Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 105734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105734 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 352(@300wpm)
“Yes, he did,” I answer. “Your house is very impressive.”
“Thank you,” Corello responds. “You’re most welcome here.”
I squeeze Frankie’s hand, relying on him even though he has no clue who I really am. We move to the dining room, where a fantastic meal has already been laid out. The plates are real china and the silverware is real silver. There is a chilled glass of water beside each setting, and fresh cut flowers for a centerpiece.
Frankie scoots around me to pull out a chair. I glance at him gratefully, knowing that my status as his girlfriend is the only thing protecting me from his father. The evening has just started and already I’m leaning heavily on the man I’ve been lying to for almost a month. I hope I can make it through without revealing my hidden agenda. It takes everything I have to make polite conversation with the monster at the head of the table.
CHAPTER 23
FRANKIE
Ifeel like it’s going well. Sofia’s a little quieter than usual, but I assume she’s just nervous. It is a lot to take in, the magnificent house, my pregnant stepmother, and my magnanimous father. I’m pleased that everyone seems to be getting along.
“Frankie tells me you’re a writer,” Dad says.
“That’s right,” Sofia responds.
“What do you write?” he asks. “Anything I might have read?”
“I’m not published,” Sofia says quickly.
“She’s doing some genealogical research,” I offer, hoping that will extend the pleasant conversation.
“Interesting,” Dad muses. “Where is your family from originally?”
“The research I’m doing isn’t on my family,” Sofia counters. “I’m more interested in the history of this city.”
“Oh,” Dad responds. “Are you writing a paper?”
“Yes,” she confirms.
“Frankie says you met at the library,” Marlena interjects.
Sofia looks at me, and I can see genuine pleasure in her eyes. “We ran into each other in the reference section.”
“That’s so sweet,” Marlena croons.
“How did you two meet?” Sofia asks my stepmother.
I hold my breath. The story of my father’s meeting with Marlena isn’t one for idle conversation. I was actually the one who brought her home, and she wasn’t at all comfortable with my father’s vocation until they got to know each other.
“I was tutoring Frankie,” Marlena replies, neatly glossing over the controversy surrounding my father’s empire. “And I thought he was a good guy, but then I met Cisco, and it was love at first sight.”
Sofia blinks, her reaction muted. I wait breathlessly, wondering if the two women are going to butt heads. I know it wasn’t love at first sight, but in the grand scheme of things, that seems like a small lie. The two are happily married now, and they have a right to their secrets.
“How romantic,” Sofia finally replies.
I shoot her a grateful smile and reach for her hand underneath the table. We finish our meal in peace, making small talk about the weather and city politics. My father has some strong opinions when it comes to the mayor, but he doesn’t explain the reasoning behind them. I’m well aware that the mayor is corrupt and is accepting money from our family. But Sofia doesn’t need to know that. Instead, we talk about the park cleanup initiative that the mayor is spearheading. Dad thinks that the money could be spent in a better way, and Sofia agrees with him.
“Downtown needs to be revitalized,” Dad says.
“You’re right,” Sofia declares. “There are entire neighborhoods that could use help.”
“Enough of politics,” Marlena decides.
“You’re right,” Dad defers to her better judgment.
“Who wants pie?” Marlena asks.
“I would love some,” I respond.
Marlena attempts to get up, and Sofia rushes to her aid. “Let me help you,” she says.
“Thank you,” Marlena exclaims.
Sofia goes around the table to help Marlena to her feet. “Forgive me for asking, but don’t you have servants who can clear the table?”
“We’ve given them the night off,” Marlena explains. “We thought a nice family dinner would be better.”
“Oh,” Sofia replies.
The two women disappear into the kitchen with Marlena’s arm looped through Sofia’s. I watch them go, astonished at the speed with which they seem to bond. There’s not a big age difference between them, so that’s one thing. I’m thrilled that they’ve hit it off, because I know Sofia was incredibly nervous. Maybe now she’s feeling better.
I watch the empty doorway for a long time before realizing that my father is looking at me. I glance over and he gives me a wide grin. I shake my head. I don’t want to talk about women with my dad. That’s not the kind of conversation any person wants to have with a parent.
I think I might be falling in love. No, I think I’m already in love. The way she’s navigating the minefield of my family dinner says volumes about her character. That she can sit in a room with my father and discuss the mayor’s agenda while simultaneously caring for my stepmother makes me wonder where she’s been all my life.