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It does the job, and she smiles again. “Thank you. Does she think you’re jealous?” she jerks her head to what I assume is Mel.
I laugh. “Probably. That woman is crazy.”
“I just want her to stay away from me. And you. Both herandDean actually. They’re nothing but trouble.” I nod my agreement.
Let’s just hope Melody takes to heart what I said to her and stays the fuck away.
* * *
“Where are you taking me?” Thalia asks as I drive her down narrow roads. I’m taking her to a restaurant out of town. I convinced her father to allow me to take her without Greg, only to be shocked when he allowed it. There is a reason I call Greg her shadow. Ninety-nine percent of the time, he’s only steps behind her.
My piccola doesn’t know it yet but tonight she will be meeting my parents. She knows I’ve reconciled with my father but doesn’t know they’re in Italy to watch me compete. Reaching over, I take her hand. Bringing it to my lips, I press a kiss to her soft skin. “It’s a surprise.”
She rolls her eyes with a smile but doesn’t ask any more questions. We drive the rest of the way in comfortable silence and ten minutes later we arrive at the destination I chose for tonight’s introductions. It’s one of the oldest restaurants in this part of Italy, and one of the most popular, built into the mountainside with complete three-sixty views of the sea. People come here for the experience alone, but it’s an added bonus that the food is supposed to be some of the best in Italy. It’s the complete package and the perfect place for the love of my life to meet my parents.
Coming to a stop, I take the time to watch my piccola as she takes in our surroundings. She looks around, her lips parted and eyes wide.
“This place is beautiful,” her voice is a whisper as if she’s scared, she will ruin the tranquil feel of this little slice of heaven. Her breath hitches and I know why. I grin as she looks up at the name. “Piccola Venezia.” Her eyes dart to me.
Shrugging, I tell her, “I was going to bring you here just because of the name. But there is another reason for being here. My parents are here and waiting to meet you.” I go to climb out of the car, but she stops me with a hand to my arm.
“Your parents are inside? I’m meeting your parents?” she screeches.
Chuckling, I reach back and cup her face. “Baby, they will love you as much as I love you. I met your family, now it’s time for you to meet mine. I’m serious about you. About us. You are my life. My parents are part of me. I want to bring my worlds together.”
Her face softens, eyes glazing. “I’m so happy you reconciled with your father. I’m glad you had someone in your corner last year after everything that happened.”
“They helped me through all that shit for sure. But what really got me through was knowing that I would be coming for you.”
“I love you,” she murmurs, making my chest tighten and my heart burst in my chest. I know she loves me; it’s obvious in the way she looks at me, and I feel exactly the same.
I brush my lips against hers. “I love you too, piccola. Always and forever.” I kiss her. “Now get your cute ass out of this car so we can get inside.”
Taking a deep breath, she nods before climbing out. She looks beautiful in a long floral dress, the colors perfect for her olive skin tone. Rounding the car, I take her hand and lead her up the steps and inside. The hostess greets us, her eyes taking me in before they move to the girl next to me.
“Buona sera,” she chirps.
“Buona sera. I have a reservation for Rhodes. Some of the party should already be here.”
She smiles. “Yes, they are. Please follow me.” Her accent is thick, but I’m pleased she can speak English. Although I speak some Italian, it’s not my first language, so it makes it easier. She leads us through the restaurant and to a deck overlooking the Adriatic Sea. I spot my parents just as they see us. My mama jumps out of her seat and rushes towards me. Throwing her arms around me, she squeezes tight. “My boy, I’ve missed you.”
I chuckle. Anyone would think I’m a child, not a thirty-one-year-old man. Breaking the embrace, I smile down at her. “Hey, mama. You look lovely.”
She smiles softly then her gaze moves to my piccola. She gasps, taking Thalia’s free hand. “Oh my, aren’t you beautiful.”
My chest puffs out in pride. Yes, she really is. She’s exquisite. Thalia blushes, suddenly looking shy. “Thank you. So are you.”
My mama pulls her in for a hug, making me break our clasped hands. Shaking my head, I look up to find my father approaching us. “Son.” He pulls me in for a hug, clapping me on the back.
“Good to see you, dad.”
“Likewise.” His eyes move to where my mama is still hugging my girl. He sighs. “She’s been so excited to meet Thalia, I’ve had to tell her to calm down several times since we’ve been here,” he says in exasperation, but I can tell it’s in jest. I laugh with a shake of my head. Mama finally releases my baby from the hug, taking her hand instead.
She looks at my dad. “Isn’t she beautiful? Our boy has done very well for himself.”
“Leave the poor girl alone, Giana.” He takes Thalia’s hand, leans in, and kisses her cheek. “Nice to finally meet you, sweetheart.” Michael Rhodes is a formidable man. But as he looks at Thalia, his whole face softens. My chest constricts. I always wanted my father’s acceptance but carried on without it when we were estranged. Over the last year, I have gained it and vice versa. Now, watching him, I see more than approval. I see love for his son and the girl that has stolen his heart. I was so bitter towards him, hated how he wouldn’t support my dream of a showjumping career, that I never once stopped and considered how, in his own way, he only wanted the best for me. I know they say everything happens for a reason and I feel like, although it was hard, especially on my mama, it worked out exactly as it was supposed to. Our relationship is stronger than ever, the way it should be.
“Likewise.” My piccola shifts on her feet and I can tell she is overwhelmed.
