Chapter 39
THIRTY-NINE
JULIET
Mateo was found yesterday and is currently being treated in a hospital in Italy.
Alonso and Gabe told us it’s bad. Like, really bad.
He’s badly injured with scars and fresh cuts.
He’s malnourished and was tortured almost every day in captivity.
The doctors are so concerned about his condition and have placed him in a medically induced coma.
Hopefully, that’s enough for him to regain his strength and come home.
Gino still doesn’t want to tell Vanessa, terrified it could all go wrong, which is understandable. But he’s digging himself into a hole I’m not sure he can get out of.
I’ve been waiting to call my dad. Last night, Gino suggested I call him to get his help with all the real estate he just acquired from the Russos.
It’s a three-hour time difference, so I didn’t want to call so early, but it’s now after dinner here.
“Hey kiddo,” my dad answers.
“Hey, Dad,” I reply.
My dad and I are close; I’m close with both of my parents and my little brother Danny.
My brother is twelve years younger, and we have a great relationship.
We don't hide things from each other. Well, I never told my parents that Gino and I were not actually dating; both of my parents assumed we always had something going on.
“Could you, Mom, and maybe Danny plan to come out here soon? We could really use your help,” I ask.
“Sure, sweetheart. Is something wrong?” I can hear the nervousness in his voice.
“No, umm, we found Mateo yesterday. He’s in the hospital recovering. But Gino was able to get the Russos’ properties in the States so we could use your help. You know, with you being a real estate mogul and all.”
He lets out a laugh. “I wouldn’t say real estate mogul. But I’ll talk with your mother. We'll probably be able to be out there in a few days.”
“Okay, thanks, Dad,” I reply.
“You’re welcome. Is he treating you right?” he asks.
“Dad,” I groan.
“What? I’m allowed to ask. I’ve asked before, and you’ve avoided the question, but seeing as you need my help, I have a right to ask,” he says in that fatherly tone that I honestly appreciate right now.
“You’re insufferable,” I joke. And I can hear his smile through the phone. “Yes, Dad, he's treating me right. I promise.”
“Good, but when I get there, I will be judging his character.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” I reply.
“I love you, sweetheart. We’ll see you in a few days,” he says.
“I love you too, Dad.” And I hang up.
Walking into Gino’s office, I see him sitting at his desk looking over something.
“Hey, you okay?” I ask.
“Yeah,” he replies. “Come here.”
I walk over to him and sit on his lap.
“I talked with my dad; they’ll be here in a few days,” I tell him.
He looks at me with shock on his face.
“My parents will take any opportunity to question you in person.”
“Question me?” he asks.
“Yeah, well, you are dating their daughter. They'll want to know you more than what I’ve told them and what they remember from the few times they’ve seen you in person,” I reply.
“Okay, well, I need to prepare to impress your parents.”
I snort, “I think you’ll do just fine.”