AllFreeNovel
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“I did.” Gigi screws on the polish cap, sets the bottle aside, and then blows on Gigi’s toes. “When I was in high school, my father let me take them for two years.”
“Did you love it?” Amara chirps.
Gigi grins at her. “I loved it.”
“Can I show you my dances after my toes dry?”
“Of course.” Gigi nods and then gasps, placing her hand to her chest. “OrI have a better idea.”
Amara perks up while still careful not to mess up her toes. “What’s that?”
“You teach me your dances because I bet you’re a great teacher.”
“I’d love that!” Amara squeals, wiggling her toes while squirming her shoulders in a dance-like movement.
My happiness fades, my shoulders slumping, when I remember I can’t savor this moment for as long as I’d like.
Amara’s smile stretches from ear to ear when I fully enter the room. “Daddy! Look! Gigi is here!” Just as she’s about to stand,she remembers her toenails and gives a cute glance at Gigi, as if asking for approval.
Gigi carefully runs a finger over her big toe. “All good.”
Amara jumps to her feet with a burst of energy and rushes toward me. She wraps her arms around my legs and turns to look at Gigi. “Gigi is painting my toes.” She holds up her foot to show me the purple polish. “She’s also wearing that really pretty ring you bought!”
I wrap my arm around her shoulders and hold her tight. “Gigi is my friend.”
Gigi cringes at my calling herfriend, but I’m not sure what to tell Amara yet. Lord knows if I saywife,there’s no way in hell she’ll let me leave for another day with the endless questions she’ll have.
“She’s my friend too!” Amara dashes toward a flustered Gigi, but when she stumbles on the rug, Gigi immediately catches and steadies her. “Gigi told me I’d make a good dance teacher, so I’m going to teach her all the things Ms. Pippa taught me.”
Gigi stands tall next to Amara.
“I’m sure Pippa would be proud,” I say. “You’re the best dancer in her class.”
Amara beams at the compliment, swivels on her toes, and starts her training. Gigi shyly grins at me before turning her attention to Amara.
I glance to my side when Eden stops next to me and smirks in my direction.
“Thank you,” I say around a long breath while still watching Gigi and Amara.
“You don’t have to thank me.” Eden gently squeezes my shoulder twice. “I love Amara.”
I scratch my cheek. “Thank you for also convincing Dante to let Gigi stay here.”
She sighs. “You risked your life for me once. I’m only returning the favor.”
“You returned the favor with Amara. You’re doing much more than that for me, and I appreciate it so damn much.”
“We’re family, Antonio. Families don’t keep score of favors.” She angles her gaze toward Amara instructing Gigi how to properly spin. “Plus, Amara and I like Gigi … and youloveher.”
I remain straight-faced. While I trust and respect Eden, I never reveal my full hand to anyone.
“Daddy!” Amara calls out, her voice and face animated. “Watch our dance!”
My body relaxes as I anchor my gaze on them. I laugh at Amara’s unclear cues and Gigi trying her hardest to follow them. When they finish, they take their bows while Eden and I cheer with whistles.
I pull my phone from my pocket when it vibrates.
“Let me call you right back,” I tell Damien, answering his call. My stomach knots with disappointment that I can no longer watch them. I end the call. “I’m sorry, but I have to leave for a few hours. I’ll be back soon, okay?”
