Chapter 21
AVA
When I wake, Rafe is gone. I reach across the bed as if to confirm it, feeling the cold he left behind. It’s a familiar feeling, like a punch to the gut, even as I caution myself. I’m the one who said there might not be a future here.
That doesn’t stop my heart from leaping when I see he left me a note.
Sorry for leaving before you woke up, beautiful. You looked too angelic sleeping. (You’re a really heavy sleeper, just so you know…) I couldn’t bear to wake you. But I’ll see you soon. Please, try to keep your parents inside today. I can’t wait to see you again.
I smooth my thumb over the note. There’s an L with a line through it. At least, that’s what it looked like at first glance. Now, I’m not so sure. It could just be a weird squiggle.
I bring the paper to my face, then stand and let it drop. My mind is going to absurd places.
No, Ava, he didn’t start to write ‘love’ then think better of it. Get a grip!
I walk into the living room to find Mom and Dad sitting in their house clothes. Mom has Theo in her arms, feeding him from a bottle, and Dad is reading the newspaper. I suddenly feel certain they’re going to know what I did as I walk to the kitchen in my bathrobe.
“Did you uh…”
“We heard the door,” Dad says. “And then we checked on you and Theo, and there you were…”
I swallow, brewing coffee. “Yeah, Rafe was here.”
“We figured that,” Mom quips.
“You could sleep through a storm, Ava,” Dad says, his voice warmer than it was yesterday.
“Yeah, I’ve been told. Coffee?”
“We’re all set.”
I join them in the living room, hands clasped around my cup. “This is all a little crazy, isn’t it?”
“Just a little,” Mom murmurs.
Dad sits forward, putting his paper down. “But we’re here, together. That counts for something.”
“We’re safe,” I offer.
Mom scoffs, and Dad glares at her.
“Sorry, dear, you’re right. We are safe.”
“Why do I feel like there’s a but in there somewhere?”
Mom just looks at me. And suddenly, I know what she’s thinking. We’ve always been like that, as though there’s some telepathic link between us.
“Ah,” I murmur.
“Breakfast, anyone?” Dad says, trying to cut the tension.
It’s obvious what Mom was going to say.
But we wouldn’t be in danger if it weren’t for your mobster boyfriend…
“How long?” Mom demands. “Until we can leave?”
It’s been a tense day, with all of us hanging in the living room, not much else to do except sit around, watch TV, and seethe. “I don’t know. Rafe said he’s coming by later. We can ask him.”
“There’s lots I’d like to ask him,” Mom says sourly.
“Marianne,” Dad says.
Mom sighs, then looks guiltily at me. “I’m sorry, honey. Your father thinks I need to be more patient and understanding.”
“No matter what else is true,” Dad says firmly. “This is Theo’s father we’re talking about. And someone our daughter clearly cares about.”
I whip my head towards my Dad.
“What?” he says innocently.
“Have I said I care about him?”
He tilts his head, a soft smile at his lips. “It’s obvious. I’ve never seen you like you are around him. I didn’t mean to, uh, out you.”
“Out me,” I repeat.
As a woman who cares about the father of her child.
Dad laughs awkwardly.
“He’s right,” Mom says. “We can disagree about many things, but not that. You care about him, don’t you?”
I rub my hands together, feeling my cheeks heat up like I’m a high schooler again.
“It’s complicated,” I mutter.
But it won’t always be…
We fall into a somewhat comfortable silence for a time. When the heavy knock comes at the door, my belly twists as I walk towards the door. Last time, Mom and Dad were asleep. Now, Theo’s the only one not on high alert for Rafe.
Rafe stands at the door wearing dress pants and a tight-fitting button-down, his jacket slung over his arm. All his buttons are done up, right to the top, making his shirt hug him even closer.
He comes to me and sweeps me into his arms. I fall against him too easily, finding his lips, kissing him hard. But I quickly pull away to separate, pushing back and looking up at him.
“My parents are awake this time,” I tell him.
“Good. I wanted to talk to all of you.”
I swallow, touching the front of his shirt, feeling his pounding heartbeat. “Can you be patient with them?”
“Ava, they’re the ones being patient with me. Even talking to me is more than a man in my position can expect.”
I smile shakily. “Okay, let’s go then.”
I take his hand, walking into the suite. Then I think better of it and let his hand go. He grunts like it hurts him, but shows no other sign.
We walk into the living room together. Rafe immediately goes to Theo in the corner, leaning down and gently touching him. I’ll always be amazed by how tender this big man can be. He smiles, kisses our son, then sighs and turns to the rest of the room.
“I wish I had better news,” he says. “But all I can say is… lay low. It’s the same. I’m sorry.”
“You’re sorry,” Mom repeats.
I give her a look, but even I’m not sure what I’m trying to say exactly. My heart is still fluttering from the basic, beautiful act of my son’s father giving him a kiss. But I know the rage in Mom’s eyes is justified too.
“Sorry,” she mutters.
“I know it’s not enough,” Rafe replies, his jaw pulsing. Even now, even being kind, he’s the mafia king who’s not accustomed to being questioned. “We’ve been pursuing leads, chasing the person who’s behind this, but it’s going to take some more time.”
Rafe swallows, then puts his hands behind his back like he doesn’t know what else to do with them. My hand twitches as I think about going to him, touching him as gently as he touches our child.
Dad is watching me closely, that same look on his face that he had before, when he pointed out that I like Rafe… like we’re gossiping teenagers having a sleepover. I give him a glare, then Mom catches it and throws her hands up.
“What’s this?” She points at Dad and then me. “What’s this little game here?”
Dad shifts awkwardly. “I think we should just cut him some slack. A little. A tiny bit, my love.” Dad touches her arm.
“He’s a…” Mom whispers, then glances at him. “You know what he is.”
“Maybe it’s complicated.”
“It won’t be complicated forever,” Rafe says, and a warm tingle dances over my skin.
Dad stands, adjusting his shirt. He’s shorter than Rafe, but he doesn’t flinch away.
He approaches and stands to his full height.
“Then let me ask you this, Rafael Bellini. If I were to ask you to turn your businesses, all of them, into legal enterprises… and always be loyal to my daughter, faithful to her, treat her with respect, change your whole life for Ava, would you do it?”
“Dad,” I hiss. “You’re getting way ahead of yourself—”
“Yes,” Rafe says, no hesitation in his voice, meeting my dad’s eyes. “Yes, sir, I would.”
“Both of you need to stop,” I cut in.
“Yeah, relax, please,” Mom says, laughing awkwardly. “You’re going to marry her off, are you, Tom?”
“A father needs to know,” Dad grunts, taking his seat again.
My whole world feels like it's about to change, like I should start making plans with this man. And sure, maybe a part of me wants that. But I’m not some weak-spined thing. I’ve got a plan: a way to make sure Theo and I don’t have to rely on anyone.
Rafe clears his throat. “I should go. I’ll return if I have news.”
He walks toward the hallway, and I watch him go. Should I go after him? There’s something I need to say. But I’m not sure.
Dad sighs, burying his face in his hands. Mom picks Theo up and rocks him softly.