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“Yeah.And after my date the other week, I realized that holding out hope for something that isn’t going to happen is giving me a mental block and stopping me from seeing what else might be out there for me.”
“Or who ...”
“Yeah.”This conversation seems to be making my decision more final than it was when I made it myself.Somehow, telling Dad is making it all the more real.
“Hmm,” he says.I watch him, expecting him to say more, but he doesn’t.Just like that, I have his acceptance, his approval, and his understanding, all in the space of mere minutes.“Better not mean I don’t get visits during my shifts,” he mumbles around a mouthful of meat.“Because if I'm not seeing my girl at home, I damn well better be seeing her around the firehouse.”
I narrow my wet eyes at him.“I told you not to make me cry!”
He shrugs, a wry grin curving his lips.“I made no promises, Lonnie.”Finishing his sandwich, he scrunches up the wrapping and puts it back in the bag before wiping his mouth clean and turning his body to face mine.“But I will ask you to make me one.”
My brows furrow.“Okay ...”
“Luca Rossi is one of the best men I know, and there are only a few people I say that about—a lot of them work in this station and have my back when I need it.”
I nod.That’s not something I didn’t know already.
“You need to promise me that in moving on, you won’t shut the door completely.”
My frown deepens as I think about not only what he’s said but what he’snotsaying.Then it’s like a light bulb goes off.“Dad ...”
“No, Lonnie.All I’m saying is that sometimes, a man needs to see what he could have slipping away before he pulls his head out of his proverbial ass and realizes what he’s losing.You get me?”
I shake my head.“Dad.It’s not going to happen.It’s better to keep my friendship with him and move on, open myself up to meeting someone whocanreturn my feelings.”
He seems to mull on that for a moment before he nods just as the firehouse bells ring out over the speakers.“Duty calls.”
“No rest for the wicked, huh?”I say as we both stand.“I’ll clear all of this away and get going.”
‘Thanks for lunch, kiddo.Let’s do it again.”He leans in and wraps me in a hug before kissing my forehead.“And if you need any help with the security deposit or—”
I shake my head.“I’m good.I have a father who taught me to save my pennies and who’s let me live at home rent-free for the past three years.”
“Man, you’re a lucky daughter,” he teases, his smile making his eyes crinkle at the sides.
“Iam,” I say as he moves toward his office door.“See you tomorrow morning?”
“Definitely.And I mean it, Lonnie.If you need anything, your mom and I are always here.”
“I know, Dad.Now go hit the road and stay safe.”
With a grin and a wave, he walks out, and when I leave the firehouse a few minutes later, I do it with a smile on my face because hopefully soon, I’ll be stepping out on my own and taking control of my life.
“Hey, what are you doing here?”I ask Val as she hops out of Renee’s car outside the three-story brick apartment building Renee and I had arranged to meet at.
“Can’t a boss tag along when her favorite employee is getting her first condo?”
I arch a brow.“You can ...”I say slowly.
“Good.”
I reach out and shake Renee’s hand.“Hi.Thanks for arranging this for me.”
Marco’s fiancée and Luca’s soon-to-be sister-in-law smiles at me.“Not a problem.I’m friends with the owners, and since you’re family, she was more than happy for me to show you around the place.Let’s go find out if this is going to be your new home.”
My heart squeezes a little at the family comment, but I don’t let it show.Val’s gaze on me tells me she didn’t miss it though.
“How do you know the owners?”
