“I will, thanks.”
“I’m going out with Dante while the bread rises. I’ll catch you later.”
“Okay. Do you know where Mateo is?”
The fact that Emelia paused should have warned Erin and although her stomach cramped, she asked, “Why do I get the feeling I’m not going to like the answer.”
Emelia sighed and met her gaze. “I’m not supposed to tell you.” She winced. “He wasn’t going to tell anyone, but I got caught listening to him talking to Diego.”
“You spied on your brothers?”
“It’s hard to break a habit of a life time,” Emelia admitted.
She knew that she’d like Emelia.
“So, um, you were about to tell me…”
“Don’t worry about it. Join Diego in the stables.” Emelia turned tail and left her standing there in the kitchen.
Mateo had apologized the night before but something didn’t sit well if Emelia wasn’t talking.
Her life had been complicated enough without adding this week into the mix of things. Perhaps she should have listened to herself last night when she’d thought about leaving.
She really didn’t want to but at the same time could she stay?
It didn’t take her long to come to the decision that she’d stay, at least, for now. First though, she’d go and talk to Diego. She knew if there was anyone who’d tell her it would be him. Something serious then he’d keep it to himself but when it meant annoying one of his older brothers, he was game—usually.
As she arrived at the stables though, she wasn’t sure of Diego’s cooperation anymore. He was tossing things around until he saw her standing in the doorway.
“Are you okay?” She stepped inside and patiently waited for Diego to get himself under control.
“I will be.”
That wasn’t really the answer she wanted.
“What’s up?” He moved toward her and met her gaze.
“Emelia wouldn’t tell me, but, will you tell me where Mateo is? And why it’s such a big secret?” She bit her lip and waited.
Diego had an expressive face and she knew the minute he’d made the decision to tell her.
“I don’t begin to understand my brother, but he went picking Allie up to take her back to the hospital.”
“Oh.” She hadn’t been expecting that, or should she have?
“I’m sorry, Erin. I told him to call and ask her to drive herself. I did see him on his cell as he walked away so I don’t know if he tried. If he did, I’m guessing Allie had other ideas.”
“Thanks Diego.” She turned away, but turned back. “Would you be able to give me a lift to the airport once I’m packed?”
&nb
sp; “No way.”
At the new voice, Erin turned and found Sylvia and Eric walking toward them.
“Please stay, Erin.” Sylvia took her cold hands into hers and rubbed. “I’d really like you to stay and be at our wedding.”
“I really wanted to, but now, I’m not sure it’s a good idea.” She felt close to tears and hated the fact that once again she was second place.