Chapter Twenty-Three
Elodie had put her conversation with Sal off for too long. She could’ve blamed it on everything happening around her. But it would’ve been an excuse. Her reason was less about Sal and more about her coming to terms with how she truly felt.
She hadn’t mentioned wanting to reach out to Sal, and Oz hadn’t asked. Surprisingly, he hadn’t pushed. It must’ve been a struggle on his end. He was caught between two people he loved who hadn’t made amends. Rogue had been a different story. An impromptu visit to her store at midday and kicking out all her customers so they could talk privately wasn’t winning him any points with her.
“I can’t believe you just did that,” Elodie snapped, marching to the door and flipping the sign back over to Open .
Rogue scanned the store, carelessly shrugging. “If it’s good shit, they’ll come back.”
Elodie narrowed her gaze, sending him a scathing glare. And a warning.
“And if they don’t” —she folded her arms and cocked her brow— “I’m telling Oz.”
“You think I’m afraid of my brother?”
“I think everyone’s afraid of Oz.” She cocked her brow.
Rogue pointed at her, smirking. “Not you. How’s it feel to be Queen ?”
Elodie ignored the taunting title and sighed. “What can I do for you, Rogue?”
He reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a pack of cigarettes. Before he could pull one out, she rushed toward him, stopping a few feet away.
“Don’t you dare light up in here. I’ll never get the smell of smoke out of these clothes. Are you trying to make me lose my business?”
Rogue scoffed. “Fucking relax.”
Fucking relax? Oh my God, the arrogance of this man.
He tucked the box back into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He flipped it open, grabbed a credit card, and tossed it on the counter. “I’m a fucking customer. Quinn loves this shit.”
It was the last thing she expected to hear from him. Elodie knew Quinn was a fan of the boutique, she just didn’t envision Rogue as a supporter. He spent the next twenty minutes pulling clothes off the racks. It was a sweet moment humanizing him. He lost a little of his intimidation. But not all.
When it appeared he was done shopping, Elodie walked behind the counter and started to ring him up. The total was more than she would’ve made had all the other customers bought five pieces each. In a single transaction, Rogue had fulfilled her daily quota. She bagged up the garments and placed the package on the counter.
When she handed him the receipt, Rogue was staring down at her.
“Need you to make things right with Sal.”
Shit.
“I will.”
“When?”
She raised her brows. “I don’t get time?”
“Time’s up.” He snapped.
Elodie sighed. “You’re an arrogant asshole.”
Rogue snorted. “Yeah, I am. When are you gonna go see him?”
She ground her teeth. “When I’m ready.”
Rogue narrowed his gaze. “Oz give you the whole story about us?”
She flattened her lips and veered her gaze across the room.
“Yeah, he did. ’Cause right next to me, Trey, and Sal is you. The four of us are the only fucking people Oz trusts. So you know what Sal fucking means to him. To us. And to this family. You and Oz, me and Quinn, Trey and Dahl, and” —he glanced down at her stomach— “my nephew.”
She furrowed her brows. “How do you know it’s a boy?”
His lips twitched. “’Cause men like Oz always get a fucking legacy.”
Elodie rested her hand on her stomach. There wasn’t a bump. Yet . It was still too early to determine the sex or even hear the heartbeat. But there was no denying she was pregnant with Oz’s child. Another member for the family. In the end, it all came down to family.
Rogue grabbed the bag and turned halfway. “Sal won’t fucking reach out to you.”
“What?”
“Said he wouldn’t push you to let him make amends. So, ball’s in your fucking court, Queen . We’re all waiting on you, including Oz.” Rogue started to the door. When he grabbed the handle, she blurted.
“Are there certain visiting hours at his place?”
He glanced over his shoulder, and his face softened. “It’s like fucking seven in the morning to nine at night. Some shit like that. If he’s not in his room, check the garden.”
The garden? Before she could ask what he meant, Rogue walked out the door.
*
The next day Elodie made a trip to the senior home. She had gone to the front desk and was informed he was not in his room. She considered waiting, but had no idea how long he’d be. She opted to leave a note. She was at the counter writing it when the woman behind the desk snapped her fingers. Elodie immediately glanced up, but she was looking past her. Elodie angled her head, recognizing the older man.
“Tom, you know where Sal is?”
He looked up to the ceiling and hummed. It was an odd and suspicious response. As if he was stalling. “Not sure. Why?”
The woman pointed to Elodie. “She’s here to visit, but he’s not in his room.”
Tom’s gaze jerked to Elodie, and he grinned. “Well, isn’t this a surprise! How are you, sweetheart?”
Elodie smiled. “I’m good. How are you, Tom?”
“Great.” He smiled and pointed to the woman behind the desk. “You know what? I think I saw him outside. Come with me, sweetheart, and I’ll escort you.”
Elodie muffled her laugh when he got a sneer from the lady. He ignored her, and Elodie followed behind, thanking Tom when he opened the door for her. He had to be about the same age as Sal, maybe a year or two younger. They were obviously good friends.
“Did you know where he was the whole time?”
Tom smirked. “I plead the fifth.”
Elodie chuckled and followed Tom through the courtyard. It was beautifully manicured with lots of trees and a colorful array of flowers.
“Here we are,” Tom grabbed her hand and led her off the path and through a patch of bushes. It opened up to a grassy hideaway. In the center were two folding chairs, a table between them with a glass of amber liquor and a large ashtray. The smell of cigar smoke sifted through her nostrils.
“How on earth do you manage to get so many beautiful women to visit you?” Tom teased.
