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Syd looks up to me when Tony walks back over. “Would you like me to bring you your favorite dishes?”
My gaze cuts to Sybil. She cocks a brow.
“That’s okay, Tony. I’ll order something from the menu.” How did he even remember my favorite dishes after so long? My brothers and I would want to run around this place when we were smaller. Mom would get pissed and Tony would take us to the back and feed us. As we got older, our manners became more refined.
Besides, if he brought me a bill for those dishes, which he probably wouldn’t, I couldn’t afford to pay for them.
Warren orders for him and Sybil and I order a spaghetti marinara for Syd. I opt for the same meal since it’s the cheapest thing on the menu.
Warren and Sybil drink white wine with their meal. Warren comments on how well-behaved Syd is, but there is no conversation occurring until Sybil asks, “Do you have lots of friends in school?”
Syd doesn’t answer.
“Are you still dancing?” Sybil asks.
Syd just shrugs.
“Actually, I’m an artist and I’ve been teaching Syd how to paint,” I say, trying to help the conversation along.
At the mention of painting Syd smiles.
“What do you paint?” Warren asks.
Sybil looks pissed that he’s asked me a question.
“I do mostly landscapes, sometimes I do people, animals. . .” I say matter-of-factly.
“I’d love to see your work,” he says. “I’m always on the lookout for upcoming artists.”
Given his sleezy demeanor and the way he keeps checking me out, I doubt it’s my artwork he’s interested in.
Sybil asks Syd if she wants dessert, and she just shrugs, which is a good indication of how uncomfortable she is. So Sybil just asks for the bill.
I don’t offer to pay.
“Where are we going next?” I ask.
“To Central Park,” Sybil answers. “It’s a beautiful day. I could use the fresh air after spending all my time in an office.”
Her comment reminds me of my family. It’s the life they wanted for me.
I go to say goodbye to Tony on our way out and he hugs me.
“It was good to see you, Ms. Albizzi,” he says. I don’t think Tony notices but I freeze.
“You too, Tony.” I look over my shoulder to see if anyone heard the interaction. Warren and Sybil are standing close enough, but they don’t seem to be paying attention.
I take Syd’s hand and leave the restaurant.
We head back to the car. The ride to Central Park is filled with silence. This is just a boring day for Syd. There is no way she and her mom can bond with all this extra going on around us.
Nana messages me on the way.
Nana:All good?
Me:Yes.
Nana:I know.
