Childhood Dream

by Theresa Paolo

  Reid deposited her behind him. “Stop!” he said, and feeling the scene was secure, Tony ran in and grabbed her.

  “Tony!” she cried, her voice hoarse and filled with so much sadness and frustration it was overwhelming. She collapsed in his arms and he held her, squeezing her tight and assuring her. “I’m here now. I got you.”

  Tears soaked through his shirt and he rubbed circles up and down her back while Reid bent over the bloodied face man on the ground.

  “Victor Turner, I assume.”

  Victor let out a growl.

  “That’s what I thought. Let’s go.” Reid grabbed his arm and pulled him up, keeping his hold as he slapped handcuffs on the bastard. “You have the right to remain silent,” Reid said and continued until he was done stating Victor his rights.

  Reid urged him toward the door, and Tony met his gaze. Blood dripped down his nose and a bruise was forming around his eye. A once big tough NFL prospect just got his ass handed to him by a five-foot-nothing sweetheart. Tony laughed in his face as Reid brought him outside.

  Once Victor was out of sight, Tony pulled back, taking Krissy’s face in his hands. “Are you hurt?”

  “Just my heart.” Tears streamed down her face, and Tony wiped them away, then leaned down and kissed her head right where her bangs started.

  She took a deep breath and stepped back, glancing toward Allison who finally lowered the gun to her side.

  “Thank you, Allison. I don’t know what would have happened.”

  “Don’t mention it. I’m happy I could help.”

  They walked out of the ice cream shop and into the fresh air. Reid stormed toward them. “You okay?” he asked Krissy.

  She nodded.

  “Not going to ask me?” Allison said.

  “I don’t even want to know how you got involved.,” he said.

  “I solved the damn case. Maybe you should listen to me more often.”

  “Is this registered?” Reid plucked the gun out of Allison’s hand.

  “Yes, now give it back to me.”

  “Why the hell are you carrying a gun?”

  “If you haven’t noticed I piss people off. I just need to be able to protect myself from assholes like that one.” She nodded toward the back of the cruiser where Victor sat with his head down.

  Krissy walked away from the bickering and stared at her cousin. Tony followed and draped his arm around her shoulders, turning her into his embrace.

  “How could he do this to me?” she asked, tears strangling her words.

  “I wish I could answer that, but I don’t know. Money can make you do crazy things.”

  “He owes a shit ton of money to a bunch of loan sharks,” Allison said. “If he didn’t knock me out cold, I would have explained all of it to you.”

  “He knocked you out?” Reid exclaimed.

  She looked out to the parking lot and smiled. “Oh, good, Larry, is here.”

  “You are not seriously thinking about filming right now,” Reid bellowed. “You were just shot at, and apparently knocked out cold! You need to go checked out at the hospital.”

  “Oh, now you care about me?”

  Reid pinched the bridge of his nose. “Allison, get in my damn cruiser. I’ll bring you to the hospital after I book him.”

  “Sorry, Reid. No can do. I have a story to report.” She waved over her shoulder and hurried away before he could stop her, fixing her hair as she went.

  “That woman is going to be the death of me.” Reid turned back to them, shaking his head. “You better get out of here before she forces you into an interview. Stop by the station tomorrow so I can take a proper report.”

  “We know the drill,” Krissy said with a hint of laughter that spread through Tony.

  “Come on, let’s get you home.” He took the keys from her and helped her into the passenger seat.

  He got in the car and glanced over at her. Her eyes were glued on the backseat of the cruiser. Her cousin’s head hung low.

  “I looked into his eyes, hoping some part of the cousin I knew and loved was in there, but he wasn’t.” A single tear cascaded down her cheek and landed on her lap. “He hates me.”

  “He doesn’t hate you, Kris. He hates himself.” Tony took her hand and squeezed it.

  Her gaze swung away from Victor and to him. “Let’s go home.”

  ***

  After phone calls from her dad, her aunt, and Ella and Cami, Krissy took a hot shower, then curled into Tony on the couch. He kissed her forehead and held her tight. “How you holding up?”

  “I’m tired. My aunt is beside herself. My uncle was losing it in the background. My dad was in shock and my stepmom was so sweet.” Tears pooled in her eyes, and they streamed down her face as she remembered all the horrible things Victor had said. “I think I was so upset about my mom leaving all those years ago, I never really gave my stepmom a chance. We made plans to have lunch tomorrow, and I’d love for you to come.”

  “Maybe you should go alone this time. With everything that happened, I don’t think it’s a good idea if I’m there.”

  She shifted to her knees and took his face in her hands. “I want you there with me. You make me stronger, and I need that strength right now.”

  “I’m all yours.”

  “Besides, I want my dad and my mom to meet you.”

  “I’ve met them before.”

  “Yes, as Ella’s little brother. I want them to meet the man who is my boyfriend.”

  “Boyfriend isn’t very manly sounding.”

  “My manfriend then.” She laughed, and it felt good. Earlier today, she wasn’t sure if she’d ever be able to laugh and find humor in a situation again.

  He rested his hand on hers, lacing their fingers together. “If that’s what you want then I’m there.”

