Dad works more than a full-time job, taking care of everyone. “Dad, I want to help, but—”
“You don’t have time.” He turns to face me. “I thought about that. You have a brilliant business mind and would be the perfect choice, but I don’t think you have the time or energy to do it. Especially since you’re about to add a family into the mix. You can’t run a multinational corporation and take care of the family.”
But that doesn’t make sense. Why is he — “You’re checking to see if it would hurt me if you asked someone else.”
“More than that. I’d want you to be there for him—their consigliere, if you want to use the proper term—to help him. You’re an amazing strategist with a broad knowledge base. Would you be willing to support the man I choose and help him care for this family?”
“Absolutely.” That would be the best of both worlds. “You know I’ll always do what’s best for the family.”
“Good. When he retires, I’m going to ask Gabe to start preparing for the job.”
What?
“Don’t look so shocked.”
“But Gabe is a football player.”
“That doesn’t make him a meathead. He actually got two degrees while playing football.”
I know that. Gabe isn’t stupid. But it’s hard to picture him as the head of the Vincenti Family. Maybe that’s just my brain rejecting the thought because him taking power means my dad is dead. “You’re right. I think he would make a fine choice.”
Dad nods. “Your great-uncle would approve.”
He would done way more than approve. Great-Uncle Antonio would love that.
Canyon To The Rescue
Fiona
Gabe pushes the stroller into our apartment. “Wait here.”
What? I turn to Daria as soon as he walks out of our sightline.“Gabe signs?”
“One of the players on his team is deaf.” Daria sets her bag down on the bench.
Wow. I didn’t picture him as the type of guy to learn to sign.“Impressive.”
“I know, right? He wasn’t the only one at the party who did. There was even this kid who signed. He was a man in a boy’s body.”
That sounds like Sasha Kamenev, but it could be any one of the Vincentis.
Gabe walks back into the living room with a serious face.“The apartment is clear. Can I do anything else for you two before I leave?”
“No, thank you. We appreciate you driving us home.”Daria smiles up at him.
“My pleasure. See you guys at the game.”He walks out, and she locks the door behind him.
“Can you believe Gabriel Vincenti was just in our house?”Daria slides off her shoes.
Not really.
“He might be visiting us more often if Hope has anything to say about it.”
What does that even mean — “She’s playing matchmaker.”
Daria smirks as she walks over to the couch with the book she brought to the party.
“That’s not funny.”
