“About me. And my mother. Being poor, pathetic failures.”
“I see. And what makes you think they think that?”
“Are you kidding?” I scoff. “Just look at the way they look at me. They scan my entire outfit as if they can detect I got it on sale at TJ Maxx because it had a rip. My mother has constantly told me what they’ve said about us. How we’re not a real part of the rest of the family. How we ‘don’t fit in.’ I’ve heard it all. And it’s time that they eat their words.”
“Ooh, feisty. I like it.” Maria grins.
We arrive at the dock overlooking the lake. The sun is slowly setting, meaning it’s almost time for the first dinner. Time flies when you’re dealing with a child, I guess. We sit on the two black Adirondack chairs at the edge of the dock.
“Well, I still think you should give Valentina a chance. She’s cute,” Maria protests.
“Sure, if you’re into that tall, effortlessly gorgeous bit,” I grumble.
“Sounds like you’re into her,” she replies.
“Absolutely not. I can’t—I need to focus on why I’m here. I can’t have any distractions,” I insist.
“Well, maybe you need the distraction.”
I look over at her, curious.
“I’m just saying, Isa. When was the last time you let yourself have a little fun? What’s some harmless flirtation going to do? You can still focus on impressing Luciano and tricking the entire family and allow yourself to enjoy this.”
“Sh, sh. No more of that,” I say, putting my finger near her mouth. “I will absolutely never flirt with Valentina. Anybody but her.”
“Okay.” Maria laughs. “Whatever you say, prima. So, it’s time. Show me the book.”
I hand her my father’s book carefully as if, at any moment, the pages will just disintegrate into thin air, and I’ll lose my only chance at finding out what is hidden in the leather binding of this journal.
“It’s locked,” she states.
“Yeah, I know. I thought I could rip it open or use a chef’s knife from the kitchen to cut it. Is that bad?”
“You’re asking me if it’s bad to mutilate your late father’s book just to see what’s inside? The man who loved giving you puzzles to solve? No, it’s totally fine. I’m sure he’d love how resourceful you are. I can hear him rolling in his grave now.Isabella, you betrayed meeee.”
“Okay, I get it.” I roll my eyes and grab the book from her. I stare at the cover, looking at every crease in the leather made by wear and tear.
“What did the note you recently got from your dad say again?” Maria asks.
I reach into my pockets to try and find it again, to no avail. I definitely left it in the apartment back in Jersey.
“It said something like, ‘You’ll find the truth in my journal. You have the key.’ I think. I don’t remember exactly now. I don’t even know what the key could be.”
Maria laughs.
“What’s so funny?” I look over at her, confused.
“You’re the worst sleuth. After all these years growing up with your father, I can’t believe you don’t know the answer to this clue. You really are a pendeja.”
“What do you mean!” I shout.
I search my thoughts quickly, trying to find the answer before she makes me feel stupid.
“Did you get it?” She chuckles as she watches me try to figure it out.
“No,” I say, surrendering. “Tell me if you know.”
“Stupid.” She reaches for my neck and grabs my necklace.
