Page 90 of The Man with a Treasure

I exhaled frustration because Angelo was willing to give her everything she wanted, except himself. “Someday, yes, but not today.”

“Okay.” She held her belly. “May I have a banana first?”

It was disheartening to realize ‘teaching’ wasn’t going to end for a long time with Scarlett. “Repeat after me. ‘I am Scarlett Giordano’.”

She stood, reaching for my hands again. “Sal, what is wrong?”

I don’t know. I didn’t. I was just so frustrated I felt I was about to explode. The house was starting to feel like a prison. I couldn’t understand why Scarlett wasn’t as eager to escape and get out. “Scarlett, say it.”

She looked to the floor. “I am Scarlett Giordano.”

“And I can do anything I want to, whenever I want.”

Her adorable little toes played with each other, but she didn’t repeat the words.

Guilt instantly plagued me. “Okay, don’t worry about that last part, but try to remember your name. It stands for something.”

Quietly, she said, “Not to me.”

How could I be angry at her, for such a statement showed immaturity? It showed how I was truly struggling with all that was happening. I was cooped up in a house—that was now on my last nerve—for a Giordano who I had vowed to die for, but who didn’t even care that she carried the last name.

Yes, I knew they—that family—could destroy her, but if Angelo wasn’t going to care, I didn’t want all the worry falling onto me. I wanted to run from Scarlett—this hopeless situation.

I think there was also a part of me that was jealous. She was about to inherit riches she could care less about. Since birth, I had witnessed the Giordano life. Once old enough, I had to work for them, yet always return to my ‘humble’ home. I think I was angry because Scarlett had me now seeing all those riches differently. Everything about me was changing. And I felt lost.

With heavy feet, I walked to the kitchen to retrieve a banana. “You can eat it while we walk.”

Bare feet pattered, fighting to keep up with me. “Are you mad at me because I ruined the TV like your suit?”

Now, I was angry that she knew I had once cared about those things. Shame had me irrational. I grabbed a banana from the counter. “Scarlett, please. I need some fresh air.” I handed her the banana over my shoulder. “Here.”

Timidly, she took it.

I double-checked the two guns in my holster and then opened the door. Sunlight hit me and had me stepping onto the front stoop. I took one step down, then another, until my shoes were on the gravel driveway. I wanted to run. I wanted to run hard and fast and not look back. But an invisible pull had me peering over my shoulder.

Standing in the doorway was the truly brave one.

I faced her.

Some people think being brave means you’re not afraid. Scarlett had taught me being afraid, and still trying, is true bravery.

The bare feet that had been chasing me throughout the living room and kitchen took more brave steps forward, even though they didn’t want to. They slipped into abandoned sneakers by the front door, then took steps forward.

On the top step, she stood, staring at me, the banana hanging at her side.

What am I doing?

What I was doing was not wanting to look in the Mirror of Truth. Now that Angelo was not here, I couldn’t project opinions on him. I was forced to consider my own level of love for Scarlett.

I dropped to my knees on the step in front of her. “I’m so sorry.” I carefully took off her shoes. “No walk.” I laid my hands on her soft feet, which had never known shoes until I tried to force them. “Not until you are ready.” I reached up for her hand. “Please, forgive me.” I rested my forehead to her stomach. “Scarlett.”

Her forgiving and gracious hand touched my head, making me feel blessed. Her fingers ran through my hair, causing me to melt into her. My eyes drifted shut. “Thank you.”

She whispered, “I wish my name meant to me what it does for you.” She held me to her. “And I wish it didn’t mean you are stuck with me.”

Such a fast learner.

I wrapped my arms around her thighs, holding her tight. “I may have been hired to protect you, but there is no money that could ever change how much I care about you.”