Tony shrugs. “You’reRicci. I’mBorelli. I’ve got three daughters of my own, so I know how Italian fathers think. My daughters are still young, but if they brought home a suave guy like Mr. Rivers, I’d let the guy have it. No offense, Mr. Rivers.”
“None taken. I’ve been called far worse things in my life than ‘suave.’”
Georgina says, “I’ve brought home exactlyoneboyfriend in my life. And my father went so freaking Italian on that guy, I’ve never had the stomach to bring anyone home again.”
Tony chuckles. “Sounds like your father is a good egg.”
“The best. He was right to dislike that guy I brought home, by the way. He turned out to be a first-class jerk.”
“Daddy alwaysknows best.”
Tony’s eyes in his rearview mirror shift to me, and I flash him a look that says, “Wrap it up.”
“Well, I’ll leave you two alone now,” Tony says. “Would you like some air? Music?”
“Music,” I reply. “Something mellow, not too loud.”
“You got it, Mr. Rivers.”
Soft, soothing music begins playing and Georgina sinks back into the leather seat. “Whew. I was more nervous about meeting your mom than I let on. I’m so glad it went well.”
“Let’s do it, Georgie.”
She glances at Tony and mouths, “Here?”
I chuckle, realizing she thinks I want to have sex. “No, sweetheart. Take me to meet your father.”
Georgina makes the exact face I’d expect her to make if I’d just now asked her to shave my balls.
“Why is that such a ridiculous request?” I say, laughing at her expression. “We said we’re not going to hide our relationship anymore. And you said yourself you don’t care what anyone thinks.”
“My father isn’t ‘anyone.’ I care very much what he thinks.”
“Aw, come on. I brought you to meet my mother, and I was scared to death to do that. And look how fantastically that turned out.”
“That’s different.”
“Why?”
“Because your mother would never think I’m your boss. BecauseIhaven’t paid offyourstudent loans, and your mother’s condo, or paid for your mother’s expensive medicine.”
“Well, I’m not your boss. So, that’s not an issue.”
“My father won’t understand that.”
“And I can’t fathom your father will have a problem with me taking care of you, and someone you love dearly, to the best of my abilities. Plus, you really shouldn’t care what he thinks, Georgina. In the end, all that matters is whatwethink. Whatwefeel.”
“Yes. That’s true, in relation to everyone in the world, except my father.”
“Are you planning to see him for your birthday when we get back?”
“On Saturday. I’m going to his house for dinner and cake.”
“Then I’m coming with you.”
She winces.
“Stop being a coward. We’re doing this. We’re both open books now, remember? We’ve got nothing to hide.”
