Angelo’s son, Mateo arrived within minutes, and Dad ordered a bottle of wine and his regular chicken parm. I chose the special, lamb with risotto, my mouth watering before Mateo had even left our table.
“So, fill me in on this boy.”
“What boy?” I asked, sipping my water.
“Are we really playing that game,bella?”
I sighed. “I’m assuming you’re referring to Stoney and so far, he appears to be a really good guy.”
“But you haven’t received your background check report back, am I correct?”
“Yes. But please don’t tell Luca. He’s already amped up about Stoney and I just want to keep the peace.”
“Why is your brother amped up about this boy,cara mia?”
“Who knows why Luca gets amped up about anyone. He’s convinced Stoney’s a criminal because he’s part of a motorcycle club, but so far, there’s no evidence of that.”
“He’s part of a gang?”
“No, Papa, it’s not a gang. At least, I don’t think it is.” I bit my lip. “I took Felix to their family night and there were kids of all ages running around having the time of their lives. The president’s brother-in-law has some challenges intellectually, but every single one of those men treated him with dignity and respect, and they’re very patient with him and the kids. So, as much as Luca might say they’re a gang with illegal activities, I just don’t see it.” I sighed. “But maybe I don’t want to see it.”
Mateo returned with the wine, poured a tester. Dad approved it, so Mateo poured us each a glass then walked away again.
“This is why I don’t worry about you,” Dad said.
“What?”
“The fact you are so self-aware. You trust your gut, sweetheart, it’s always right.”
I smiled. “Thanks, Papa.”
“But I want him at Sunday dinner.”
I rolled my eyes. “Butter me up, then drop the hammer. I see how it is.”
He grinned. “Just because I trust you doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have backup.”
“Fair enough,” I said, and tipped my wine glass toward me.
We clinked a toast, then our meal arrived, so we focused on the food in front of us, talking about nothing of real importance, just laughing and enjoying each other’s company. I loved my dad. He was the best.
* * *
Dad dropped me homejust before nine, and I took a quick shower, then called Stoney.
“Hey, baby,” he said, answering immediately.
“Hi. I’m home, just in case you want to come over early.”
“Yeah, I’ll be there in twenty.”
“Okay, see you then.” I hung up and rushed around my house doing a quick clean.
Stoney arrived less than twenty minutes later, and I pulled open the door where I was immediately pulled against his hard chest and kissed deeply.
“Hey,” he said after breaking the kiss.
“Hi.”
