind handing you over a copy of their resumes within, let’s say, an hour? After all, we’re on a clock here.” He looked at his friend, who was still in statue mode. “Since there’s no protest from that side, I’m gonna go with it. We’ll speak again, say around eight, so you can give me your first choice. I’ll take over from there, arranging the meet-up, wedding, and everything that comes with it. Jazzy can attest that my assistant throws a killer last-minute wedding. I’m going to make sure that you will have a husband to present to the judge during Zoe’s hearing.”
“Oh, that’s a great idea.”
This could work. This could so work.
CHAPTER 5
HECTOR
It was the stupidest fucking idea he’d ever heard. What was the damn woman thinking? Marrying a complete stranger. He didn’t give a shit what her reason was, noble or not. And what the fuck was with Gio—his so-called best friend—offering to set Mary up with one of Hector’s men? Hand over his men’s resumes so Mary could pick a husband? He’d rather get shot!
Except, if he refused, Gio would have a field day, claiming Hector wanted Mary for himself. Which he didn’t. At all.
He snarled and cursed as he pounded into the punching bag. This here, at the gym in the compound, was his sanctuary. Here it smelled of sweat and leather, instead of Mary.
He filed her delicious smell away, trying to forget about her. Soon, he would have no other option than to completely wipe her from his brain. She would belong to someone else. He’d seen it on her face. She was going to do it. Part of him was furious, though he refused to acknowledge why. The other part was proud of her for sticking up for that little
girl.
It didn’t take long for Gio to track him down. He walked in, holding a file in his hand, wearing his usual expensive suit. Still, the guy didn’t look out of place. No matter where Giovanni Detta went, the man exuded confidence.
Hector kept pounding as Gio walked around the boxing ring, to his corner.
“Not in the mood, hermano,” he snarled.
“Now why do you think that is?”
“Why are you giving into her mad idea?” Gio never did anything without a reason.
His friend pointedly waited until Hector stopped hitting the bag and gave him his full attention. When he removed his boxing gloves, Gio handed him a towel.
“The girl lives in a rundown apartment in a crappy neighborhood. All because she wants to make it on her own and is too proud to accept help. Jazzy’s worried about her. I had Mary on my schedule this week, actually.”
“What the fuck does that mean?” He didn’t like the thought of Mary on any man’s list, not even his best friend’s.
“I was going to fabricate a will of a sorts, so she would come into money. Her wanting to get married actually solves this problem for me. At a far less cost than I’d anticipated. Though I’m sure Jazzy will insist on an elaborate wedding gift.” He snorted, as if that bothered him, but Hector knew that to not be true. Gio was the most generous man he knew.
“That’s quite a scheme you had planned there.”
Gio shrugged and sat on a bench with weights. “The girl deserves it. Unlike her skank of a sister, who has bailed on her to chase after some British millionaire.”
Gina Rossi. After she’d almost gotten Jazzy killed, she was lucky to be alive. He wasn’t surprised that Gio still kept tabs on her.
“So”—Gio gave him a scrutinizing look—“tell me why you didn’t step up and offer to marry her.”
“You really need to ask?”
“Yes, I do. Because I see the way you look at her when you think she doesn’t notice.”
