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“But—” He crossed his arms high on his chest. Every muscle in them flexed. I knew my father was muscular, but he suddenly appeared much larger than I’d ever noticed before. “Besides the hickey you came home with,” he narrowed his gaze on me, pointing to the location on his own neck, “the shit at the airport sealed the deal.”
“What are you talking about?” I curled my lip.
“Eliza,” he sneered, “I saw the look you gave one another whenwhat’s her faceshowed up out of nowhere. That’s when I knew my suspicions were correct.” He uncrossed his arms, arching a brow at Vincenzo. “My daughter? Man, what the fuck were you thinking hooking up with her?”
Vincenzo mindlessly nodded. “I know.”
“You know?!” my dad barked. “That’s all you have to say for yourself?!” He took a step closer to Vincenzo.
“Dad!”
“Eliza, no!” He spat. “Your mother and I are already getting a fucking divorce as soon as we get back home. I just wanted a peaceful vacation before you went back to Boston and she and I parted ways.” He snarled at Vincenzo, clenching his fist. “And you mother fuckin—”
“I’m not going back to Boston!” I bellowed, calling his attention from killing the man I loved at that moment.
They both turned to me, retorting, “What?!”
“Dad,” I sighed as tears dribbled from my eyes all over again, “I don’t want to be a lawyer. I’m sorry. I just wanted to please you and I failed you repeatedly with my actions. I love Boston and I love you more than anything, but I don’t want to be stuck in an office all day or in a courtroom. I don’t want to be responsible for guys like him,” I pointed to Vincenzo, “being put away, and it rests on if I win or lose a case.”
Vincenzo’s lips pursed as he gnawed at the inside of his cheek. “Lizzie, don’t dare stop that because of our argument in Florida.”
“What argument in Florida?!” My father’s eyes darted back and forth between us. “You know what? I don’t care.” He lifted a hand, shaking his head. “I need to leave before I punch—”
“Dad.”
He stopped; his own eyes welled with tears.
“I’m sorry about you and mom.” I lunged forward, throwing my arms around his waist.
He wrapped his arms around me in return. No matter how livid he ever was with me, he always loved me. I knew he was only pissed off, but he was also dealing with his own pain through this. “You and Lucas are my priority, Eliza.”
I peered up into his eyes. “Please, don’t hate either of us for this. I didn’t want to add to your stress with her.”
He backed away, taking my arms in his palms. “I will never, ever hate you. All I’ve ever wanted was for you, Lucas, and your mom to be taken care of and happy. I’m sorry she and I couldn’t stay together.”
“Why did we even come here, then?” I took a step back, standing next to Vincenzo.
“We agreed on one last vacation to give us all a good, last memory as a family.” He glanced back and forth between us. “I really can’t be in here right now. I love you both, but I want to lock you away forever,” he nodded at me then looked at Vincenzo, growling, “and I want to beat your ass.”
Vinny slipped his arm around my waist, pulling me into his side. “Jamie.”
I stretched my arms around Vincenzo, hugging him.
My dad’s eyes widened, and he lowered his gaze for a moment before lifting it once again.
Vincenzo rubbed my back in a circle with his palm. “She’s an amazing woman and taught me how to be human after prison. I know who I am, and I know what I’m capable of, but I also know just how qualified I am to make her happy and take care of her.” He lowered his gaze to me. “I had no clue she was quitting law school, so we probably need to discuss that,” he turned his attention back to my father, “but I know whatever she does, I’ll support her one hundred percent because I love her.”
My father buried his face in his palms. “Shit, Vinny. Love?”
“I want to work in fashion and stay in New York.”
Vincenzo’s posture stiffened, and his hand froze.
“I can see that.” My father nodded before letting out a deep breath. “Well, I need to go make up an excuse as to why I was gone so long.”
“Why?” I snorted. “She’s always gone.”
My father cracked a faint smile. “Eliza, please don’t. I need time to be mad.”
