by Lacey Dailey
“I can’t think of one reason she’d be in Vermont.” He rubs his temples like he’s trying to use twin powers to talk to her through his mind. “She’s never even been to Vermont!”
I feel like more of an asshole than usual because I can’t tell Renzo the significance behind Vermont. He squirms on the couch, bags under his eyes and worry lines around his lips as he texts all her friends. I say nothing. I’m not so sure Gia meant to tell Max and I about her sort of ex-boyfriend hiding in Vermont with his secret. Lips covered in cheesy dust, she blurted it in the midst of a rant and swore us to secrecy.
I’m not a perfect man. Breaking her trust to ensure her safety has crossed my mind once or twice. I don’t know who this Benny fool is, and I sure as fuck don’t like that Gia’s been with him for an entire day and I haven’t heard the sound of her voice. If I find out she was harmed in any capacity, I will light the entire state and all its fancy mountains on fire.
There are few things in life as fragile as trust. It’s like glass, easily broken and hard to put back together. I won’t shatter the gift she’s given me.
So I sit beside her brother, knee bouncing and palms sweating. I try to imagine her touch, weighted in kindness and affection, running across my skin.
She treats me better than I deserve and gets grumpy when I say so. Gia believes I’m some big teddy bear who’s spent so long living with a burden so I can protect Max, I never got a chance to embrace how cuddly I can be.
She used the word cuddly to describe me.
I swear to God, I could never make that shit up.
On some level, she’s right. I wouldn’t go as far as to say I’m cuddly but I am less of a prickly asshole when she’s around. Her presence is peaceful. It’s grounds me and serves as a reminder that I don’t have to keep my fists up. She would never hurt us. There is no pain to be felt and no tears to shed when Gia Maria is around. I don’t have to be on edge or stay braced for the hit that’s about to come.
With her, I can breathe.
“So, do you think it’d be crazy if we filed a missing persons report?”
I look to him, expression blank. “Considering she left a note? Yes, Renzo, I think the entire police station would laugh at you.”
“Well, at least I’m thinking of ideas and being proactive.” He stands up and puts his finger in my face. “What the hell have you been doing?”
“Besides worrying myself sick? Put your goddamn finger down and stop acting like a prick.”
His foot makes contact with a throw pillow, sending it flying across my tiny living room. His sigh is violent as he drags his hands down his face. “I’m sorry, man. I’m not trying to imply you aren’t worried. It’s just… my dad spent twenty years chipping away pieces of her personality and forming her into some robot politician she had no interest in being. There were times she’d spend an entire dinner without saying a word.”
He links his hands behind his neck, pacing as speaks. “When she did speak, it sounded like she was reading from an invisible script. It wasn’t until I came to visit you guys in Vegas that I saw a version of her I hadn’t seen in a while. I was so pumped when the two of you finally got together. You’re the best thing for her, man. You adore her and provide for her in a way that isn’t controlling or manipulating. You don’t give a damn what she wears or how she speaks. You gave her an outlet. I’m terrified my dad destroyed everything you’ve given her and everything she’s given herself.”
I don’t know if Max and I have any siblings. Looking at Renzo’s expression, a mix of worry and appreciation, I decide if I have a brother I want him to be just like Renzo.
“Listen, Renzo.” Standing from the couch, I move towards his position beside the overturned coffee table. “I’ve learned a lot about your sister over these last few months. The number one thing I’ve learned is that nobody gives her enough credit for how strong she is. She doesn’t even give credit to herself because she has all this bullshit in her head about how weak she is for letting her father choose her path.”
I clap him on the shoulder. “Here’s the thing, my man. Gia’s strong because she takes everybody else’s burdens and carries them. She didn’t argue with your father because she wanted to please him. She didn’t confront your mother because she knew that would create a rift in their marriage. She didn’t tell you how bad it got because she wanted you to focus on getting into the FBI Academy. She never told her family of friends because she thought what she was going through wasn’t important compared to what everyone else was facing. I know you’re worried. Fuck, man, I’m five seconds away from raising hell but it’s not because I think she isn’t coming back. She’s the strongest goddamn woman I’ve ever met, Renzo.”
“Thank you, baby.”
With the blood pulsating in my ears, I almost don’t register the sound of her voice. With a quick glance over my shoulder, I find her standing in the doorway, a bag at her feet. Swiftly, I move toward her, scanning her body for any signs of injury, pain, or distress. When our eyes meet and she greets me with a sweet smile, relief floods my body in waves.
“Gia! What the hell?” I scoop her off the ground and squeeze the shit out of her. “Damn it! Answer your phone or I’ll get you one of them bracelets with the tracker in them.”
“That’s going a little overboard, don’t you think? I left a note.”
