Page 59
I glance over my shoulder. Damiano looks as confused as I am.
“Dad,” I choke, my pulse skipping as I look back at him. “Why are they here?”
“Bella…” His face is twisted with emotion. “Please, just come upstairs and—”
“Why is he—”
“Because he’s part of this too!” my dad finally snaps.
“Part of what?!”
My dad says nothing, just looks at Carmine.
Carmine looks at Dad.
Clearly, neither one of them wants to be the one to say whatever comes next.
My pulse starts to hammer.
“Bella—”
“Don’t Bella me!” I choke. “What the fuck is going on?”
“Sweetheart, just come upstairs, and we’ll explain every—”
“No! Explain everything right now!”
“Bella—”
“Why is Mr. Barone here?!” I demand, my voice climbing. “And Damiano?”
Behind me, Damiano clears his throat. “Yeah. I’d kinda like to know, too.”
Carmine exhales sharply. “Not now, son.”
“The fuck do you mean, not now?”
“Both of you, just come—”
“No!” I snap. “Nobody is going anywhere until someone tells me what the fuck is happening!!”
My dad’s jaw clenches. “Bella, please.”
“Why is Damiano part of this?!!!”
“Because you’re marrying him!”
The entire world stills.
The midtown traffic ten feet away. The general roar of the city. The thud of my heart as it skips a beat and my blood turns to ice.
“I…I…”
My throat bobs as I stare in shock at my dad, who suddenly looks twenty years older. He squeezes his eyes shut and tilts his face to the sky as he exhales slowly.
“Because, Bella…”
His eyes slowly open and focus tightly on me.
