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I’m speechless. Why would Dom do that for my parents? I’ve heard the rumors of Anna sending Dom to people to offer advice. Surely he’s not the funder of all the businesses his ma sends his way. Some people swear at him and others swear by him. It’s a fine line when dealing with money.
“How much do you still owe?” I ask.
My dad shrugs. “I think around ten thousand now.”
“Jesus, how much did you take?”
Ma’s cheeks redden, and she draws back.
“I’m sorry,” I say. “I didn’t mean to yell. How much was Dom willing to loan you?”
“Around twenty-five thousand. The economy was so bad. It took a long time to recover—”
“It’s okay, Ma. I understand. But I’m your daughter. We could have helped you. I was married to Max then, and we were doing okay.”
She waves me off. “You two were having your own problems. We didn’t want a loan to your parents to be the cause of a fight. And Dom suggested it. We were only looking for advice.”
I nod and remain silent, a tear slipping from my eye.
Ma’s hand lands on mine with a squeeze. “What happened between you two anyway?”
“Nothing. We just broke up.” I swipe the tear away.
Ryder touches my arm. “Don’t cry.”
“I’m fine. Honestly. It’s all for the best.” I stand and clear my plate, picking up Ryder’s as well.
“Sweetie, we haven’t eaten yet.” Ma stops me before I head to the kitchen.
“Oh.” I glance at our full plates. “Sorry.” I put the plates back down. “I’m just going to go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”
They let me go, sharing a look of ‘what are we supposed to do?’
There’s nothing for them to do. I miss Dom so much my entire body aches. I barely get out of bed every morning. If it wasn’t for Ryder, I wouldn’t. I put up a front every time he’s around. I’ve thrown away more wine bottles in the last two weeks than my entire life and I feel as though I’m hiding an alcohol problem.
My parents’ doorbell rings, and I use Kleenex to wipe my tears. No need for anyone else to see how upset I am.
Walking out of the bathroom and down the hall, I stop when I see Annie, Bella, and Lulu at the door. Little Gia is at Lulu’s side and baby Anthony is strapped to her chest in one of those wrap concoctions.
“What? What are you guys doing here?” I ask.
“Sorry for interrupting your dinner,” Annie says.
“We’re not sorry. Sit down.” Lulu points at the couch. “This is ridiculous. I’ve had it and I’m about to call us ex-best friends if you continue to hide shit from me.”
Gia crosses her arms and nods.
Seriously?
“Blanca reached out to Lulu. Turns out she didn’t know that you and Dom had filed your papers and broken up.” Bella purses her lips as though she wants to say whoopsie.
“Lulu, just stop. We’re over for good. You should be happy.”
Lulu digs in her purse and pulls out a twenty. “Ryder, take your grandparents down to that new gelato place. We need to have a talk with your mom, and you three don’t need to hear what I’m about to say.”
“What about Gia?” Annie asks, concern marring her smooth forehead.
“Oh, she’s fine. She’s heard it all before.”
