“What?” I ask sharply. “How?” My voice rises despite myself.Goddamn it, Dad. Why didn’t you ever mention this?
“Our fathers made a deal years ago,” Gino continues. “You were seventeen. Vanessa was sixteen.”
I rub a hand over my face. “Jesus. Why do I feel like I already know where this is going?”
“Because you probably do.” He doesn’t hesitate. “They agreed that when Vanessa came to New York, the two of you would be matched. Eventually married.”
I open my mouth to interrupt, but something tells me to let him finish.
“They thought it was a good idea. Listen, I am asking you to guard her with the possibility of marriage. And if the two of you can’t stand each other, I’ll tear up the contract. Both our fathers are dead. It’s not like they’ll know. And she never has to find out.” He shrugs.
“You don’t plan on telling her about this?” I ask.
“Not yet. I don’t want her thinking I’m some kind of traditionalist. But I do need her safe. Dad wanted me to protect her, and this is how I think I can start.”
I lean back slightly, considering that. “So how exactly do I protect her?”
“Take her home tonight,” Gino says. “Stop by your place first. Grab some clothes and whatever you need, but keep her with you at all times. Take her to and from work, hang out, and don’t let her out of your sight.”
“She works in a hospital,” I say. “How do you expect me to?—”
“You know what I mean.”
I nod once. “Alright.”
“Thanks, man. You’re really the only one I fully trust with this,” he says quietly.
“Trust as in… marrying your sister?” I wink.
“Shut up, asshole. I need to give Vanessa a little detail so she isn’t fully caught off guard when you drive her home and stay with her. And I’m serious about this. Don’t tell Vanessa.” Gino stresses the last words, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“You know I’m good at keeping quiet,” I say as I stand up.
We leave the office and head downstairs.
I head off to find Vanessa when I hear Kevin whisper to Gino, “Did you tell him about the deal?”
“Yeah, I did.” Gino responds.
“And he knows not to tell her?”
“Yes. He knows.” Gino rolls his eyes.
Gino is just like his father in that way—he hates being questioned about obvious shit.
With that, he turns and walks toward the kitchen.
As I watch him leave, Kevin walks next to me.
“Vanessa has grown into a beautiful young woman,” he says casually.
“Yeah, I guess,” I say.
“Listen son?—”
“Not your son,” I cut in flatly. “So please don’t call me that.”
Kevin nods, accepting the correction. “Mateo, I know Gino told you about the agreement your fathers made. I’ve known for a while. It was one of the few things Antonio confided in me about while Vanessa was growing up, and I was against it at first. But it might be for the best,” he says.
