Armando Returns (Barboza Brothers) by Reeni Austin Read Free Book Online Page B

her throat, then calmly said, “Well, if you think it makes sense to have one of those getaway weddings, forget about Cancun. You can go right over to New Mexico and get married, fast. They don’t have a waiting period or anything. Just show up and get married.”
    Lisa glared at Katie.
    Dwayne lifted one eyebrow at her then tilted his glass of water up to the ceiling as he took a sip.
    Mitch turned to her. “You want that? I think I’d rather go to Cancun and stay in a resort.”
    Katie smiled. “Yeah. We’ll have to look into it.”
    And then their server, Jennifer, bounded to the table, giving the group her familiar greeting. “Hey guys! You’re getting to be regulars now, huh? Good to have you back.”
    Dwayne and Mitch both started talking to her at once, remarking about Jennifer wearing her hair in pigtails today, to which she giggled and flirted like she did with all the customers.
    Lisa took her napkin from her lap and put it on the table as she rose from her seat. “I’m heading to the ladies’ room. Katie? Care to join me?”
    Katie knew she was about to be scolded. And she also knew her dad and fiance were too busy flirting harmlessly with Jennifer to notice they were leaving the table. She shrugged and stood. “Sure.”
    Katie and her mother walked along in silence to the restroom. When they got there, Katie crossed her arms over her chest and waited as Lisa looked under the stalls to make sure they were alone.
    With her hands on her hips, Lisa faced Katie. “What do you think you were doing out there? Were you trying to be cute? Trying to upset your father after he’s offered to pay for your wedding and give you a substantial down payment on a house?”
    Katie ’s eyes and mouth both flew open. “What? All I did was mention New Mexico. It’s not that big a deal. Seems like Daddy really wants to save money. Thought I’d help.”
    “ Oh, you and that smart mouth.” Lisa fumed. “We both know why you brought it up. It’s been years since we kept you from making that mistake. And now you have a nice, respectable fiance and you wanna make a scene in front of him?”
    “ A scene? That’s all you and Daddy care about, Mom. How things look to other people. God forbid I do anything to make you both look bad.”
    Lisa grabbed Katie ’s arm and gave her a stern stare. “We love you and we want the best for your future. That’s all we’ve ever wanted. And you need to be a little more grateful.” Lisa inched closer, narrowing her eyes. “If you were little I would’ve brought you in here and taken you over my knee for that little stunt out there.”
    Katie huffed and pulled away from her mother ’s grasp. “Well, I’m twenty-eight years old. I’m not a little girl and I don’t appreciate being spoken to like one.”
    Through her gritted teeth, Lisa said, “No matter how mature you think you are I’ll always be your mother and I’ll speak to you however I please.”
    Katie felt her blood pressure rising as she grew angrier by the second. “Speaking of respectable, did you know Armando Barboza’s a successful venture capitalist now? How’s that for respectable?”
    Lisa squared her shoulders. “Well, he probably wouldn’t be if you’d run off and married him like you wanted. You were too young and stupid to know any better. You both probably would’ve dropped outta college because you’d have a bunch of babies you couldn’t afford.”
    The door opened, and two women entered. Katie immediately exited the room with the intention of going directly back to the table when Lisa put her hand on her shoulder, stopping her just outside the door.
    Quieting her voice to just above a whisper, Lisa said, “Katie, look, I know you’ll never understand it but we’ve always just wanted what’s best for you.”
    “ No, Mom. You want what’s best for you .”
    “ No.” Tears filled Lisa’s eyes as she put her hands on Katie’s shoulders. “No, that’s not true. We love you and your