Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
He gives Gio a smug grin. “I have a bit of time to spare, besides. There’s a little girl here who I’ve brought gifts for.”
“A little girl whose father hates you as much as the rest of us.”
“Why don’t you take your toys and go play, Gio? You and I have nothing to say to one another.”
Gio takes a menacing step forward. “I have plenty to say to you. I’m just going to respect my brother’s home.”
“Whatever,” Riccardo scoffs and turns on his heels after giving me one more dismissive glance.
I glare at him, shooting daggers. Yeah, his bitch ass is too stupid to know his days are numbered. Gio cups the side of my head and tugs me into him. He kisses the top and murmurs into my hair.
“You did good. I’m proud of you.”
“He’s not gone yet. Be proud when we’re home and this gun is locked away.”
He laughs and releases me. Jace grasps hold of my hand and gives it a squeeze. “Nonno was looking for you.”
“Okay, thanks,” I say and turn for the room Nonno was in last. Gio grabs my hand and follows me.
We move down the quiet hall. When we reach the study Nonno is in, Gio opens the door for me to enter. I step into the room to find Nonno sitting, looking down at a book in his lap. He looks lost in thought. When he looks up, his hazel eyes clear.
“Ah, Gio, Ny,” he says with a smile. “Gio, have you seen Dario?”
“I can find him for you.”
“Si, grazie.”
Gio kisses my forehead and turns to leave. I watch him exit before turning to face Nonno again. Standing with my hands folded in front of me, I become curious about the book in Nonno’s lap.
“Come, come. I want you to see this before I hand it over to Dario.”
“What’s that?” I say with a smile.
“It’s a photo album of you and the boys. I want you to remember who you all are to each other. I was sad to hear you took off on them.”
“I was with Ava the entire time,” I say as I go to take the seat next to him on the sofa.
“Ah, Gio mentioned this. I should have known. My daughter has always had a soft spot for you. Now I know why she was insisting on sneaking in to visit me instead of me coming out to the farm,” he chuckles.
I begin to flip through the album. So many memories start to surface. I run my hand over a picture of me, Gio, and Jace.
We were so little, with the biggest smiles on our faces. Things were so simple then. Gio looked so happy and Jace had genuine joy in his eyes. The three of us were inseparable. The things we did.
“I know we ask a lot of the three of you, but I am sure in the end it will be worth it all. For your future and Gio’s. It will all work out.”
“Thanks, Nonno.”
“I’m here for you anytime. My door is always open. Now, help me wrap this for Dario.”
“You’re giving this to him?”
“Yes, it’s time he knows the truth. In time, we will share it all, but this is where it starts.”
I nod and place the album in the box and cover it with tissue paper. Then place it in the pretty gift bag. Nonno covers my hand and gives it a squeeze. I look into his eyes and smile.
“You’ve been missed. I don’t know the full story, but maybe one day you will come see me and tell me all I’m missing. What I do know is that my Michelangelo has loved you his entire life. I believe the same goes for Jace. All I want is to see you three happy, capisci?”
“Yes, I understand, Nonno,” I reply and turn to kiss his cheek.
“Come, walk with your nonno. Tell me how you’ve been. Is Ming well?”
We get up and walk out into the hallway, moving closer to the great room as we talk. He places a hand on my arm to stop me, so I turn to look at him. I look into his eyes as he moves closer.
“You look happy. I like this look on you, but I think you can be happier. You will give him a chance, won’t you?”
I lean in and whisper. “It’s already done, Nonno. I’ve gone back home.”
“Bene bene.”
The smile on his face brings one to mine. Jace comes out of the great room and places a hand on the back of my neck, I turn to look up at him. He gives me a smile that lights up his entire face.
Leaning into my ear, he whispers. “What is it with the men in this family? Do I have to fight the old man for you?”
I laugh and place a hand on his chest. He’s in such a good mood. I go to tease him back, but I’m cut off by Nonno’s next words.