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“Where’s mom?”
“In the kitchen. I hope you are staying for cake.”
“I’ll stay for cake, dad.” Smiling, I make my way to the kitchen. It’s where you can find my mother on any given day at any given time. It’s her little sanctuary since it was recently remodeled. I reach across her shoulders and hug her. “Hey mom.”
She twists her body to offer a better hug. “I’m so happy you are here.”
“Come on, I wouldn’t miss Dad’s birthday. But I do have to talk to him.”
“Oh, that sounds serious.”
I smile. “It is.”
“Better make it quick because the guests will be arriving soon.”
I head back to the living room where my dad is. “Can I talk to you for a sec?”
“Sure, sweetheart. What is it?”
I sit on the loveseat and face him in his chair. “Are you familiar with the LaRocca family?”
“I am. Why do you ask? We have been fighting over territories for years. It’s not a secret that’s for sure.”
“Well, I didn’t realize it in the beginning, but I have recently become acquainted with the son, Dominick LaRocca.”
“How acquainted?”
“Dad. Can I trust him?”
“Well, my rival is with his step dad, not him. And there is a rumor that someone had his dad killed, so his step dad could take over. But I don’t know how valid that is. And that order was not from anyone in this family.”
“I have to tell him.”
“If you do, you have to let him know it’s a rumor so you aren’t sure. And as far as trusting him, I don’t know. What I do know of him, I don’t want that life for you. It’s a hard life to live. And dangerous.”
“You and mom did it, and you’re still doing it.”
“It was a different time when we got married. We have done a good job keeping you away from that lifestyle, but I know it was never a secret. We just don’t want that for you. However, if you feel that strongly about him, I won’t stop you. And he will be responsible for protecting you. If you want to bring him around, I can feel him out.”
“Does that mean you’ll give him the third degree?”
“Me?” he playfully questions.
“Dad!”
“Just be careful. Okay, honey?”
“Okay.” Smiling, I stand to hug my dad. “Thank you for telling me the truth.”
The doorbell rings, and I move from my seat to go answer it, greeting my dad’s friends. They always comment how much I have grown, or that they have known me since I was a baby in my mom’s stomach. It’s crazy.
The wives make their way to the kitchen, adding their own bread and dishes for the party. These families have always been there, no matter who’s birthday it was. I grew up with their own kids as well. I was never lonely growing up. Which, in turn is why I am BFF’s with Livia.
“Is Livia coming?” Mom asks me.
“No. She’s busy. But she wishes you a happy birthday, dad.”
“Tell her, thanks. But I expect to see her soon.”
