Ainsley,
The information you shared is not new. We found out the details two years ago, and trust me, Dimakos has suffered for it since then. A rich man’s worst tragedy is the loss of his assets.
I will grant you, Ms. Johnson’s abilities are impressive. Time will tell if she can deliver what you believe she can. However,if she applies herself to discovering the missing player on the board, I will be most grateful.
How are you settling in?
P.S. The blanket is wonderful. What would I do without you?
Yours sincerely,
Renzo
Dear Diary,
Miss me? Regret me? Realize what you once had? That’s what you’d do without me.
I hadn’t realized how much I missed living in San Francisco until I started living here again. I was too young before everything happened to really go out and venture on my own, but now, I’m seeing a side of San Francisco I didn’t before. I’m fully moved in now despite Tore’s protests. I think he’s just worried I won’t babysit the kids anymore. I’ll have to see how my first semester goes (medical school is no joke), but for now, I’ve promised to take Lou and Boyan off his hands on weekends during the school year and at least three days a week on vacations. Seeing how protective you are of kids, I think you’d love them.
Boyan is still in that discovery phase. He loves everything that’s new to him. He’s a very curious kid and doesn’t let anything beat him down. I’m so proud of him for never letting his scars define him.
Lou is getting more and more opinionated every day, but she tends to bottle everything up and explodes once in a blue moon when she’s had too much. I think Tore’s freaking out about how she’s going to be once puberty hits. He’s literally said you need to be out by then to share the load. I’m just happy they’re normal kids. You gave them that, and I’ll never be able to thank you enough.
Waking up early and walking through San Francisco’s streets is invigorating. I’m constantly trying new coffee shops, hoping to find a few favorites before I’m too busy with school to care what I’m pouring into my stomach to stay awake.
Have you ever been to Golden Gate Park? I remember coming to the Conservatory of Flowers as a kid with my parents, but the place is even more beautiful than my memories. It’s a shame, though, that I have no one to walk down the forest trails with or to rent a boat with to go around the lake. The greenery is so plentiful and peaceful. I can almost forget the constant smog nowadays and pretend I’m back in Santa Rosa at the villa.
When you’re out, will you keep me company there? We could walk down JFK Promenade and through the forest trails together. See the waterfalls on Strawberry Hill. Eat a snack at one of the food trucks. It’d be nice to go with someone. What do you say?
P.S. It seems your hint to Tore about Massimo a couple of years ago has worn off. If Massimo had his way, he’d probably move into Tore’s home. Every time I stay over, he’s there. I know Tore appreciates all the help Massimo’s been providing as his stand-in second while you’re preoccupied, but he makes Boyan and Lou uncomfortable. It also means Alfie is there most of the time, and you know how Lou feels about him. She’s never quite forgiven him for that time he threatened us.
I brought it up to Tore, and he did ask Massimo to limit his visits to no more than once a week, but you know Tore. He’s great and all, sweet and caring and playful, but he’s not the workaholic type like I think you are. Massimo is pressuring him to handle more of the business, and while it might not involve house visits as much for now, I still think it’s something to be careful about. The guy rubs me the wrong way, and it’s not just because I overheard him suggesting Tore put the kids inboarding school a while back. Anyway, your choice. I’ve said the same to Vinny. I hope one or both of you will step in.
Ainsley,
I would love to go with you. It would be a nice change of scenery. The whole family can go. We could make a picnic out of it, if that day ever comes. It’s a nice daydream. For now, the patch of grass in the prison courtyard does the job.
I would certainly miss you. You have kept me good company over the years. However, if I ever do get out, I am afraid we will have to become strangers once more. I will regret that, but I will always cherish the connection we shared.
Tore is scheduled for a visit next week. We will discuss it then. I don’t want you to have to worry.
Yours sincerely,
Renzo
Chapter 27
Ainsley – twenty-one / Renzo – thirty-four
Dearest Ainsley,
Vinny let it slip you’re recovering from meningitis. You should’ve told me. Why didn’t you tell me? Do you realize how worried I’ve been? No word from you for the last three weeks. I had to ask him what was going on with the kids and you. How hard is it to write something up, stuff it in an envelope, and mail me the letter? How are you feeling now? Is there anything you need?
Yours sincerely,
Renzo
TENDER