  “It’s what I want.”

  “Okay.” He kissed her, and she settled down into his chest. She grabbed the remote and turned the TV on. Allison’s face popped right on the screen.

  “I can’t believe this woman,” Tony said, and Krissy shushed him.

  “The man who has been terrorizing a local ice cream shop and its owner this past month has been caught and identified as the owner’s own cousin. Stay tuned for this surprising story after the break.”

  Tony took the remote out of her hand and though she grabbed for it, he held it out of her reach. “We already know the story. You lived it. Do you really need to hear what she has to say about it?”

  Krissy exhaled. “I just hope she doesn’t make my cousin out to be a monster.”

  “Kris, he held a gun to you.”

  “I know.” But he was still her cousin and all the years of history they shared, the memories she couldn’t shake them. How was her family ever going to recover from this? “Scoops is so important to me because it honors my family’s legacy. Victor just tore us apart.”

  “Give it time. Family has a way of working things out.”

  Her lips moved, then snapped shut.

  “What?” he asked. “Say it. No secrets between us, okay?”

  “It’s just that I think of your dad and how none of you are going to testify for him, which is totally cool, and I get it, but how is that family working things out?”

  “The minute my dad brought drugs and a gun into the house and allowed other dangerous people to come in and buy from him, he was no longer our family. He had put our family in danger. You don’t endanger the ones you love. And now, we’re stronger because of him, and even stronger without him. Our family worked it out and our conclusion was that we don’t need him.”

  “I don’t know if I can just cut Victor off like that.”

  “He tried to hurt you.”

  “I think he was desperate.”

  Tony tucked her hair behind her ear. “You don’t have to make a decision today.”

  She nodded and snuggled back into his chest. “I just want to forget today. Even if just for a little.”

  “What about I put a movie on?”
>
  “I’d like that.”

  He hit a few buttons on the remote and a black-and-white picture filled the screen. But before the title could be revealed, her mouth was on his.

  His hands cupped her cheeks and tilted her head, deepening the kiss. She let her emotions go, letting her heart guide her and opening herself up to sensation.

  Tony’s phone rang, and he sighed against her mouth.

  “You should get that.”

  “I don’t want to.”

  “Just see who it is,” she said, trailing her mouth down his neck.

  He slid his phone out and he sat up, putting the phone to his ear. “Hello? Yes, this is he.”

  Silence for a couple seconds, before he thanked whoever was on the other line and hung up.

  Krissy tilted her head and waited. A smile spread wide across his mouth. “I’m in. That was the gallery calling to inform me my art has been accepted to not only be a feature at the exhibit, but a headliner!”

  She let out a squeal, throwing her arms around his neck. He stood up, and she clung to him, holding tight.

  “I knew you’d get in,” she said. “When is it?”

  “Ironically, the same day as my dad’s hearing.”

  “It’s like the universe is telling you, you made the right choice.”

  “Crazy, but I don’t want to think about him. All I want to think about is you naked and beneath me.”

  She bit her lip and looked up at the man she’d fallen head over heels in love with. “No need to think.” She pulled her shirt over her head and unsnapped her bra, tossing both to the carpet before running for her bedroom.

  Tony’s hand latched onto her waist, whipping her around and into his arms. Their laughter mixed together as he carried her to bed where they spent the entire night having a mind-boggling amount of fun.

  Epilogue

  Tony straightened his tie for the hundredth time. He hated wearing the stupid things, but he wanted people to take him seriously. Though as an artist he probably could have gotten away with his paint covered jeans and a button down if he claimed it to be his style. But tonight was important. Tonight, he wasn’t just an artist in an exhibit, tonight he was the headliner, and if it went well, he would be invited back to show anytime he wanted, including an entire exhibit dedicated to solely his own work.

  Inspiration had been pouring out of him in bucket loads, so he wouldn’t be short on work to showcase. After the whirlwind of the last couple of months, he had so much emotion to draw on. From falling in love with Krissy and having her love him back to the news about his dad and then the terrifying moments where he had feared for Krissy’s life.

  Being blocked was no longer a problem. All he had to do was draw on those emotions, and something would spill out of him. Though Krissy was becoming his favorite subject to paint. She even let him paint a few nudes, but they were locked away for only their eyes to see. He told her it would be funny if one day their grandkids found the pictures which got him a playful slap to the chest and a god forbid uttered in humor.

  He looked around the room, admiring his work perched up high for all to see. “Looking good,” Krissy said from behind him, and he turned around.

  She had stayed behind at the hotel to finish getting ready while he came to make sure everything was set up right. His breath stuttered when he caught her hazel eyes beneath black-framed glasses. Her hair was swept up in a pretty updo and she was wearing a black dress like the one in the painting that now hung above her bed.

  “You’re gorgeous,” he said, going to her and wrapping his arms around her waist.

  “You’re not so bad yourself.” She straightened his tie and patted her hand on the electric blue silk she had picked out. “You ready for this?”

  “Now that you’re here, absolutely.”

