I would, however, act like she was the most important woman in my life.
Because she was.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Mr. Ranchester.” Bonnie played her part perfectly. “I’m Bonnie. Yes, Bonnie Moretti. Though, I do hope to change that last name at some point.”
She fluttered among the crowd at my side perfectly.
“Oh, my word. You look amazing! That dress is stunning on you. Oh, yes. I’m so sorry. Bonnie Moretti, and you are?”
There were even moments where her name alone stole the show, and I got to witness her personable skills first-hand.
“Don’t let the name fool you now. My uncle might give it a bad rap, but someone’s got to repair that reputation, right? You can just call me ‘Bonnie,’ though. ‘Mrs. Moretti’ is my aunt and she wears the title well despite her age.”
I almost choked on the drink I was sipping as the comment flew from her lips. And as my parents’ best friends, Alma and Frank, stood there in shock, Bonnie simply smiled at them before she looked up at me.
“Need another drink, handsome?”
I winked at her. “Don’t mind if I have one. Get yourself one, too. Neither of us is going anywhere for the night.”
“For the night? I was at least hoping for the weekend.”
I chuckled. “Whatever you want, beautiful.”
Laying it on as thick as we were was exhausting. But we somehow made it entertaining in the process. There were times where I had to physically keep myself from laughing because the digs Bonnie got in against her family tickled me to the core. The woman had a serious tongue on her. She could slash an entire crowd down in a heartbeat if I had given her a microphone to speak.
She was right about her ability to speak and be heard.
Maybe she was right about other things as well.
“My son,” Dad called. “There you are!”
I turned around, ready to formally introduce him to Bonnie. But the second I saw him walking towards us, I felt my body grow cold.
“Israel?” Bonnie asked softly, handing me a drink.
Dad smiled as he walked up. “You remember Alice Esposito? I didn’t know the two of you had such a history, my son.”
Bonnie tugged at me. “Talk to me, Israel. You’re growing pale.”
I girded my loins, readying myself for a spar. “Dad. Miss Esposito.”
She nodded softly, her baby blue eyes gazing up at me as if we had no history. The beauty mark on her upper lip, waggling at me and taunting me. Forcing me to remember all of the kisses I once pressed against it. Her slim features weren’t to be taken lightly, though. She wasn’t thin from her diets. She was lean from her training. And I knew I had stepped into a very volatile situation.
One I had to make sure I succeeded at navigating.
Her soft voice filled my ears. “Israel. It’s good to see you again.”
I cleared my throat. “Likewise.”
I saw how uncomfortable she was. I saw how hard my father was hanging onto her. The evil glinting behind his eyes made me want to choke him. But the sheer force of my shock left me devoid of all reactions.
Except to nod. “It’s nice to see you again, Miss Esposito.”
Alice shook her head. “I’m so sorry, is—”
Dad interjected. “I’m sure the two of you have much to talk about. Bonnie, if you’d come with—”
I wrapped my arm around Bonnie. “She won’t be going anywhere with you unless I’m coming as well. Understood?”
Alice smiled softly. “You always were protective. It was my favorite trait about you.”
Bonnie paused. “Her favorite trait?”
I peeked down at her. “Later. It’s a long story.”
Dad’s eyes hardened. “I think you should give Alice some closure while Bonnie and I go have a talk.”
I stared at him. “If she wants closure, we can take our private conversation to the balcony. Where Bonnie will be accompanying me.”
Alice nodded. “Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way. I believe I owe you—”
Dad waved his hand in the air. “Nonsense.”
I shook my head. “Not one bit.”
I clung to Bonnie as I nodded towards Alice. I didn’t have the energy or the mental forethought to deal with this situation. My father was just as conniving as he was brutal, but I wasn’t passed raising a stink if he wanted to create one. I’d try to avoid it, of course, for the sake of my mother. However, if my father insisted on doing this now instead of waiting until lunch the next day to sort it out?
I had no issues making my stand now.
“You look good, Israel,” Alice said with a soft smile.
I returned it. “And you look divine.”
Bonnie clicked her tongue. “He does look good, doesn’t he?”
I squeezed her quickly, letting her know this wasn’t one of those times she needed to be kicking up. And while I’m pretty sure she got the message, it also caused her to pull away from me.
Before she stormed off.
“Well, Alice. I’ll leave you to it,” Dad said cheerfully.
When he walked away, I found myself staring straight into the baby blue eyes of Alice. A woman I had once loved. A woman I had once contemplated marrying before she’d dropped me like a hot sack of potatoes, blocked my number, and had never spoken to me again.
“Alice Shaeffer,” I said.
She shook her head. “I’m so sorry, Israel. I really am.”
Yet another woman who claimed to care about me while duping me in the process.
No wonder my father considers women a weakness.
15
Bonnie
I stood by the drinks, watching while Israel and that woman talked. I couldn't put my finger on it, but something was wrong. Israel looked stoic as ever, but behind his eyes was a hurt I’d only ever seen once before. I knew that look,
