“He paid for my schooling and has made sure I’ve wanted for nothing. I know who’s behind Daddy’s death and it wasn’t Emilio. I’m nineteen and I will decide who I plan to marry.
“Rico is right, I would love your approval, but I will not be torn from him again. If you can’t get over your lover’s quarrel with his uncle, that’s on the two of you. I’m engaged and will become Mrs. Rico Gallo,” Oni says confidently.
“I only want what’s best for you. Nothing good has ever come from being involved with this man,” Brenda says.
“Nothing?” Uncle Emilio snorts.
“Eww.” Oni scoffs.
“I see why my son has fallen for you. That fire matches his own. It’s nice to finally put a name to the face. Hello Oni, I’m Carlotta Gallo, Rico’s mother.”
“Oni is right, this isn’t about us. You and I can talk later. I came to celebrate the two of them,” Uncle Emilio says.
“Uninvited,” I growl.
“Marone, why is it the two people I love most in this world only see me as some monster?”
“Because you promised me I would pay for my betrayal, and you’ve never broken a promise since I’ve known you.”
“We have suffered enough. I’m not here to hurt you.”
“Then why are you here?”
“Because Jack can’t be and I thought … never mind.”
“Oh my God, that’s it. You think you can replace her father?” Brenda chokes out.
“No, she reminds me so much of him. He would be so proud of her. I’m proud of her, but I know I’m not him.”
“You two still aren’t getting it,” Oni huffs. “Whatever this is going on between you, figure it out before the engagement party. As a matter of fact, neither of you are welcome at our wedding if you can’t at least be civil. Rico, I need some air.”
With that, Oni stands and marches out of the restaurant. I groan and close my eyes. Could this have gone any worse?
“Does your wife know about this?” Brenda hisses at my uncle.
“I’ve been a widow for seventeen years, Brenda. I raised my daughter on my own. I don’t need to take Jack’s little girl from you. My princess comes with enough headaches.”
“Never stopped you from having your cake and eating it too in the past.” Brenda looks at my father as he sighs. Her shoulders slump. “I’m sorry. It’s good to see you, Fredrico, Carlotta. I’m sorry for your loss, Emilio. I know just how that can feel.”
“Which is why I tried to save you from that hurt. I’m sorry I was too late. Jack was like a brother.
“I let my ego and pride get in the way. Don’t punish my nephew for that. He isn’t like me. He’s a better version of me and Fred.”
“Emilio,” she says as her voice cracks. “If I allow this … If I choose not to fight it with every ounce of blood in my body, know that I will take down every don, capo, minion and all their crews over my baby girl with that same strength I reserved. Your world doesn’t get to steal from me again.”
“I would rise from my grave to help you because they will touch her over my dead body. That I promise.”
Oni
“Are you all right,cara?”
I look up from my phone as I stand outside the restaurant angry texting with Emilia about her dad and my mom. Staring back at me is Rico’s mom. She’s a gorgeous woman. Tall with dark hair and big gray eyes.
“I’ll be okay. I just wasn’t prepared for any of that.”
She moves closer and points to the little bench in front of the restaurant. I nod and follow her to take a seat. I don’t realize how much my feet are aching until I get off them.
I’m too angry to feel anything else. Emilio and my mother made tonight about whatever it is they used to have going on. I know he said he knew my mother, but I didn’t realize heknewmy mother.
