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His expression was sheepish. “You should go to school if that’s what you want to do.”
I started to shake my head before he finished speaking. “It’s not the right time. I have Evie to think about.”
“Aren’t you thinking about her by going? You want her to see you have a better life. Better than the one your mother gave you. You want to set an example for her. Not that you’re not doing great, but you want to show her the value of education.”
I swallowed hard because he’d gotten to the core of the issue. “It’s not the right time. I’ll still go, but maybe when she’s older.” But I’d gone through the details a million times in my head. I worked during the day and watched Evie at night. I didn’t want to give up my evenings or weekends with her.
“Have you talked to Gia about taking classes during the day? You could work some weddings to make up for the hours lost. Or work more of a flex schedule.”
I shook my head, quickly dismissing the idea, even though I’d gotten excited by the possibility. “That’s not what I agreed to when I took the job.”
Leo dipped his head. “You know Gia would help you.”
Gia hadn’t been at family dinner. She told her parents she was busy, but I knew she avoided them. Her father was forever asking Gia to return to work at the restaurant. But it was important to Gia that he saw her as an independent and successful businesswoman. I wasn’t sure that was going to happen.
“Just because she would doesn’t mean I should do it.” I appreciated the Giovannis’ help, but it was time to stand on my own.
“Why do you fight it?” Leo stepped closer and brushed a hair out of my face.
“Fight what?” I asked, my breath catching in my throat and my imagination running wild. Was this where he admitted he liked me, that he always had?
“Fight us. We want to help you. We love you.”
My shoulders fell because he was talking about his family, not himself. “And I appreciate it, but I shouldn’t rely on your family. It’s not right.”
Leo’s brow furrowed. “Who decides what’s right and what’s wrong?”
“I’ve been thinking it’s time to move out.” I wondered if the Giovannis could rent to someone else and charge more. I hated to leave the security of this place, but maybe it was time.
Leo’s nostrils flared at that. “You’re moving out?”
“Don’t you think it’s time? Evie should have a house, a backyard, and maybe even a playground.” That’s what she deserved. Whether I could afford it was another thing entirely. It was expensive to live in this area, especially if I wanted to keep her in a good school district.
“Of course she deserves that, and so do you, but can you manage it?” His tone was genuinely curious.
“I need to do some research first.” I don’t know why I’d told him before I’d figured things out. I checked on Evie in the backseat, but her head was tipped to the side, and her eyes were closed. These family gatherings wore her out.
When I straightened, Leo said, “I worry about you.”
I shook my head. “You don’t need to. Evie and I will be fine.”
He tipped his head to the side. “There’s nothing wrong with me worrying about you.”
“I don’t need you to.” But I liked it.
“Mmm,” he hummed as he moved closer to me.
“I’m not your sister.” I was positive he didn’t feel anything for me except for a misguided sense of brotherly affection.
His brow furrowed. “I know you’re not my sister.”
“The other night you said I was.” Then my face flamed with embarrassment.
He drew himself up to his full height as he considered me, and I had no idea what he was thinking. Could he see right through me? Did he know how I felt? Suddenly, I couldn’t seem to draw in a deep breath.
“If you want to move out, you should. But don’t do it because I’m overprotective. I have a feeling my mom will be heartbroken if she loses you and Evie.”
“She has you, your brothers, and Gia.” She didn’t need me.