  The doors opened and people began to fill in the large space. Waiters and waitresses in black and white walked around with trays of champagne and small hors d’oeuvres. Tony was too nervous to eat, though he took a glass of champagne.

  Krissy held his hand and moved with him as he made his rounds, being available to anyone who wanted to speak with the artist.

  Twenty minutes into it, he heard a commotion of voices then his name ringing out across the space.

  He spun around, eyes wide and his hand to his chest. Grandpa, Ella, Lucas, Enzo, Cami, Marco, Aubrey, and Garrett all walked toward him.

  “What the heck are you guys doing here?”

  He had invited them all, of course, but being in Boston, he knew it was a hike and they all had businesses to run.

  “Think we’d miss this,” Enzo said, giving him a hug.

  “Had to come witness your big break,” Marco said, hugging him when Enzo let go.

  Lucas shook his hand, and Ella jumped up to kiss his cheek. Garret punched him in the shoulder then shook his hand and Cami and Aubrey kissed his cheek as well.

  Grandpa stepped forward, tears in his eyes. “Anthony, I’m so proud of you.”

  “Thanks, old man.”

  Grandpa smacked his head, then pulled him in for a big hug. “What am I going to do with you, huh?” He yanked one of his curls that he tried to tame back with product, but a few spiraled up, anyway.

  A waitress came over, and Tony motioned to her. “Help yourselves to champagne and look around.”

  “Don’t have to tell me twice.” Cami plucked two glasses off the tray and handed one to Ella then another and handed it off to Aubrey.

  “Thanks,” Enzo said.

  “Girls first,” she said with a wink, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, taking a glass for himself and guiding Cami toward one of Tony’s paintings.

  Love and warmth filled Tony and when Krissy slid her hand in his, he felt completely and utterly happy.

  He continued to mingle and by the end of the night, he’d sold every last piece, commissioned two, and was asked to come back to do an entire exhibit of his work. It was like a dream, and he never wanted to wake up.

  Enzo walked over to him and handed him a glass of champagne. “Congrats, little brother. I’m proud of you.”

  ‘Thanks, Enzo.”

  Marco and Ella joined them.

  “I just got off the phone with Reid,” Marco said.

  “And?” Enzo asked.

  Tony’s heart stuttered in his chest. He just had the greatest night of his life and if his father got released…

  “Turns out good old dad was dealing drugs on the inside. One of his cellmates ratted him out. Not only was he denied early release, but he added another five years to his original sentence.”

  Tony’s eyes widened at the news, though he shouldn’t be surprised. Their father never knew how to stay on the right path. The darkness always found him and drew him back in.

  “Is it horrible to say that I’m relieved?” Tony asked.

  “Nope!” Ella said as Lucas came up behind her. “That bastard lied to me. He promised me he changed. He promised…” Her words trailed off and anger distorted her pretty face. “Good riddance.” She held her champagne glass up. “Guess I won’t be visiting him anymore.” Lucas wrapped his arm around Ella, and she rested her head on his shoulder.

  “How about we make it our day instead? Tony said. “The third Friday of every month that you’re in town, we all get together.” Tony motioned to their significant others.

  “I’m in,” Ella said.

  “Me too,” Enzo said.

  “I’ll bring the beer,” Marco added, and they all clinked their champagne glasses. They didn’t need their father because they had something he didn’t. They had each other.

  Krissy came over and took his hand, squeezing his arm. Her hazel eyes glanced up at his. “Everything okay?”

  “Couldn’t be better.”

  With his girl at his side, his family and paintings surrounding him, there was no doubt in his mind. His happily ever after was just getting started.

  ***

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  Blue-Eyed Hero

  Chapter 1

  (Unedited and subject to change)

  The season hadn’t even begun. Reid Silva still had a week until Memorial Day, the official kick off to tourist season, yet idiots had already started causing havoc in his town. If this call was any indication of what the season would hold, he was going to need more coffee, a couple more bottles of whisky at the end of the night and a never-ending supply of ibuprofen to deal with the headache that was Allison Winters, local TV news reporter and a royal pain in his ass.

  She moved toward him with purpose and determination. Her heels clicking along the boardwalk and her navy blue power suit tailored to perfection. Someone who looked that good should not be an annoying thorn in his side.

  Her camera guy, Larry, hurried behind her, attempting to keep up to her pace, but even though she was in five-inch heels, she was a gym rat, unlike Larry, who ate donuts for breakfast. His gut hungover his waistband and jiggled as he picked up speed, almost nearing a jog. Almost.

  Reid liked the man. Despite his habit of shoving the camera where ever Allison told him to, he was a good man, honest, who picked his kids up from school and went to all of their soccer and baseball games. Still, there were many times—too many—where Reid nearly ripped the camera from the poor guy’s hands. He understood Larry had a job to do, but Reid couldn’t be on camera. It was simple as that.

  “Sheriff,” she said, using his title now that they were on camera. A title she would never use if it was just the two of them speaking, which was perfectly fine by him. He didn’t want to be known as the sheriff. He was an officer of the law, and titles were just political bullshit he couldn’t be bothered with. He never even would have taken the position if Simons didn’t decide he wanted to retire after thirty years on the job.