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“You’re exactly the same,” she whispered. “Identical.”
I tilted my head as I looked at her, seeing the sadness in her eyes.
“Why do you think I love you so much?” She moved her arms around my neck and pressed her face closer to mine. “My father is very stubborn, just like you. He wouldn’t be making this effort if I asked him to. Even if my mother asked him, he still wouldn’t do it. He’s doing this because it’s what he wants. So the next time he tries to talk with you, keep that in mind. The man is on your side. He’s loyal to you forever. You have someone who’s willing to be rejected and insulted over and over again just to have a drink with you.” She gave me a simple kiss, her eyes still wide and on mine. “I get that you’re angry…but just remember you have someone who cares about you.”
“Cares—”
“Yes.” She gave me a fiery look, refusing to let me override her. “He cares about you very much.”
I didn’t tell Vanessa what Crow and I discussed. It seemed like something that would only upset her. She was calm in the most stressful situations, but I wanted to let her believe peace continued to reign in our lives.
So when she was at work, I drove to Florence and approached the Barsetti manor, the three-story mansion that overlooked the acres of land that had been in their family for generations. Ivy grew up on the walls, and the olive trees surrounded the property, bearing fruit.
I knocked on the front door, feeling strange standing on the doorstep without Vanessa. When I was here a few days ago, I marched out and drove home without eating the meal they prepared for me. This house pricked at my anger, made me feel resentment and rage. While Vanessa and Conway grew up in a mansion with a butler, my mother and I were just trying to survive.
I knew I shouldn’t blame the Barsettis for that. My father wasn’t a good man, and he got what was coming to him. If he thought he could rape Crow’s wife and get away with it, he was mistaken. I admired Pearl for killing him herself. After what she’d been through, she deserved the honor.
But my mother and I were innocent bystanders. We didn’t deserve to be homeless because of his sins. She and I were good people. Good people didn’t deserve what we’d been through.
Sapphire answered, her stomach even bigger than it was the last time I saw her. “Hey, Griffin.” She turned her stomach to the side so she could move into my chest and hug me.
It was strange to hug a woman besides Vanessa, so I patted her on the back and waited for her to move out of the way. She was the same height as Vanessa, petite despite the weight she carried from her pregnancy.
She stepped away, still smiling. “Please come in.”
I stepped inside, feeling anxious the second I walked into the home of the Barsettis.
She turned to me, her hand resting on her stomach. “They’re in the dining room.”
“You doing okay?” I asked, looking at her stomach.
“I’m a little uncomfortable,” she said with a laugh. “My fingers are so swollen I can’t wear my wedding ring anymore. But any day now, our little one will be here.”
“You don’t know if it’s a boy or girl?”
“Conway and I decided to be surprised.”
That was the extent of the conversation I could offer. The only other Barsetti I was genuinely comfortable around was Carmen, but it was unlikely she would be there. She reminded me of Vanessa in a lot of ways. She was fiery, sassy, and candid. There was no bullshit when it came to her.
After an awkward pause, Sapphire guided me to the dining room.
Not that I didn’t know exactly where it was. “Thanks.”
I stepped inside, seeing Crow sitting beside his wife next to the windows. Cane was across from him, along with Conway. The last time I was here, I stormed off and made a scene. The time before that, I had a loaded shotgun pointed at my chest from five feet away. This place was like a prison cell to me.
Crow’s eyes darted to mine the second I entered the room. “Griffin, thanks for coming.” He rose to his feet instantly and came around the table to shake my hand. He moved quickly, not wanting me to wait a second longer than necessary. His grip was firm, and he gave me the respect of eye contact. “Can I get you anything?”
“Just a glass of scotch.”
“Already waiting for you.” He nodded and stepped aside so Pearl could move in next.
She hugged me, her cheek pressing against my chest as she wrapped her arms around my torso.
I felt uncomfortable touching her, especially after what my father did to her. It seemed innately wrong that we were this close together, but I didn’t detect a hint of unease from her. Her touch was maternal and loving, the same kind of affection she gave to her children. “Thank you for coming, Griffin. We’re all very grateful you’re here.” When she pulled away, she gave me an affectionate look with her eyes. I was the subject of her endearing expression, and she gave me that same look she gave to Conway sometimes, like she was proud of me.
