“Ah, you’re awake! Just in time for lunch if you care to join us,” Dad says as he walks in the back door.
I turn and smile at him. “What’s for lunch?”
“We’re going super fancy, hot dogs on the grill and sides.”
“Ooohhh, we haven’t done that in too long.”
“We figured we’d do some easy meals after the excitement of the last few days. Hot dogs on the grill for lunch, leftover taco bar for dinner.”
“Sounds fucking good to me,” Luca says. “Need help with anything?”
“Can you grab a few beers and start up the grill? Anthony is out back. Ari and I will bring the hotdogs out in a minute.”
Luca gives me a quick kiss before heading outside.
I look at Dad, wondering why he wanted a minute alone with me. He’s upset about something. “What’s up?”
“A couple of things. First, I need to let you know we received a letter demanding money, along with photos.”
I close my eyes as my stomach plummets. “When?”
“Thursday. I couldn’t bring myself to tell you before the wedding.”
Dad takes one of my hands in both of his while I drag air into my lungs. “I was hoping I was wrong,” I whisper.
He kisses the top of my head. “I know, sweetheart.”
“Does Luca know?”
“Yes.”
Alright, I’m not surprised he knows. Or that they kept it from me until after the wedding. I wouldn’t have told me, either.
“What else?” I ask with a heavy sigh, opening my eyes.
“I wanted to ask if you’re opposed to Anthony knowing what’s going on. A much less detailed account of things than what I gave Luca, to be sure.”
Confused, I tilt my head. “Why? What’s the point if he’s leaving soon?”
“He filed for divorce weeks ago and is planning to stick around. Tina went home this morning?—”
“Wait. She already left?” I know for a fact she didn’t say anything to Luca. “What the fuck?”
“I don’t know, Ari. Really, I don’t. She’s always been a problem.”
“Yeah, about that, did you date her or something.”
Dad’s face pinches, and he shoots me a death glare that makes me giggle. “Good god, no. Why?”
“Something she said to me yesterday.” Part of me wants to tell him Tina called Mom—and me—trash. And maybe I would have a few minutes ago, before I knew about the letter and pictures. But we all have enough to worry about now. Shaking my head, I motion forward with my hands. “Doesn’t matter. Continue.”
He pauses, debating whether or not to let it go. When I grin at him, he purses his lips. “Mmhmm. Anyway, Anthony wants to be a good father again. Wants to be a part of the family again. Your mom and I thought we could let him stay here at the house unless anyone has a problem with it.”
“How does Luca feel about it?” He’s my first priority in this matter.
“I haven’t talked to him yet, wanted to get your opinion.”
“As long as Luca’s okay with it, I guess it’s fine with me.” Pointing my finger at him, my expression hardens. “But Daddy, if Anthony proves you wrong and hurts my husband, he’s not leaving the property alive, and I call first dibs.”
