Free From Barcelona, with Love by Elizabeth Adler Page B

mother, that wild woman, again?”
    She did notice, though, that on the back of Paloma’s white T-shirt was written in large purple script, You can go home again.
    *   *   *
    Jassy had flung herself down again, this time in a chair away from Lorenza, who was now looking expectantly at her.
    â€œThe kid heard, she’ll be here,” Jassy said, just as Paloma appeared at the entrance, and stood, small and skinny, all big eyes and cropped head.
    â€œJesus!” Lorenza exclaimed, stunned. “Whatever did you do to her, Jassy?”
    Jassy shrugged. “She did it herself. Cut it all off, then had a go with an electric razor.”
    â€œAll that wonderful curly red hair,” Floradelisa moaned, staring at her niece, who still stood in the doorway, as though ashamed to enter.
    Instead, Lorenza walked over and took her into her arms.
    â€œSweetheart,” she murmured, “I’ve missed you.”
    â€œI’ve missed you too,” Paloma said. “I wish you could have come to Malibu with us.”
    â€œPerhaps next time.”
    There were no more comments from anyone about her hair, merely a groan from Antonio, who shifted his eyes away from her and gazed, exasperated, up at the ceiling. His family got on his nerves. Including his wife and his own two children.
    Lorenza had to admit that Jassy was very good about Paloma, and very good about allowing her her individuality. And when Jassy remembered, she was truly affectionate, buying Paloma presents and expensive clothes she never wore because, like most kids her age, all she wanted were jeans and sneakers. Red Converse sneakers.
    â€œCome, guapa, sit next to me.” Lorenza took Paloma’s hand and led her to the sofa. “You are nine years old now, old enough to participate in a family meeting. Especially,” she added, “since this concerns you.”
    Paloma sagged onto the sofa, legs sticking straight out. She looked like Raggedy Ann with the stuffing taken out. She’d guessed this “talk” had to be about her mother and didn’t want to hear it. She stared sullenly at her red sneakers.
    Sighing, Lorenza looked at her stepfamily, gathered in the great shadowy salón where for two centuries the Ravels had gathered on memorable occasions. The pearls were threatening to choke her again and she tugged nervously at them. She hoped her plan would work. If it did not, it could mean the end of the Ravel empire.
    â€œI am about to throw a bombshell into the works,” she said finally. “And it’s about Bibi.”

 
    Chapter 11
    â€œIt’s also about your stepfather,” Lorenza added and Paloma looked up at her, shocked. “Stepfather” was not a word she had ever expected to hear again.
    It was typical of the child, Lorenza thought, that she did not ask “What about my awful stepfather?” She simply sat there, looking traumatized all over again, but Lorenza had seen the fear flicker in her eyes, and pitied her. This was not going to be easy but it must be done.
    â€œI have here a copy of a letter I received from Bruno Peretti’s attorneys in Los Angeles, plus copies of another letter sent by his legal representatives in Madrid.” She handed copies to each of them. “I think you’re going to be very surprised by what Peretti has to say.”
    Nervous, Paloma edged closer to her grandmother, and Lorenza reached out and patted her hand.
    â€œDon’t worry, chiquita, ” she whispered, while the others took the letters and began to read. “Everything will work out, I’ll make sure of that.”
    Antonio read quickly, then threw the letters onto the table. He glared up at her. “ My God. Has the man gone crazy ?”
    â€œHe’s out of his mind, ” Floradelisa said, looking worried.
    Jassy was reading more slowly, and very carefully. She read it once, then read it again. Then she screamed, “ No, no, no,