“Do you?” He raised his brows at me, and I nodded.
“I met a-a woman.”
He said nothing as I swallowed. “I-I don’t know what to do.”
“Are you asking me for dating advice, Dad?” He chuckled softly.
“Maybe.” The corners of my lips twitched.
“Tell her how you feel. Always say how you feel. If you don’t, you’ll end up sitting in this same exact spot, across from her years later. You don’t want to miss out on all that time, do you?”
“I don’t,” I whispered.
“What’s her name?”
I laughed softly. “I cannot say.”
“Figured. Do you think we’d like her?”
“I think you’d love her too. She’s perfect and everything I’ve always wanted. She makes me feel alive again. She makes me smile. She cooks, and it’s incredible. She loves to wear pretty dresses, and she sings when she cooks. My home feels like it’s breathing for the first time in forever. I feel like I am. I-I have never felt this way before. I do not understand how to navigate these feelings inside of me.”
“You don’t need to know how to do it,” he said. “Believe me. I felt the same way with Nattie. She was an enemy, you know?” He shook his head. “Now look at us.”
I nodded, smiling. “She was a sweet girl. I would very much like to speak to her soon and apologize for any turmoil I may have caused her.”
“In time,” he said gently. “I think time is your friend right now. With all of us.”
I nodded, knowing that. I didn’t expect him to welcome me with open arms. In fact, I didn’t expect to see him at all tonight, considering he was supposed to be dead and I was meant to meet with Nico, who I assumed was in town, not off in L.A.
“How did you end up with Nico?” I asked.
“We want the same things.” He shrugged.
“What’s that?”
“People dead.” He eyed me without blinking as my stomach tightened.
“Matteo?”
He shrugged. “Not necessarily, but we take victories where we can get them these days.”
“I will only ask this of you once,” I said. “Please don’t take my brother from me.”
He stared me down, no emotion on his face. Perhaps I’d taught him too well. It was like looking at myself.
“We’re after Everett Church. The Ivanovs. And yeah, Matteo, too if he gets in the way. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Nico does care for Matteo.”
I nodded. “I understand. I will do what I can on my end to ensure all is well. Matteo hurts as I do. He deserves his happiness.”
“I get it, but make sure he stays away from my work. I didn’t want this life, but I’m here now, so I do ask that you let me do what I have to do.”
“I respect that,” I murmured. “I ask that you please be safe and come to me if you need help. I want to help you.”
“I will.” He reached for my hand again. “I do love you, Dad. I just wish shit was different. I know it can be someday. Time, you know?”
“Time,” I repeated. “I will give you that if you promise not to disappear on me again.”
“I promise.” He squeezed my hand. “I’ll talk to Levin. Let me lay that groundwork first. I’ll try to warm him up to you.”
