CHAPTER 23
FRANKIE
Ifeel like it’s going well. Sofia’s a little quieter than usual, but I assume she’s just nervous. It is a lot to take in, the magnificent house, my pregnant stepmother, and my magnanimous father. I’m pleased that everyone seems to be getting along.
“Frankie tells me you’re a writer,” Dad says.
“That’s right,” Sofia responds.
“What do you write?” he asks. “Anything I might have read?”
“I’m not published,” Sofia says quickly.
“She’s doing some genealogical research,” I offer, hoping that will extend the pleasant conversation.
“Interesting,” Dad muses. “Where is your family from originally?”
“The research I’m doing isn’t on my family,” Sofia counters. “I’m more interested in the history of this city.”
“Oh,” Dad responds. “Are you writing a paper?”
“Yes,” she confirms.
“Frankie says you met at the library,” Marlena interjects.
Sofia looks at me, and I can see genuine pleasure in her eyes. “We ran into each other in the reference section.”
“That’s so sweet,” Marlena croons.
“How did you two meet?” Sofia asks my stepmother.
I hold my breath. The story of my father’s meeting with Marlena isn’t one for idle conversation. I was actually the one who brought her home, and she wasn’t at all comfortable with my father’s vocation until they got to know each other.
“I was tutoring Frankie,” Marlena replies, neatly glossing over the controversy surrounding my father’s empire. “And I thought he was a good guy, but then I met Cisco, and it was love at first sight.”
Sofia blinks, her reaction muted. I wait breathlessly, wondering if the two women are going to butt heads. I know it wasn’t love at first sight, but in the grand scheme of things, that seems like a small lie. The two are happily married now, and they have a right to their secrets.
“How romantic,” Sofia finally replies.
I shoot her a grateful smile and reach for her hand underneath the table. We finish our meal in peace, making small talk about the weather and city politics. My father has some strong opinions when it comes to the mayor, but he doesn’t explain the reasoning behind them. I’m well aware that the mayor is corrupt and is accepting money from our family. But Sofia doesn’t need to know that. Instead, we talk about the park cleanup initiativethat the mayor is spearheading. Dad thinks that the money could be spent in a better way, and Sofia agrees with him.
“Downtown needs to be revitalized,” Dad says.
“You’re right,” Sofia declares. “There are entire neighborhoods that could use help.”
“Enough of politics,” Marlena decides.
“You’re right,” Dad defers to her better judgment.
“Who wants pie?” Marlena asks.
“I would love some,” I respond.
Marlena attempts to get up, and Sofia rushes to her aid. “Let me help you,” she says.
“Thank you,” Marlena exclaims.
Sofia goes around the table to help Marlena to her feet. “Forgive me for asking, but don’t you have servants who can clear the table?”
