The Business Arrangement | Mafia Romance 18+

Chapter Twenty-two: (part 2)

POV: Maya 

"You seriously told him to forgive her after the way she treated you?"

Charlotte's tone is one of shock and disbelief. I have to hold the phone a solid two inches away to avoid getting hearing damage. But I can't say I'm surprised.

"You would have done the same," I counter, as I take a sip of my morning coffee.

"Uh, no the fuck I would not? She can go to hell."

"Char."

"What? She didn't even want to accept you as his girlfriend until you were literally kidnapped by an evil mafia boss."

Okay, she has a point. But I made my decision, and I'm going to stand by it.

"She's still his mom."

"Yeah, okay. I'm just saying, there's no way in hell I would forgive her that easily."

"Well, it could be worse. At least she apologized!"

Char laughs, a humorless, choking sound.

"Oh, in that case, everything's forgiven!"

Her sarcasm couldn't be clearer.

"It's better than nothing."

"You're telling me Henry's okay with this?"

I pause.

She's got me there.

"I might have had to convince him. Just a little."

She jumps at the chance.

"See! Even he doesn't want to let her off the hook this easily. It's crazy!."

"He still agreed," I stammer. "And besides, she'll be at the engagement party, so you'll have to let it go. No fighting allowed."

"Ughhh," Charlotte groans.

I can't help but smile.

"Come on. I can't have my maid of honor arguing with my mother in law."

"I'm just saying, a little roughing up wouldn't—"

"Char!"

"Just kidding!" she laughs, "I'll behave, obviously."

I'm not so sure.

But seeing as the plans are already made, I'll just have to hope for the best.

"What about Noah?" I ask, changing the subject.

Char sighs loudly, which is an answer in itself.

"I told you yesterday, we're done."

"Riiight." I hesitate. "Still not going to tell me what happened?"

"You'd be bored."

Knowing Charlotte? Probably not.

"You know you can talk to me if you want to," I counter.

"I know." She sighs. "It's not like anything major happened. It's just embarrassing. Let's just say I thought he had changed, and I was wrong. It just sucks to be wrong about someone twice, you know? The first time was bad enough."

Fortunately or not, I don't know.

I've never been as lucky with men as she is, and don't know what I would do if I was in her situation.

Given that I gave Henry a second chance, it's likely I'd be in the same boat.

But if he had betrayed my trust again?