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“Because she’s my girlfriend.”
There was another pause, this one longer than the last. And then it was dead air. That might not have been the smartest thing to say. I put the phone on the table and grabbed a cold beer from the fridge. I rejoined Emmy on the couch.
“That doesn’t sound like it went well,” she said.
“No, not so much.” I sighed. “I guess the cat’s out of the bag.”
“I take it he didn’t like that?”
“I don’t know,” I said. “I don’t care. What do you think your dad will do now?”
“Probably get you fitted for cement shoes,” she murmured.
I smirked, but the truth of the matter was, it wasn’t all that far-fetched. “I guess I better watch my back.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” I said. “This is on them. You’re not doing anything wrong. I’m not going to stand by and let you get railroaded into doing something you don’t want to do.”
“Thanks for sticking by me,” she said.
“It’s where I’ve been for nearly thirty years,” I said. “It’s where I plan on being for at least the next thirty years.”
She let out a long sigh. “I was going to make dinner. I sat down and I just lost track of time.”
“We’ll make dinner together,” I said.
We worked side by side, chopping vegetables, browning meat, and stirring pots. The smells of garlic, onions, and spices wafted through the air, making our mouths water in anticipation. As we cooked, we joked and laughed, enjoying each other’s company. I hoped she could forget about her father. I knew that was virtually impossible, but I had to try. I just hoped we didn’t get another visit from one of her father’s ‘friends.’
I knew her father loved me like a son, but I didn’t know how he would take it knowing I was with his daughter. At the end of the day, I was still the driver’s son. I didn’t have blue blood. Then again, neither did Joey Limonsatta. He wasn’t exactly a pillar of the community. She could do worse.
We sat down at the table to enjoy our dinner together. The food was delicious, and we savored each bite, relishing the taste and the comfort it brought us. After dinner, we cleaned up together, washing dishes and wiping down the counters. We worked in perfect harmony, moving in sync as we put the kitchen back in order. It was the way it had been every night.
As we finished, we looked at each other, both of us feeling a sense of contentment and peace. We knew that no matter what the world threw our way, we had each other and the simple pleasure of cooking and sharing a meal together.
“We’ll get through this,” I said.
She nodded. “I know.”
“Did you get any more of your stuff packed?” I asked.
“I packed a few things, but I still need to get the rest. I think I’ll just donate the furniture and stuff. We don’t want to bring it here.”
“I don’t mind,” I said.
“No.” She shook her head. “We don’t need it. The thieves got the good stuff. I’m just glad I had my laptop with me.”
“I’ll go with you this weekend to get the rest of your stuff,” he said. “I’m not sure you should be there alone.”
“Oh, but you forget, I’m never alone.” She sighed. “There’s always one of my dad’s guys watching. Just think, there’s a guy roaming around your building right now, just waiting to report back to my father.”
“Do you think he already knew about us?” I asked.
“Probably. I don’t care. He likes you.”
“He likes me as the help’s son,” I corrected. “I have a feeling he isn’t going to be nearly as happy with me as your boyfriend.”
“I don’t care,” she said. “I cannot keep living like I’m a five-year-old. I would think he would be happy if it’s you. He’s always asked you to look out for me. Now you have a vested interest in protecting my body.”
