Philippa frowned. “He… ”
“However,” Romeo cut her off. “How… is he doing?”
Our jaws dropped and she looked up at me. “Um. Well… He just walked in on me. Do you want to talk to him?”
“Yeah.”
Philippa stood up and walked over to me. She took Irene from my arms and then handed me her phone, giving me an assuring nod. “Uh, hey Romeo.”
“Back from the dead. Again,” he said. “Who are you going to shoot this time? Marcello?” Though the words themselves were harsh, there was a joking tone to his voice. “Savio?”
I smiled. “No. Shooting you was enough to last me a lifetime.”
“Glad I could be of service,” he grunted back. “What business are you in now?”
“Entertainment,” I said. “Managing, not performing.”
“And Philippa?”
I looked at her and smiled. “Writing of course.”
Romeo let out a simple, “Hm,” before, “if you or Philippa steps foot in Chicago, you’ll be killed. Promptly,” Romeo said. There was a warmth in his tone that I didn’t think possible of him.
“I understand,” I said.
“I’m happy for you. For both of you,” Romeo said. “Where can I send your congratulations bouquet?”
I snickered. “I’m not that stupid.”
“Had to give it a shot,” Romeo said. “He’s dead, you know?”
A smile slowly started to creep across my face. “Who did it?”
“Giorgio,” Romeo said, “and Natalia.”
My smile got even bigger. “The justice we all deserved.”
“Too bad you’re wanted. We’re actually doing okay here.”
“Well, maybe I’ll call again soon and see what you’re getting up to,” I said.
Romeo snickered. “That’d be fine.”
“Irene. Remember this voice. I’m your Uncle Romeo. If you ever need anything, you call me and I’ll get it for you.”
A few tears broke loose and slid down Philippa’s cheeks. I had to force down a lump of emotions from my own throat. “Thanks, Romeo.” The line went dead before he could say anything else, and I couldn’t believe that had just happened.
What a difference a year made.
I closed in on Philippa. “Phi… ”
“I know,” she said. “I know you’re happy here, but I saw the look on your face when my brother and dad got here yesterday and I know you miss your siblings. I just thought… I’d do that for you.”
I leaned down and kissed her. “I can’t believe how amazing you are.”
“If I’m so amazing, can you get home on time?” she asked.
“I’m sorry. I left work when I said I would, I swear, but then the rain started while I was picking up my suit and shoes and traffic was horrible.” I held out the flowers to her. “I’m sorry.”
