Domenica went on. “I guess this is the rent for your adorable gift.”
Stella thought for a moment. She hadn’t heard the notion of rent used this way before. “Kind of steep rent.”
“Indeed,” Domenica smiled. “Anyway, we’ll have to hope the police come up with a better suspect. Madonna mia, you must have been shocked when the police told you.”
“I had warning. Matteo heard when he was emptying trash at the police station.”
“Ah.”
“But I didn’t believe him at first. Thought he was trying to deflect from me rejecting him.”
“You rejected Matteo? But why? You two are such good friends.” Domenica frowned.
“Domenica. That’s why I had to reject him. It’s kinder. I don’t like him in that way, and he’s better off knowing that.”
Domenica’s eyes widened, drawing her mouth open until she let out a h
