Episode Eighteen
I ’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss New York. There’s just something about home that always makes you feel good. I love my life in Vancouver with Travis, but I also love my family. And as much as I complain about them always coming and going from my house, I miss them.
Especially my parents and my brother. Which is why, when the Knights schedule came out and I saw New York on the lineup, I jumped at the chance to come home. I mean, I’m the epitome of a supportive wife and go to as many games as I can, but a game in my hometown? You bet I’ll be there.
“Are you sure your parents are going to be okay with me and Graycee tagging along?” Kathryn asks.
“My parents love you both. Of course they’ll be fine,” I tell her. Kathryn, who is married to the team’s captain, was also one of my childhood friends. Her husband’s family and mine do business together—not the legitimate kind.
Gray didn’t want Kathryn and Graycee traveling to New York alone. When I told him we were staying at my parents, he relaxed. A little. The man is a walking time bomb of stress when it comes to his wife and daughter.
“Aunt Lil, does your dad have an ice rink in his house too?” Graycee asks.
“No, but I’m sure if you ask him, he’ll build one for you, sweetie,” I tell her.
“No, Graycee. We don’t ask people for things like that,” Kathryn reminds her daughter.
I laugh. I know my dad and he’s a sucker when it comes to kids. There’s a reason I never wanted for a single thing growing up.
“Sorry, Mama,” Graycee says.
“It’s okay, but we are visitors in Mr. and Mrs. Valentino’s home. We don’t live there,” Kathryn explains.
“You’re family, not visitors,” I’m quick to interject.
When the car pulls into the estate, Graycee stares out the window. “Wow, it’s like a palace. Does Cinderella live here too?”
I’ve lived here my whole life. Which means I don’t notice the grandeur of the place. But looking at it through Graycee’s eyes, I can see why she’d think my childhood home is a palace.
“It’s just a house, Graycee. Come on, I’ll show you around,” I tell her at the same time my door is tugged open.
“Welcome home, Miss Valentino,” one of my father’s guards says.
“Thanks.” I don’t bother correcting him. None of my father’s men will use my married name. I think he’s threatened them not to. I wouldn’t put it past him.
My mom rushes to the front door before we make it up the steps. “Oh my god, you’re finally here!” She squeals as her arms wrap around me in a vise-like grip.
“Hey, Mama. I’ve missed you too.” I return her hug while struggling to breathe.
“Okay, you’re done. Now let me see this one.” She bends and holds out her arms for Graycee. My mom has taken on the grandmother role, considering the poor kid doesn’t have any living grandmothers of her own.
“Nonna Maddie, I’m staying at your house,” Graycee says excitedly.
“You are, and we have a room all set up just for you,” Mom tells her. “Want to see?”
“Yes.” Graycee jumps up and down excitedly.
“I’ll come with you.” Kathryn follows my mom and Graycee inside the house, while I head straight for my father’s office.
I might have left out the fact that my dad was shot a couple of weeks ago. I didn’t want Gray or Kathryn to stress unnecessarily. My father says he’s fine and he’s got it under control. Whatever that means. I do know that whoever was stupid enough to try to take out my dad will regret it. I know my family and they don’t take threats or attacks lying down.
The door is open when I get there. Alessandro is sitting in the chair opposite my father. “Liliana, you’re finally home.” My dad stands and walks towards me. My arms wrap around his waist. I’m a daddy’s girl. Always have been, always will be.
“I’ve missed you,” I mumble against his chest.
“There’s an easy way to fix that. Move back home,” he says.
I laugh. I might miss my family, but no way am I leaving my husband. “I know, but Vancouver has my heart.”
I pull back and walk over to Alessandro. He stands, kisses my cheek, and sits back down. “Did you get me a jersey?” he asks.
“Nope.” I smirk. My brother wants one of Travis’s old signed jerseys from when he used to play for New York. The same team he and everyone else in my family roots for. I won’t be wearing New York colors tonight, though. Nope, my allegiance is to Travis and whatever team he’s playing for.
“Come on, sis. What’s the point of having Travis as a brother-in-law if I can’t get a signed jersey?” Alessandro groans.
“He makes your sister extremely happy?” I suggest.
“He has to. If he didn’t, I’d have to put him down.” Alessandro smiles. It’s an evil smile, almost like he’d actually enjoy killing my husband. “I gotta go. I’ll see you at the game tonight. I’ll be the one wearing the right jersey color. Unsigned,” he grumbles before walking out of the room.
“How long are you in town?” Dad asks.
“Just the weekend. Are you coming to the game?” I tell him.
“I am. We all are.” He nods his head.
“How are you really? Did you find whoever shot you and why?”
“It’s being handled,” Dad grunts. He doesn’t want to tell me anything.
“Is there a threat against the family or just you?” I pry.
“It was just me. It’s fine, Liliana. There’s nothing for you to worry about,” Dad says.
“Right, well, as long as you say so. I need to go get ready. It’s good to see you.” After kissing my father’s cheek, I go in search of my brother.
I end up finding Alessandro in the kitchen.
“Who shot Dad and why?” I ask him.
My brother shuts the fridge door, his hands full of leftover containers. “If he wanted you to know, he’d tell you himself.”
“I’m asking you.” My arms fold over my chest. I’m not letting this go. I want to know what’s going on.
“It’s not that big of a deal, sis. It’s being handled.”
“Was it a rival family? Cartel?” I press him.
“Neither.” Alessandro puts the armload of containers onto the counter.
“Was it an inside job?” I try again.
“Lil, it wasn’t even business related. It’s someone from Josie’s past. Some former foster dad,” Alessandro says at the same time Josie walks into the kitchen.
“What?” Josie stops dead in her tracks. “Theo was shot because of me?”
“No,” Alessandro and I answer at the same time.
“But you just said…” She points to Alessandro.
“It’s not your fault, Josie, and it’s being handled. The guy isn’t a threat,” Alessandro tells her.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” She looks pale.
“Josie, the actions of other people are not your responsibility. Come on, I got an old jersey of Travis’s you can wear to the game tonight. He signed it for you too,” I tell her while wrapping my arm around her shoulders.
“Hold the fuck up. Why does she get a jersey and I don’t?” Alessandro calls after us.
“Because sisters are better than brothers.” I smirk at him over a shoulder as I lead Josie out of the kitchen.
“Aunt Lil, Aunt Lil, I got a pretty room.” Graycee comes running towards us.
“Did you? How pretty?” I ask her.
“You wanna see?” She grins up at me.
“I’d love to. Can Aunt Josie come too?”
“Yep.” Graycee takes hold of Josie’s hand, and I follow the pair up the stairs. Stopping dead in my tracks when we get to what used to be the guest room.
“I told you my parents go overboard,” I whisper to Kathryn, who’s standing on the threshold, appearing dumbfounded.
“I have no words, Lil,” she whispers back as we both stare into the princess-themed bedroom that looks like it’s been thrown up on by a unicorn. Pinks, purples, and glitter. Everywhere.