I set her back on her feet. “You wrote a sentence on the back of a goddamn grocery receipt! That’s not a fucking note.”
“What about all that stuff you just spewed about me being strong?”
I cup her face in my hands, kissing her roughly. “You are strong, baby. It’s me who needs some help. You petrified the piss out of me when you didn’t answer your phone. If you wanted to go see your friend, I would’ve gone with you.”
“It’s something I had to do alone.” I lean into her hand when she cups my cheek. “I’m sorry I scared you.”
“Next time, answer your phone, yeah?”
“It died on the plane. I forgot my charger.” She pushes her face into my chest, speaking softly. “How long have you been here?”
“Since we read your note.”
“Is he mad at me?”
I palm the back of her head, dipping my fingers in her hair. “He was worried you weren’t coming back.”
“I would never walk out on you.” Her head tilts and we lock eyes. I see the oath as she stares at me, pledging a lifetime without actually saying anything at all.
“Hey! How about a hug for your brother?”
I’m left feeling lonely when she slips from my grip and steps around me to get to her brother. Palming the door handle, I attempt to swing it shut. A large hand wraps around the door’s edge, pushing against me and forcing it back open.
A man I don’t recognize steps into my doorway.
“Who the hell are you?”
He sizes me up. “You must be Max.”
I scoff and step back, crossing my arms over my chest. Dude looks like an extra from The Godfather. Jet black hair slicked smoothly with gel, a thin gold chain around his neck, and eyes almost as dark as mine. I have a pretty good guess who this dude is. “You Benny?”
He thrusts his hand at my chest. “Ben Anderson. The only people who still call me Benny are Gigi and my parents.”
“Ben, then.” I don’t know this guy but I do know from talking to Gia how hard he’s worked to build himself a life he’s proud of. I won’t shit all over it by calling him by a name he doesn’t feel fits the person he is.
“Come in.” I return his handshake and gesture inside, letting the door fall shut behind him.
Renzo and Ben share an awkward hug, and we all shut up as Ben explains his pretend mission trips, secret wife, new name, and his future as a father.
With my arms around my girl and my lips on her neck, I’m only half listening. Because I’m a human with a functioning heart, I’m happy for Ben and the shit he did to make himself a good life. I don’t care much about the details. What I care abou
t is my girl and her wedged safely in my arms.
My ears don’t perk up until Ben’s story ends with he and Gia’s dual plan of attack.
“Oh fuck no.”
“Aiden.” My name is barely a whisper as she moves from my arms. “I’m doing this.”
I raise my brow. “Baby, you must be real tired from that trip if you think I’m letting you waltz into your dad’s office. We’ve had this talk before.”
“You don’t get to choose for me.” She lifts her chin. “Nobody gets to choose for me. Not anymore.”
I would rather cut off my own leg and eat it than argue with that sentence. I will not be another man that silences her or makes her feel guilty over the choices she makes.
I also will not let her go in there alone.
“I’m going with you.”
“I want you to.” She moves towards the door and pulls it open. “Just don’t hit him.”
“If he touches you again, I might kill him.”
Renzo claps me on the back, marching past me and out the door. “You and me both, man.”
“Are you sure you want to do this right now? You just got back.” Doesn’t she want to rehearse what she’s going to say? Sleep on it? Maybe wake up tomorrow and change her mind?
“We’re getting this over and done with so I can go home to my wife.” Ben brushes past me, walking with the step of a man who will execute anybody that dares get in his way.
“I have to do this, babe.” She stands in the doorway, arm outstretched. “I need answers and I need closure. After that, I’m all yours.”
Well, if that didn’t sound like absolute heaven.
Gripping her hand securely, I let the door slam behind us. She stomps to the parking lot with her head held high and determination painted across her face.
Our baby is about to go bust some fucking heads, and goddamn her strength makes me love her more. It takes a special kind of woman to escape wreckage and then turn around and face it head on. Once this is over, Max and I are going to give our girl the best damn life anyone could ever ask for.
22
Gigi
I have no plan.
I spent most of the plane ride home asleep, refusing to allow thoughts of my father to stress me out. Gone are the clammy hands and sweaty temples. Gone are the nervous shakes and meek replies. Gone are my compliant head nods and passive presence.
I step out of the car and move toward the stone steps leading to the courthouse, purpose in each one of my steps. As Renzo would say, I’m going in balls to the wall with only a three-step strategy I quickly devise as I ascend the steps.
1. Demand to know where he put my stuff.
2. Tell him he doesn’t get to choose my path anymore.
3. Flash him the deuces and leave.
That last part was Olivia’s idea. I love it. The simple hand gesture will act as my own personal grand exit as I bid farewell to my father.
I’m prepared for the moment he tries to tell me no. I anticipate the shouting and the threats to cut me off. He can keep the car he bought me, the clothes he shoved at me, and the apartment with his name on it.
