Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 96808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
“It’s not? Because I remember your best friend calling you to ask for your help. You did nothing, so how am I supposed to trust you now with my only child?”
“You can trust me because your only child almost gave her own life for my only child right before my eyes. I owe Oni this and so much more. I tried to help Jack, I did, cara, but I was too late.”
I clear my throat.
“Ma’am, I’m not my uncle. I love your daughter with every fiber of my being. There isn’t a person alive who can tell me not to love her or be with her.
“I would die for Oni. She means everything to me. I know what it’s like to be without her and I never want to know that feeling again.
“I know you have a history with my family, but I ask you not to judge me by what they have done. I’m my own man and I want to be Oni’s man. If that means I have to start over all on my own, so be it.
“Your approval means everything to Oni and me. All we ask is that you get to know me. Understand who I am and how much I love your daughter. Please,” I plead.
“I was made so many empty promises before my Italian replacement was brought in and I was dismissed to be nothing more than Emilio’s goomah, so forgive me for not wanting that for my baby. I—”
“That’s the way you took it. You know you meant more to me than that. Listen to how you say it.
“Like I planned to treat you like a filthy whore. I was in love with you. You ripped my heart out and started sleeping with my best friend,” Uncle Emilio says angrily.
“Fuck you, Emilio. I fell in love with your best friend. Who didn’t have to hide me and was willing to take me home to his family, where I was welcomed at their dinner table.”
“Enough,” Oni barks and slams her hand down on the table.
Everyone at the table and those nearby have their gaze on her. She sits like a queen, commanding everything around her. The shock of it all seems to have cleared.
“Stop making my life about you, the both of you. Mom, you should know I work for Emilio.
“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.