Page 36 of Searching for Love

Silence descended over the table, broken only by the soft sobs and ragged breaths of their mother.

“Was that our dad?” Sophia asked when their mother grew quiet.

“Yes,” his mother answered quickly. “I’m not crying because I miss the man. I’m crying because…”

“She hates him,” Lucas finished. “We both hoped to never see that man again.”

“Why?” Sophia asked, but then the table grew quiet when Rico delivered a fresh basket of breadsticks.

“Thanks,” they all said to Rico.

“I’ve told the police about your dad. Told him what kind of car he was driving. Hopefully, they’re out looking for him.” His eyes moved to Sophia and his mother. “Can I get you anything else?”

“No, thank you.” They both said together.

Rico smiled and nodded. “Your food will be out shortly.”

“Why?” Sophia asked when they were alone again.

“I can’t do this tonight,” their mother said as more tears started. “We should just go home.”

“No,” Sophia said. “I’m sixteen. Old enough to know a little something about him.”

Lucas sighed. “Diego was very abusive. When I finally could, I convinced him that it would be better if he weren’t around.”

“You’re the reason he left?” Sophia asked him.

Lucas’s chin rose slightly, and then he nodded. “I am.”

Sophia seemed to relax a little. “I have one memory of that man. I couldn’t remember his face until just now.” Her eyes turned away from their mother to him. “Thank you for making him go away,” his sister said, surprising him.

Lucas felt a knot in his throat and nodded as he reached for his drink.

“Now, let me finish my story,” Sophia said with a grin before she picked up where she had left off in her earlier story.

By the time their food arrived, the three of them were laughing and had put the horrible ordeal behind them.

After paying for dinner, Lucas walked his mother and sister out to their car but instead of climbing into his truck, he headed back inside to find Rico.

“You, by chance, aren’t looking for a different job are you?” he asked the man.

Rico frowned at him. “What?”

“I’m opening a restaurant in Pride and⁠—”

“The new Mexican place?” Rico interrupted. “I’ve heard about it.” He smiled. “We’ve all been eager for you to open your doors. I was keeping an eye out for the help wanted sign to go up.”

Lucas chuckled and held out his hand. “I’ll start interviewing in about a week. Swing by anytime.”

“Thanks,” Rico shook his hand. “It’s a lot closer to home than this place. Besides, I don’t know if you can tell, but I’m not Italian.” Rico and Lucas laughed.