“C’mon, Raven, you know as well as I do that you and Dad are never around for Thanksgiving. It’s your time to clean up your cases and I’m always left hanging around the city with nothing to do.”
“Rain, what if Tommy came home for Thanksgiving this year? Then would you reconsider?” she cunningly asked.
I smiled at her and replied, “Good try Raven, but contrary to popular belief, Tommy and I aren’t joined at the hip. You know full well he won’t be home. He always goes with Michael to their parent’s house. Something you should be doing now that you and Michael are going to be man and wife. Besides, even if Tommy does come home, it doesn’t mean I’m coming with him.”
“Okay, but promise me you’ll think about it?”
“I promise.” I just smiled and shook my head. “You’re a real pain in my ass.”
“Good…Now let’s go get some of Theresa’s fabulous coffee,” she said while she curled her arm around mine. Then she gave me a small, but tight squeeze as we headed out the door.
I smirked. “Wait…I thought you were going for a run?”
“Changed my mind. Coffee with my sister is so much better than exercise.”
As we headed out of my room to go downstairs, our dad appeared in the hallway. He was already dressed for what looked to be a full day at the office. He was wearing a black three-piece suit, white shirt, Turquoise blue tie, and handkerchief. The suit really complemented his olive skin and white slicked back hair. My dad was very strong and very powerful. He wouldn’t wear anything, but the best to showcase his power and strength.
“Good morning, ladies. Why are my girls up so early?”
“We could say the same about you,” Raven spoke first.
“I had to get up for an early meeting at the office today.”
I was silent but tilted my head to the side in annoyance. Why did I stay over if he wasn’t taking me to the airport? I could have spent my evening with Tommy before leaving for Italy.
“Now Rain, please don’t give me that look. You know if I could get out of this I would, but I have obligations, sweetie.”
“Dad, its fine. I told you originally I could get to Newark by myself.”
“That’s my girl, but Michael is taking you to the airport. It’s all been arranged.”
“Dad, I don’t need Michael to take me to the airport. I’m 34 years old. I think I can get myself to Italy. I’ve been doing it for years.”
“Rain, do this for me. Let Michael take you. I’ll feel better knowing you’re safe. He doesn’t have a case today, so it’s no trouble.”
I knew at this point I wouldn’t win, so I just nodded. Conversation over, Victor Medici gets his way as usual.
Case closed.
We headed downstairs to the kitchen to get some much-needed coffee. It was on the first floor of the house toward the back. It was slightly on the narrow side, but very beautiful. The appliances were all professional size and stainless steel. The cabinets were an off-white French style with heavy iron pulls. The countertops were black granite and the floors, travertine. The center island had been used mainly for small family gatherings and breakfast, such as this morning. There were French doors that led out to a secluded patio and garden with a Koi-Fish Pond. It was tranquil…soothing, and one of my favorite spaces in the townhouse. When I sat out there, I hardly heard the city anymore.
Theresa prepared a wonderful spread this morning. It consisted of a large bowl of fresh berries, Greek yogurt, a small pitcher of honey, nuts, and granola. In addition, she made homemade pastries, my dad’s favorite.
We were a very casual family. We weren’t extravagant. It was always about being together, sharing a meal and enjoying the company we were with. It really helped during my younger years when being confined at home was, at times, unbearable—having company made those days more manageable.
I hopped up onto the counter next to where Theresa was cooking after I grabbed my cup. Raven and my dad settled in around the island.
Just then, Michael walked in and joined us. He and Tommy had the same features; black hair, chocolate colored eyes, and a solid jaw. Michael also had tattoos, just not as many as Tommy did. I loved Mike. He easy going, and he balanced out my sister, who was anything but.
“How’s my girl this morning?” Michael asked Raven, giving her a soft kiss on her cheek. “Your girl is not happy. The caterer hasn’t returned my calls. They were highly recommended and are supposed to be the best in New York but now, that remains to be seen.”
Time to tease the uptight twin.
“Raven, why don’t you just cut out all the bullshit and run off to Vegas and elope?” I asked, smiling at Michael. He knew exactly what I was doing and he enjoyed it just as much as me.
“ELOPE!” She shrieked, “Have you lost your fucking mind, Rain?”
Just as I was about to deal with my sister’s typical outburst, my phone started to ring. It was Tommy. My day was finally improving.I raised my hand, she needed to stop her continued screaming.
Silence…finally.
“I have to take this.” I went into the family room for some privacy and quiet. “Tommy?”
“Hey, baby, did you get through the evening with your dad okay?” Tommy’s voice made me smile.
As I was about to tell him, I could hear he was still in bed and not alone. Why did this bother me?
“Oh my God, please don’t tell me you slept with the winery owner’s daughter.”
“You know me better than that. I nailed his wife.”
“Tommy, you are fucking crazy.”
“Don’t start, Rain. If you would just sleep with me, then I wouldn’t sleep around like I do.” He was grinning. I just knew it.
