“What makes you say that?”
“Because I don’t expect anything or want it, if I’m honest.”
“Whether you want it or not, you are the sole beneficiary of my will, Tiffany, and your inheritance is worth billions on its own, so perhaps you should reconsider why Joseph Ravera is so keen to help you.”
“For my money, I’m guessing, but he has more than enough of it himself. He is doing it for his family business, just like my father did, so I’m guessing there’s nothing abnormal in that.”
“What if I disinherit you and leave it all to charity?”
“It’s yours to do with what you wish, but out of curiosity, why not leave it to my mother? She is still alive.”
“Because your grandmother told me not to.”
I’m a little stunned and have no words as he says gently, “I may have been missing physically from your life, Tiffany, but I followed it carefully. When Priscilla left Enrico, it was because she sensed a better option. She married a wealthy man, and it wasn’t because she fell in love with him. She saw a way out of a loveless marriage of confinement and ran off with the next best thing. The trouble is, she couldn’t run away from herself and spiraled into her usual cycle of addiction that has ultimately been her downfall.”
“Addiction?”
“Alcohol, drugs, to name a few. I blame myself. We gave her too much freedom, too much money, and no reason to work. She was addicted to the thrill, and when life with Enrico became stale, she seized an opportunity and fled. I’m sorry to say she never once looked back. All I hoped for was that you would never inherit her faults and got your strengths from your grandmother. So far, I’m pleased to see none of them, except perhaps a weakness for tall, dark, destructive men that is.”
I laugh softly because he’s not wrong there. No matter how much I tell myself I’m doing this for my sisters, I’m not. I am mesmerized by Joseph Ravera, and perhaps I am my mother after all, because he’s a drug I am in danger of becoming reliant on against my better judgment.
“Will you meet his friend?”
I’m curious about that, and he nods. “I owe him that at least. Because I got to meet you, and that is worth more to me than anything.”
We share a smile, and a wave of relief hits me as I contemplate finding a family I thought was lost to me forever.
“So, what happens now?”
I’m intrigued by hearing the answer, and he appears hesitant.
“I will walk away, but not before I offer my promise that you have a home with me or one of your choice if you need it. I want to be a part of your life, but I accept that you may prefer to cut ties. But I’ll always be your grandfather and no matter how much trouble you are in, I will not turn my back on you.”
“But you did my mother.”
I’m not judging him; I’m merely curious, and he shrugs. “There are only so many chances a man can offer when it becomes apparent they are not hitting the mark. She can come to me if she is ready to listen, but I know my daughter, Tiffany. She would rather die than come begging to me. I don’t want that for you. I have an idea you may need me one day, and I’m hoping we can salvage some kind of relationship before I die. No conditions, no rules, just two family members who are interested in knowing more about the other.”
“I’d like that.”
I really mean it, too, and his sudden smile warms my heart as he steps a little closer.
“I’m happy to agree to a meeting with Mr. Ravera’s friend if that is all the payment required to reconnect with you.”
“Will you go into business with him?”
I’m mildly curious, and he shrugs.
“Never say never, Tiffany. Life can be surprising sometimes. Take your husband for one. Outwardly, he is not the sort of man I would care to spend any time with, and certainly not agree to him marrying into my family, but something about the way he is with you gives me some hope.”
His words confuse me. The way he is with me is for his own benefit, but I force a smile. “He is surprising, I’ll give him that, but don’t buy our anniversary card just yet.”
“You can come with me now. There is nothing he can do to prevent that.”
“I’m pretty sure his dark army outside could do a good job.”
I roll my eyes, and my grandfather laughs out loud.
“You make a valid point.”
