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“Are you hungry?” Leo asked her.
And she said, “I’m always hungry.”
“Want to go to one of the restaurants by the harbor?” Leo asked, and my stomach tightened. I probably should save my money and cook something.
“It’s my treat,” Leo said, as if he sensed my discomfort. I didn’t want to say anything in front of Evie, but I needed to pay my own way. I wanted to be an equal partner in this relationship.
When Leo walked down the steps and into the parking lot with Evie in his arms, he said, “My parents aren’t working today.”
I nodded, not wanting to acknowledge that his parents and Gia were a barrier to our relationship and continued happiness.
“When can I play with Matteo and Carlo again?” Evie asked as we walked toward the harbor. The good thing about our apartment was that we could walk to Evie’s school, shops, and restaurants.
“Whenever your mom says it’s okay.”
“Can I see them again soon, Mommy?”
I ruffled her hair. “We’ll figure something out.” I didn’t want to take advantage of Leo’s brothers or assume anything when it came to our relationship. At some point, Leo might decide I wasn’t worth the trouble.
“Did you have fun the other night with them?” Leo asked.
Evie nodded. “They’re silly.”
“She said they cheated when they played charades, dressing up and using props to act out the words on the card,” I said to Leo with a smile. I would have loved to see his big, muscular brothers, who always seemed so cool, dressing up and playing a part in front of Evie.
“My brothers are ridiculous,” Leo muttered as we turned onto Dock Street, which was along the harbor.
“Evie had fun, and I can’t thank them enough for watching her for me.”
“I had a great time too.” He winked at me, and I almost forgot about the house and money situation.
We went into Max’s, a casual bar and grill across from the recently renovated marketplace.
The hostess handed Evie a kid’s menu and crayons. With her attention on coloring, we looked at our menus.
Max, the owner, approached our table. “Leo. Good to see you.”
They clasped hands, and Max asked, “How are things at Gio’s?”
“Good.”
“Your parents thinking any more about retirement?”
“They talk about it, but I’ll believe when I see it,” Leo said, and they both laughed.
“Have you talked to them about your expansion ideas?”
“Papà wants to see my numbers.”
“That’s a good sign.”
“We’ll see,” Leo said, and I knew he was worried his father would never take his ideas seriously. It was hard for the older generation to let the younger one step in with different ideas and concepts, even if it could be good for the business.
I wondered if Leo was too wrapped up in our relationship to work on his plan.
Max turned his attention to me. “Harper, it’s good to see you too.” If he thought it was weird that I was with Leo, he didn’t mention it. “And who’s this?”
“Evie,” she said, without looking up from her drawing.