“Never going to happen.”
“Never say never.” Although he was joking, his voice was determined and I became silent, so he changed the subject fast.
“Okay, enough about my sex life and the lack of yours. When does your flight leave?” I ignored his last comment.
“It departs at 1 pm, so I’m leaving here around ten; Michael’s driving me.” I decided to inform him of the change of plans.
“What happened with your dad?”
“Don’t ask. Same old shit. Again, he got his way. I wish you were coming with me now.”
“Stop it, Rain.”
“Stop what?” I asked, slightly confused.
“Stop pouting. You know I always know when you’re doing it.”
“I am not pouting!”
“Yes, you are, baby. You always do it whenever any of us ask you what your plans are or try to help you in any way. So, what if your dad asked Mike to take you? Be glad for the company. It’s not like he’s escorting you to Italy, just to the airport.”
I sighed out of frustration.
“Listen, Rain, I know its tough for you to accept help. I was there, remember? When all that shit with your mom went down. Sure it was bad, but its over. You make the decisions for your life now…no one else. It’s just a ride to the airport. Don’t make it out to be more than it is. It’s not worth the aggravation you’re laying on yourself.”
There was a stillness over the phone because Tommy was waiting for my response. I knew he was right. Tommy had always been there when my parents, mainly my mom, controlled my every move. They were easier on me when Tommy was around and he’d been around a lot.
He was there when I was at my worst and at my best. He never left me. Even now when the nightmares and anxiety attacks creep up on me, he’s there. He’ll stay with me all night, if necessary and hold onto me to keep the past away. I don’t know what I’d do without him…perhaps go insane.
“I’m sorry, Tommy. Don’t be angry with me. You know I love you, but he frustrates me.”
“Baby, you know I can never stay mad at you… not for very long anyway,” His voice softened.
I looked at the clock.
“Tommy, I’ll call you later. I have to get ready for my flight. I haven’t even showered yet.”
“Okay
, I’ll wait to hear from you. Rain, we’re okay, yeah?”
“We’re fine. Listen, I know you’re right, but it’s not that easy for me to let go of the past.”
“It’s been over for a long time. Try…do it for me.”
“I’ll try. I’ll talk to you later.”
Just then a warm hand came around my waist.
“I was just coming to find you. I have to leave for my meeting and wanted to say goodbye to you before I left.” That was his guilt talking.
“I’m fine. Oh and that was Tommy. He’ll be out at the end of next week.”
“Are you going to be okay with that?”
“Dad, I’m telling you I’ll be fine. Besides, I don’t mind the time alone. Capri is warm and beautiful this time of the year. I’m going to work on my fading tan, start reading a new book, get some photos for the show, and spend time with Mema and Antonio. Stop worrying about me, please!”
“Sweetheart, I’ll always worry about you. You’re my child. That’s my job to care for you. Did you remember to pack your shots?”
Without messing up his suit, I gave him a big hug and then smoothed out his collar. “Yes, I have my shots. And Dad…I love you.”
“I love you, too.” He smiled, kissed my cheek and disappeared out the front door.
I went back toward the kitchen and heard Raven screaming about something affecting her wedding plans. Something I’m sure I was going regret asking her about. Just as I passed the staircase in the hallway, she came out and stated she needed Michael to go with her to the caterers today. Her wedding was over a year away and at this rate, possibly two years because she kept changing things.
Personally, I hoped she wouldn’t have to change the groom with the way she carried on.
“Rain, will you be okay getting to the airport without Michael?”
I smiled at Mike and said, “Sure, I told all of you before, I don’t need a babysitter. What could possibly happen on the way to the airport?”
“Are you positive?” Michael asked, making sure it was really okay with me.
“Positive, but I need to take a shower. So can you call the car service you use and tell them to be here in about an hour and a half?”
“Absolutely,” Michael gave me a grin with a quick wink; and with that, I kissed both Raven and Mike, and headed upstairs to get ready.
Once I was done with my bathroom ritual, I decided on black leggings, a long sleeve black T-shirt and my black suede ankle boots with the silver buckles. I tended to get cold very easily, so I didn’t want to be uncomfortable on the plane. I grabbed my bags, turned back and checked to make sure I wasn’t missing anything before heading out the door.
It was sunny and warm in Manhattan.
This was going to be great weather to fly in.
I stepped out onto the curb in front of my dad’s home. There was a large black SUV waiting with its motor idling. I hadn’t asked Mike to order such a large vehicle, but perhaps it was all the car service had available on such short notice.
I checked my phone. I had plenty of time to catch my flight. Even if we came across some traffic, I’d still be okay. I tucked my cell away in the side of my boot when…
That’s all I remembered before everything faded to black...
Table of Contents
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
EPILOGUE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
BONUS: CHAPTER ONE OF MISS TAKEN
Within Six Months (A Wild Roses Novel Book 1) Page 34
