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“I can.” He got up slower than I wanted and I paced impatiently. “Simone, it’s okay.”
“A child saw me making out, barely clothed, with her uncle.” I glared at him. “Something I shouldn’t have been doing in the first place.”
“You started out right, but that last part is a lie.” He chuckled. “We should have been doing that.” He came over to me and pulled me into his arms.
I protested and he tightened his hold.
“Run… and I’ll chase.”
I moved away from his hold and he waited.
“It’s really okay. She didn’t see anything.”
“Nice try. My ass was to her. She saw my entire backside…”
“Simone. We’re Italian. Our art even suggests the beauty of the body. It’s okay. I promise.”
I didn’t say a word as we went downstairs. Martina was sitting on the couch holding Amina. She smiled at the two of us.
“I’m sorry that Amina interrupted the two of you. She knows better than to go into locked rooms before knocking. Doesn’t she?” She tapped Amina.
“Yes, Mommy.” She turned back to the cartoons that she was watching and left her focus there.
“Thank you for having me over for breakfast,” I said to redirect the conversation.
“It was a pleasure. I’ll see you Sunday, right?”
“Yes,” I said automatically. I did want to come, but after the makeout session I’d had with her brother, it truly wasn’t a good idea.
Beni went over and hugged both the woman and the child. “Ti voglio bene.” He kissed their foreheads before he mumbled something to Martina in Italian that I didn’t understand.
“Grazie di tutto.” He kissed her cheek and stood.
Martina beamed as she looked at Beni. “Figurati.”
He escorted me outside where the sun shined brightly. It had to be around one or so. Denny drove us to my house and Beni insisted on going inside to make sure it was safe. Back at the door, he kissed both of my hands and moved to the porch.
“I’ll have Denny come back to take you to work. What time should he arrive?”
“No, you don’t have to do that. I’ll get a share ride. Then tomorrow I’ll get a rental.”
“Or you could sleep in, come outside when you’re ready, and he’ll make sure you get to the club. I’ll go in early, make sure everything is good. You’ve had a rough few days and we still need to talk about your dream. He’ll be here at five.”
I sighed, exhausted by this man. “Are you always so exasperating?” I asked.
“I need you safe, Firefly.” His hands came up to my face where he held it between his hands. “Safe, baby.” He kissed my lips briefly and walked to the car.
He rolled down the window before it pulled away. “I won’t dock your pay if you decide to come in late.” He winked and rolled it back up as I blurted out a laugh that shook my entire body.
“Very funny, crazy man.” I shook my head trying to clear it of the gittiness I felt.
Overbearing, he hovered in a protective way. It didn’t stifle my own need to look out for myself. Instead, it took away the barrier, making it a fluid transition. He gave me options and told me how it was going to be in the same breath. Inside, I called my best friend Asia.
“Girl, I have so much to say.” I started when she answered.
I spent an hour on the phone with her before sleep called to me. I set my alarm for five p.m. and then became lost in getting rest. For the first time, I didn’t worry what would happen if I came in later.
ChapterSix