Sal turned his head, the cigar inches from his lips. The corners of his eyes crinkled and he shifted his gaze past Tom, looking directly at her.
She waved. “Hi Sal.”
There was so much emotion in his eyes as if he was seeing a ghost. It lasted a few seconds before his mouth spread in a wide smile. He rushed to tap out his cigar and stood.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better surprise.”
There was an awkward stretch of silence.
“Your bread recommendation was great. We must’ve eaten the whole loaf in one sitting.” Tom glanced at Sal. “Isn’t that right?”
“Yeah,” Sal said, never taking his eyes off Elodie.
“Well, I’ll leave you two to your visit.”
Tom clasped her hand and covered their conjoined hands with his other. “And by the way.” He glanced down at her stomach. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” She dropped her hand to her side, glancing over at Sal, who remained staring at her.
“You know, this guy is going to make a great grandpa. He’s been training for this with my grandson. Sometimes I think the kid likes Sal better than me.” Tom laughed.
“I’ll be the lookout, so take your time.” Tom brushed his hand over Elodie’s arm as he passed.
Sal gestured to the chair, and Elodie walked over and sat. She glanced around the mini-hideaway. It was secluded and quiet. A little too quiet. She could sense Sal’s nervous energy.
“How are you feeling?” Sal asked.
“Good.”
Sal nodded with a bright smile. “That’s good.”
“I went to the doctor the other day. Everything is on track.”
“You got any of those pictures?”
Sonograms. Sal seemed as eager as Oz.
“Too early for that.”
Sal nodded, losing a little light in his eyes.
Elodie cleared her throat. “But as soon as I get them, I’ll show you.”
“I’d like that.”
There was more silence. She’d thought she had it all planned out, but now she was at a loss. Elodie wanted to make amends, she just didn’t know where to start. Luckily, Sal did.
“I was hard on you that day,” Sal said. “I’m sorry.”
She waved her hand, playing it off. It was over and done with. There was no reason to rehash it. “You said exactly what I needed to hear. The truth.”
“Maybe. But I could’ve done it gently.” Sal leaned closer and lowered his voice. “Not used to having girls. Don’t have that delicate touch.”
Yes, you do.
“I never answered you that day. About my father?” She swallowed the lump in her throat, turning in her seat. “He wasn’t a good man. And the more I find out, the more I realize I’ve been mourning and defending a monster.”
His gaze softened. “He was still your dad.”
She shook her head. “Not someone worth remembering. But I’ve had other men in my life who’ve been there for me.”
“Your uncle’s a good man.”
Elodie furrowed her brows, and Sal shrugged.
“I may have looked into him back then.”
Elodie smiled. “Yeah, my Uncle Hank is the best.”
Sal nodded and eyed her carefully. Elodie dropped her gaze to the ground. While she was content with letting it go, there were some questions left unanswered. As if he read her mind…
“Whatever you want, Elle, I’ll give it to you. No strings attached, honey.”
She angled her head. “That’s a pretty big offer, Sal.”
“Yeah, well, I’m offering.”
Here goes…
She swallowed the lump in her throat. “How could you be sure I wouldn’t say anything?”
Sal’s back straightened and he sighed.
“I wasn’t.”
“Then why take the risk?”
“You were just a little girl.” His voice cracked. “Even the worst of the worst of us have our boundaries. I’ve done a lot of things I’m not proud of. Especially now, looking back. It’s a different perspective.” Sal paused, clasping his hands. “Never once did I look at you all those years ago and think ‘I matter more than this little girl.’ And I have no regrets. Never did.”
“You never told anyone you saw me that day, did you?”
“No.” Sal shook his head and clasped his hands. “Not everyone kept to my boundaries. I wasn’t going to risk you with anyone else’s views on how I handled it.”
She stared at Sal’s profile. A somber gaze refusing to meet hers.
“Protecting me?”
Sal sighed, shifted his gaze to her, and his eyes softened. “In my own way, yes.”
My father’s executioner. And my savior.
“Thank you.”
He cupped his mouth and turned toward the grass. Elodie settled in her chair, taking in the same view as Sal. She could’ve left. They’d made amends. She wasn’t sure why she stayed. But it was comfortable sitting in silence with him.
“Think of any names?” Sal asked, and she immediately rested her hand on her stomach.
It was still early. Some might say too early to make plans. Still, it hadn’t stopped her.
“I like Abigail for a girl.”
Sal smiled. “I like that too. Beautiful name, just like her mama’s.”
Elodie smiled. “Boy names are harder. I was thinking Lorenzo junior, maybe call him LJ. But something tells me Oz won’t go for that.”
Sal burst out laughing. It was a minute before he could gather himself and respond. Elodie liked the sound and his easiness. This was good. They’d put the past behind them and forged forward into the future. Sal would be a part of not only her life, but the baby’s.
“You know my boy. He wouldn’t go for that.” Sal chuckled, shaking his head.
“Any suggestions?” Elodie asked.
Sal stared off in the distance. “You need a name that holds prestige and honor. A name all those around respect. Maybe one that’s been handed down for generations.” Sal paused, his lips tugging down in a frown. “Had an older brother. He died a few days after birth. He was named after my dad, and his father before him. Would have been a great man had he lived, following in the footsteps of my dad and grandfather.”
“What was his name?” Elodie asked.
“Luka.”
Perfect!
“Well, I should be going. I’m packing up the last of my stuff to move into Oz’s house. I’m having a last supper of sorts on Thursday in the apartment. I’d love it if you came, and bring Tom.”
Sal smiled. “We’ll be there.”