Baby for the Billionaire(20)
And Sasha had the feeling it was to do with her father.
“So, you’ve recovered from the wedding?” Sally asked as they sat down to a light lunch.
“Yes, I have.” Until this moment Sasha hadn’t let herself be upset that her mother hadn’t called since the wedding. Nick’s mother had managed to call several times.
“I’m sorry I didn’t phone you, darling,” Sally said, as if reading her daughter’s mind. “I just thought it best I leave you to … adapt.”
Sasha gave a remote smile. “Thanks.”
“Darling, it’s always good to leave a newly married couple to their own devices.”
“Is that what the wedding manuals say?” she muttered, then felt bad when she saw the crushed looked on her mother’s face. “Mum, I’m sorry. All this has been a bit of a strain. I never expected to get married. Not for a long time anyway.”
Sally nodded. “It’s okay. I understand. But please remember that you’ve made your father and me so happy. I love that he’s smiling again.”
Ignoring the thought that her father probably had a new girlfriend, Sasha squeezed her mother’s hand. “Then I’m glad.”
Sally’s grateful smile turned to a frown. “Darling, there is one thing …” she began, making Sasha tense. “There seems to be some sort of delay in closing the deal with Cesare. Your father can’t wait much longer, I’m afraid.”
“They’re pretty busy with the launch in the U.K. and all, I’d imagine.”
Come to think of it, she wasn’t sure of the reason for the delay herself.
“I was sort of hoping you could ask Nick. Not straight out, mind you. Just see if there’s a problem and what it is. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t so important.”
Sasha swallowed. “Mum, this is an awkward position you and Dad are putting me in.”
Again.
Her mother didn’t seem to notice. “Nick’s your husband. He’ll tell you everything.”
There were just so many things a mother could ask a daughter to do. “Nick and I are not in love, Mum. He keeps things to himself. I can’t guarantee anything.”
“If you could just try, darling.”
Sasha sighed. “Okay, I’ll see what I can do.”
Her mother left straight after the meal, probably in case she said anything to change her daughter’s mind. Sasha saw her off with a heavy heart. She loved her mother dearly but she’d never understand her love for a man, which totally submerged her own personality.
That would never happen to her.
Never.
And to prove it to herself, she would broach the dreaded subject with Nick at dinner this evening.
“My mother stopped by for lunch today.”
Nick looked up from his meal and felt pleased for Sasha’s sake. “Good. I don’t think you’ve heard from her since the wedding, have you?”
“She’s been busy.”
“I’m sure.” No doubt looking after Porter’s every whim.
And at the expense of her daughter, Nick thought with a frown, surprised at the lack of attention Sally had actually given Sasha since their marriage. Wasn’t a mother supposed to fuss over a newlywed daughter? Or was he just being a bit too old-fashioned?
Sasha moistened her mouth. “My mother does have a concern, though. She thought I might be able to help.”
“And that is?”
“My father’s waiting on a shipping deal to go through with the House of Valente, and apparently it’s been delayed. He’s not sure why.”
Nick leaned back in his chair, and his lips twisted. “And he’s sent his wife to ask my wife why?”
Sasha swallowed, looking uneasy. “He just needs to know, okay? Otherwise he might have to look at other avenues.”
“Other avenues?” He almost snorted out loud. Porter was too lazy to go elsewhere when he had Cesare Valente on his side.
“This is business, Nick.”
“Exactly.”
Her chin angled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Stay out of the family business, Sasha.”
She gasped. “I thought I was part of the family now.”
His mouth tightened. “Not the business. That’s got nothing to do with you.”
“I see.” Her green eyes turning cool, she placed her napkin on the table and stood up. “Then perhaps you should have made me sign a prenuptial. Then I won’t be able to touch any of your precious family business if we ever divorce.” On that note she walked out of the room.