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“How long have you had him?” I asked.
“Two weeks,” she sighed.
I offered her a sympathetic smile. “Good luck.”
“Thanks,” she said and walked away.
I smiled and walked back to my car. If and when we had a baby, I was going to make sure there wasn’t a puppy involved. That would be way too much for me. I drove to Luke’s building and parked. I collected my bag and purse and was thinking about what I would make for dinner when I nearly ran into a man.
“Oh! Mr. Romano!” I said with surprise when I saw Luke’s father.
“Hello, Emilia,” he said and gave me a warm hug.
“Is Luke home?” I asked.
“I doubt it,” he said. “I’m here to see you.”
“Me?” I asked with confusion. I didn’t understand how he would know I would be showing up. Then I remembered Mr. Romano was more than just my dad’s driver. He was the guy who acted as my father’s eyes and ears and was always looking out for him.
“Yes.” He nodded.
“Should we go upstairs,” I offered.
“No.” He shook his head. “I’m just here to deliver a message.”
I could only imagine what that would be. I let out a sigh. “I’m guessing this isn’t a message I’m going to like?”
I loved Mr. Romano. He had been a second father to me in many ways. I respected him. He was always very kind and understanding over the years. He was also very protective of me, but I knew he would forever be loyal to my father. My father wasn’t just his employer. The two had basically made a blood pact many years ago. I didn’t understand it, but I didn’t have to. They did. Mr. Romano was my father’s ride or die. I had no doubt in my mind he would take a bullet for my father if it became necessary.
I followed him away from the front entrance with my stomach churning with nerves. I had no idea what he wanted to tell me, but I could tell from the tension in his body that it was not going to be good. I turned to face him, slightly defiant.
“Look, Emilia,” he started, his voice low and serious. “I know you’ve been seeing Luke, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to continue this relationship.”
My heart stopped. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Why not?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. I was expecting something else. I thought he loved me like a daughter. Why wouldn’t he want me with his son? Was I not good enough?
“You come from a different background than us, and I just don’t think it’s a good match,” he said.
Tears pricked at my eyes as I realized what he was saying. He wanted me to leave his son alone, to go home to my father and forget about Luke. I was going to make him say it. He was going to have to tell me to stay away from his son.
“Your father wants you home, Emilia,” he said.
He never called me by my name. He always called me Emmy. My father called me Emilia. It was like my father was standing in front of me, which was exactly what I was supposed to think.
“I’m not going home.”
“Your fatherwantsyou home,” he reiterated. “It’s safer. We can keep you safe. He is willing to talk to you about your concerns.”
“My concerns?” I scoffed. “You mean, growing up? Making my own choices? Choosing my own path? The horror.”
“He let you try this thing and it’s just not working,” he said.
“Try whatthing?” I asked. “Are you referring to me being out on my own?”
I honestly wasn’t sure what he was getting at. What was I doing that was so bad? I didn’t understand how my father couldn’t get it through his head I didn’t want to be him.
“We know about the break in at your apartment,” he said softly.
I frowned at him. “How could you possible know that?”
