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Evie nodded. “We can get dressed up.”
“That would be nice,” I said to Evie, knowing how much she loved dresses and feeling like a princess.
“We’ll make it happen. Just let me know what you like.”
“I love crab and lobster,” Evie said with a straight face.
Leo coughed as if he were choking on the bite of pizza he’d just eaten. He drank some water, and when he recovered, he said, “You’re going to be an expensive date when you’re older.”
Laughing with him, I said, “She has good taste.”
“Just like your mamma,bimba,” Leo said.
From working and being around the Giovanni family, I knewbimbameant little girl, and I loved that he called her that. He was a natural with her, reminding her to drink water between bites and cleaning up any messes she made.
Being around him like this was dangerous. It made me want things I couldn’t have.
Eight
LEO
When we were finished eating, Harper said, “It’s getting late. We better head home and get ready for bed.”
Our meal was free, but I didn’t protest when Harper threw some bills down for the tip. It was important to her to pay her own way. Or maybe she didn’t want to make it seem like a date.
It was something I hadn’t thought too much about when I suggested the outing. I knew I wanted to spend more time with Harper and Evie, and when Evie said she was hungry, dinner made the most sense.
When Manny showed up, it took everything in me to stay at the table with Evie and not follow them out. I wanted to know what he said to her and protect her from him. But it wasn’t my place. Harper was more than capable of handling him.
I walked them upstairs, grateful that Harper invited me in.
“Go get ready for your bath,” Harper said to Evie.
Evie crossed her arms over her chest, and her bottom lip popped out. “I don’t want to take a bath.”
“You were playing outside all day,” Harper reminded her.
After a few seconds, Evie said, “Fine,” before stomping down the hallway, presumably to her bedroom.
Harper shook her head before turning her attention to me.
“What happened with Manny?” I asked, my voice low in case Evie returned.
“Nothing that hasn’t happened before. He was probably jealous I was with you and wanted to make his presence known.”
“He only cares about you and his daughter if you’re seeing someone?” I asked, irritation swirling in my gut.
“It seems that way. Sometimes it’s easier not to be seen around town with anyone.”
“That’s not right.” I knew I’d seen him with other girls.
Harper sighed. “I’m the one who has to deal with him, and I’d rather not.”
“Does he hassle you on a regular basis?” I asked her; every muscle in my body pulled taut as I waited for her response.
“Just when he thinks I’ve moved on.”
I should have felt better that Harper hadn’t dated much over the years, but she had a right to a life too. “So, he doesn’t want to be involved in your lives, but he still wants to control it.”
