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“Hold that thought.” She follows my gaze. In walks my father with a few of his men. I also spot Cillian with a few of his men. This is unplanned. “Stay here.” She looks nervous. I squeeze her hand as I stand. I walk towards my father. “Father, I didn’t realize you were bringing guests.”
“Last time I checked this was my restaurant.”
I want to question why he is bringing the leader to one of the four families here today of all days. He never does anything without a good reason. Lately he seems to be making decisions without discussing it with me. I’m supposed to take over the business. But as the days go by he involves me less and less.
“I wanted only family this evening. I have an announcement.”
“I know the announcement. The answer is no.” He looks at me like I’m five years old asking for permission.
“I didn’t realize I was asking for your permission.” My voice carries, silencing the room.
“It’s best if we have this discussion at a later time. We have a guest you must entertain. I suggest you tell your friend to go home.”
I want to give my father a piece of my mind but it will be pointless. I won’t gain anything. Instead I need to focus on what is right in front of me. Why is Cillian here? What is my father up to? The last time we were all in the same room hell broke loose.
“My future wife is not going home without me. If you want me to stay, she will as well.”
“Tread carefully Viktor, for I am not a forgiving man.”
“And I…” I start.
“What is all the back and forth?” My mother interrupts walking out of the kitchen.
“Father has brought a guest. We can have family dinner another time.”
“Nonsense.” She continues to talk. But my attention is on Ava. She gracefully stands and walks to me. I don’t know why but she looks determined.
“Good evening Mr. Manarch. May I have a word with Viktor?” She stands beside me looking at my father in the eyes. You see the shock on his face. No one dares look or talk to him unless you are family.
“Go ahead.” He finally says, surprising me. Ava pulls me to the side.
“Viktor, I think it’s best if I go. I don’t want you to have problems with your father because of me. We need to be smart if you want this to work.” I’m listening to her but I can’t believe the words coming out of her mouth.
“He doesn’t dictate what I do with my life.” She puts her hand on my cheek. It’s cold and instantly cools me.
“This battle isn’t worth fighting. Let him have it.” I’m surprised by how calm and collected she is. “It’s ok. Can you call a car for me? I’ll go to the house. We can talk later.” I can’t argue with her logic. This is the best course of action considering my options. I don’t want to show any discord between my father and me in front of Cillian.
“I’ll have Oliver drive you.” I finally say.
“Ok.”
“Oliver, take Ava home.”
“I’ll get the SUV.” He says standing beside me.
“Thank you.”
“This is nonsense. Ava is my guest.” My mother says.
“I will not repeat myself, Anita.” My father says.
“It’s okay, Anita. I had a lovely day with you. It’s been a long day and I’m tired. I think it’s best if I go home. We can do dinner another time.” She pulls my mother in for a hug. “Mr. Manarch, thank you for letting me speak with Viktor. You have a wonderful dinner.” She doesn’t let my father speak. She leaves him with the words in his mouth. I’m not sure if I should praise or scold her. I follow her out. I stop before we reach the SUV.
“Ava,” I start.
“Viktor, I am so sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” Her voice shakes.
“Don’t. No one stands up to my father without fear. You are a brave woman.” I pull her in. Her body is shaking. Her adrenaline is wearing off. “I will always take care of you.” I lay my chin on her head. I can’t smell the lavender that normally pours out of her. I find myself missing her scent even though I just learned it. “Go home and relax. I’ll have Mary make you something to eat. It will be a few hours before I’ll be home.”
