SALVAGE PRIDE

11

“I love hearing that. I only wish I could have helped you more so you didn’t have to juggle work and school.”

His words remind me of Gia’s concerns about Mom and possible financial troubles. It’s not a subject I normally discuss with my dad, but G has me a little worried.

“Daddy? Is there anything going on with Mom that we should know about?”

His brows furrow. “What do you mean?”

I shrug. “Gia mentioned she thought Mom might be selling stuff—that maybe finances were tight. I thought I’d check and make sure everything was okay.”

“There is absolutely nothing for you to worry about. And besides, you should know by now that your mother’s life choices are not your problem.” His words are reassuring, but the remorse in his coffee-colored eyes breaks my heart. It’s not the first time the emotion has aged his features.

I try to smile, but the result is brittle and frail.

“Hey,” he says with renewed energy. “I forgot to mention earlier than Z asked about you today.”

Dad’s attempt at a subject change successfully wipes my mind of all previous conversations. Shock and curiosity are now my only companions.

“When?”

“This afternoon. He asked how school was going and what your plans were after you graduate.”

He what? After we’d already talked and he’d acted like he couldn’t wait to get rid of me, he’d gone out of his way to ask my father about school and my plans? I can’t make a lick of sense out of it.

“I’m sure he was only being polite. He couldn’t care less about my plans, trust me.”

“Don’t go judging him right now. He’s been devastated at losing his father—you know how much he adored Silvano. And besides, just because he’s not charismatic like his brother doesn’t mean he doesn’t care. Sometimes that’s easy to misinterpret.”

Dad always assumed Z stopped hanging out with me because he was older than me, and that was the nature of maturing. I know there was more to it, but it’s not worth arguing over. “Where is Nevio, anyway? I figured he’d have come home as soon as he got the news of his father’s passing.”

“I think he’s supposed to get in tomorrow for the wake. There’s no telling with him.”

That’s something to look forward to. I haven’t seen Nevio in ages, and he is always loads of fun.

Maybe not so much now, considering the circumstances, but it will still be good to catch up. Dad tilts his head closer. “You three used to be thick as thieves.”

“That was a lifetime ago.”

“True.” He sighs. “There was a time when Silvano and I used to wonder if something might develop between you and Zeno, considering the way you looked up to him.”

The laugh that slips past my lips is tinged with bitterness. “Z doesn’t want anything to do with me.”

Dad frowns, but his eyes spark like the ends of his cigars. “I’d say that’s his loss, then. But I’m not sure anyone is truly deserving of you.”

I’m about to brush off his compliment when I realize he’s having the same conversation with me that I had with Gia earlier today. And he’s right.

“Thanks, Daddy.” I rest my head on his chest and try to sear the moment into my memory banks. Mr. De Rossi’s passing was an unfortunate reminder that loss is often unexpected, and every hug from my dad is worth cherishing.

THE NEXT MORNING, I SLIP FROM THE HOUSE EARLY TO CATCH UP WITH MY CHILDHOOD FRIEND, GRACE Larson. Knowing I’ll have to help my family all day, I made sure to set up a visit with her before going to bed. Aside from Gia, Grace is my closest friend back home. She and G are in similar situations in that they both still live with their parents, but Grace is not so content with the arrangement. Gia stays because she feels compelled to, while Grace stays because she believes she has no other options.

Back in her teens, Grace was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS. It wreaked havoc on her hormones and caused her to struggle with her weight. She’s worked hard to balance her hormones and do what she can, but it hasn’t been easy. Grace is funny, clever, genuine, and one of the best people I know, but her size and health have affected her confidence. Plus, her family has even less money than mine. Dad may be a glorified grounds keeper, but he’s also technically a member of the Mafia, which brings in extra funds. Mr. Larson is a modest man with no criminal ties. Curvy and penniless, Grace has convinced herself that no man could possibly want her. It’s heartbreaking.

On the bright side, she’s improved her mindset over the years, focusing on finding happiness rather than obsessing over what she lacks. The last time we spoke, she told me about her aspiration to move to the city. Living among a variety of people from all walks of life would help her immensely. I hope she’ll make the move. Plus, that would be one more friend close by.

When I approach her house, she’s waiting for me on their porch swing.

“Oh, Isa, I’ve missed you!” She jumps up and meets me in a tight embrace.

“I’ve missed you, too, Gracie. FaceTime just isn’t the same as a real visit.” The radiant grin on her face warms my heart.“No, it’s not. You look as fabulous as ever, of course! How have you been?”

“I’ve been really great! Finally moving to a better apartment and almost done with school. This was supposed to be a happy visit until I got here and found out about Silvano. I feel terrible for Elena and everyone.”