Nico (Heartbreaker #2) by Evan Grace Read Free Book Online

their room. Jill opens the door to their room, and my mom and I follow them inside. I gave my mom the money to make sure they had a room with a phenomenal view. The terrace has a table and chairs, which I hope Jill will enjoy.
    I place Nicola on her feet and watch her toddle after her mom. I unload the luggage and set the bags in the bedroom. My mom helps put things away while talking Jill’s ear off. I stick the cart out in the hall. When I come back in, I see the girls all coming out of the bathroom.
    “I can’t wait to soak in that tub,” Jill says. “Are you sure you want to take her?”
    “Jill, she slept on the plane. If you slept, it wasn’t deep. You’re dead on your feet. I’ve got diapers, wipes, and a playpen for her as well. You get some sleep, and we’ll come get you later. Just text me when you get up.”
    Jill turns to me and then back to my mom. “If you’re sure. Come here, baby girl.”
    I watch as Nicola goes to her mama. Jill scoops her up in her arms. She kisses the baby’s chubby cheeks and then hands her off to my mom, who greedily hugs her.
    Nicola is my mom’s first grandchild, and my mom couldn’t wait to spoil her rotten, especially with everything that’s going to happen soon. I look at my mom and a pain starts right in my chest. Fucking cancer. Yeah, it’s early, and the prognosis is good, but it still sucks. I don’t want to think of my mom being sick.
    My mom wanted Jill and Nicola here so she could get to know her grandbaby. Plus, with them here, it would distract my mom from what was lying ahead.
    I open the balcony doors and step out onto the balcony. Jill and Nica will have a wonderful view of the rolling hills and the vibrant trees. I hope they take advantage of the view and the atmosphere while they’re here. An odd ache starts to form in my chest.
    “Oh wow,” Jill says breathlessly, a big smile on her face as she looks at the view. “It’s really beautiful here.”
    “Sí, it is. We’ve lived here all our lives, and I’ve always felt lucky to have grown up in such a beautiful place. Mila or Gaia will have to take you around, give you the grand tour.”
    My sisters…well, more Mila than Gaia, have been looking forward to meeting Jill and Nicola for a long time now. I know they will want to spend time with her.
    “Of course, I wish I were the one showing her places that are important to me.”
    “Ma!” We both turn around as Nicola crawls through the doorway and stands back up on her feet. With practiced skill, Jill scoops up our little girl like she weighs nothing. She brings her to the handrail of the balcony so we’re standing side by side.
    “I’d-I’d like for you two to get to know each other. I know what I said, but she should know you.”
    I reach out a shaky hand and stroke my daughter’s hair. She looks up at me. Her eyes are similar to mine. In Italian, I tell her I love her and that she’s beautiful. Jill used to love it when we lay in bed at night and I spoke to her in only Italian. She said it made everything I said sound beautiful.
    Nicola smiles at me. She’s got lots of tiny white teeth. I’ve never really been around children before, but when I’m around her, I’m not scared.
    “Here, take her.” Jill holds her out to me. I take her into my arms, and she lays her head on my chest. I smile as she pops her little thumb in her mouth.
    I wrap one hand around her body and rest the other on her little diapered butt. It feels so good to have my girl in my arms. I know what would make this better—having my other girl in my arms. I just need to talk to her once she’s had time to rest. I have to tell her everything. When I do, maybe she’ll forgive me. God, I hope she forgives me .
    “Jill, we’re going to get out of your hair. Get some sleep, take a nice, long bath, and text me later when you’re up and moving,” Mom says from the doorway.
    “Okay, thanks for doing this.”
    Jill disappears back inside, and I follow. Jill hugs my