After placing our dishes in the sink, he held out his hand to me.
“Until then, though, I still want full cuddle privileges as we watch Netflix.Formula Oneis waiting, but next week we are introducing you toStranger Things, which is my favorite show.”
Taking his hand, I settled on the couch with him, and we began to watch the racing series. When he tucked me against him, I sighed contently, hoping that three months from now, it turned out that we actually could find a way to make this fake relationship become real.
Chapter 11
Week2–Friday
Liam
Isabella was a bundle of nervous energy. I’m not exactly sure why she was freaking out. I had never had issues with parents. Even back when I was an asshole. Nevertheless, she was outside her family’s restaurant pacing.
“We really should go inside.”
Her eyes darted to me.
“What if he says I can’t date you?”
“He won’t.”
She looked exasperated.
“You don’t know that.”
“We’ve been through this. Have a little faith in me.”
Then, before she could protest, I opened the door and motioned for her to move. There were already a few people watching us, so she had no choice. Silently, she entered the restaurant and bit her lower lip.
“Izzy, good. We could use an extra hand. Can you bring this to table seven?”
Isabella looked like a deer caught in headlights as a woman handed her a tray holding a pizza and ran off. She closed her eyes for a minute and then mumbled under her breath that she would be right back. I laughed. I couldn’t help it. This place just reminded me of the first time we met. Beside me, someone cleared his throat.
“May I help you?”
It was clearly Isabella’s father. She looked just like him. Well, a much more female version of him. But they had the same eyes and nose. His apron was covered with flour and sauce, and it made me smile.
“Mr. Bianco, you can help me, actually. Do you have a minute?”
His eyes squinted and I remained still as he seemed to assess me. Then, he yelled over his shoulder, “Sofia, I take a ten-minute break to talk to thissciocco!You keep Isabella inside!”
I wasn’t sure what sciocco meant, but it didn’t sound promising. Isabella was trying to return but her father escorted me outside and looked at me.
“So, you’re the guy that wants to date my Isabella.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And what makes you think you are worthy enough to have such an honor?”
Isabella hadn’t really prepared me for much, but this question was easy enough. At least for me.
“Honestly, sir, I am not worthy enough. Your daughter is an incredible young lady. I would like to date her because I know that she will make me a better man. One that may, someday, become worthy of her.”
He started to appraise me again.
“That was a good answer.”
“It was an honest one. Bella is very special to me.”
