Chapter 4: Kind Rosanna

The Blue Room sat on the top floor of a harbor hotel, and every table in it belonged to the Sandrellis.

Gemma walked in on her husband's arm in a red dress she had picked from the closet in the east wing.

It had a deep back and no sleeves.

Heads turned, and she kept her smile on.

Her throat burned, and she swallowed the cough.

"Your stepmother is at the corner table," Raffaele said into her hair, without moving his lips. "Keep your hand on my arm."

"You said you wouldn't touch me."

"I said you wouldn't touch me."

Rosanna rose from her seat with both hands out.

She wore cream silk and her pearls, and she kissed Gemma on both cheeks and held her at arm's length.

"Sweetheart. You're so pale. Is he treating you well?"

Bruno sat behind her with a drink, staring at the ice.

"I'm fine," Gemma said.

"You're not fine. Your hands are freezing."

Rosanna took them in hers and rubbed them warm.

"I want to hear everything. Raffaele, may I borrow my girl while you talk with Bruno?"

Raffaele looked down at Gemma.

He said nothing, and he stepped away.

Rosanna steered her through the crowd to the ladies' lounge and shut the door.

The mirrors showed two women, one in red and one in cream.

"Tell me the truth," Rosanna said, very softly. "Did he hurt you?"

"He left me outside in the cold."

"Oh, baby."

Rosanna's eyes filled, and she pulled Gemma into her arms.

She smelled of the same lavender soap she had used since the day she moved into Gemma's house.

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