I don’t need it.
I need Max and Aiden and Renzo and Benny. I need a family made up of those who understand acceptance. I need people who surround me with love and offer me support. I need people who recognize my excitement and match it just because they love me.
One day, I hope my father is one of those people. In the mean time, the encouragement and strength I receive from the people who stand beside me on these steps is more than enough.
Benny and I explode through the doors of the courthouse. We bypass the frantic receptionist and march up the wooden staircase that will lead us to my father. Aldo’s office isn’t actually in this building but he spends so much time here, it might as well be. There’s a nine out of ten chance he’s perched in the large leather chair that occupies the space across my father’s desk, a cigar in his mouth and a tumbler of liquor in his hand.
Benny and I reach the landing, moving swiftly down the narrow hallway. Renzo and Aiden flank us. I reach his office, eyeing the nameplate displaying his moniker. Wrapping my fingers around the handle, I don’t hesitate.
The door cracks against the wall behind it, startling the two men inside. Through a haze of cigar smoke, I meet my father’s eyes. He sits behind his desk, the smoking cigar resting in the corner of his grin. Aldo wears a similar expression. I’m not sure why they wear grins, or what they think is about to happen. I am certain that self-righteous grin isn’t going to be there in five minutes.
“Benito.” Aldo stands, buttoning his suit jacket. “How nice of you to come visit. I thought you’d fallen off the face of the Earth seeing as how you ditched your fiancée and changed your phone number.”
“They aren’t fucking engaged, shitbird.”
“Mr. Mitchell.” My dad’s voice has a hint of laughter. He places his cigar carefully in its ashtray and places both palms on his desk. “I see your language is still as colorful as ever.”
He rises from his seat.
Growing up, I used to watch him and tremble, convinced there wasn’t a sight more intimidating. Now, I see a man who touches his daughter in anger. I see a man who looks to her with disdain and disappointment. I see a man who no longer represents strength but weakness.
He looms over me, yet I’ve never seen him look so small.
“He isn’t here to talk.” I step forward, flashing Aiden a look over my shoulder. I hope it conveys how desperate I am to do this on my own. Stand down. “I am.”
“So am I.” Benny nudges his head towards the door. “Let’s have a word, Aldo.”
Aldo sizes him up, chewing at the end of his cigar. Upturning his chin, smoke billows from his lips. He chuckles and walks across my father’s office, looking as though what Benny has to say will only amuse him.
Benny follows him through the doorway, onyx eyes burning inside harsh features. Before the door shuts, Renzo shares a look with Aiden and slips out of the room.
Renzo and Benny were never friends. Even now, I think Renzo’s still getting used to not despising him but my brother has a kind heart. Nobody should face the devil without a little backup.
“Have a seat, Giovanna.”
I widen my stance. “I think I’ll stay standing.”
His eyebrows rise. He folds his arms across his chest, wrinkling the suit he had tailored to fit his big round body. “I assume you’ve come for your things.”
“Yes. I’d like access to wherever you stored them. You bought the clothes and the shoes so you can keep them. I’m interested only in things that mattered to me. Gifts and memories that are irreplaceable.”
He holds back a chuckle. “Is that right?”
“Yes. I realize that apartment was in your name. You had every right to buy yourself out of that lease and empty it. I’m not trying to get technical. I’m asking you to be a decent human being and give me back what matters to me so I can be on my way.”
“And where do you think you’re going?”
“It doesn’t really matter to you though, does it?” I tilt my head and look at him. His eyes dance as he awaits my answer. As if this moment is simply afternoon entertainment. “It’s not the future you chose so it’s not one you’ll accept. I’m not here to defend myself and my choices. I’m here to retrieve my things and say goodbye.”
“Goodbye, huh?”
“To you.” I confirm. “And the awful future you planned for me.”
“Awful?” He slams his palms against his desk roughly, shaking its contents. I flinch at the sound of his stapler hitting the ground. Aiden’s fingers find my waist, he squeezes me possessively and yanks me so I’m flush against him. “That was a good, respectable future, Giovanna! Do you understand how many people would kill to have the opportunities you do?”
“I do.” He jerks, and I think I’ve shocked him. “I know it takes an incredible person to be a governor, and I know how hard people work only to be outv
oted. I have respect for those people. I just don’t want to be one of them.”
“Then you’re a fool.”
Years ago, that sentence would’ve been like a hammer to my heart. “No. I’d be a fool for taking a job I didn’t enjoy and spending decades being unhappy. I won’t be going to graduate school. I won’t be returning to City Hall, and I won’t be Gigi Moretti, Governor of North Carolina. I’ll be working alongside some of the best and most well respected producers in the industry as a music manager for one of the most anticipated musicians of this decade. I’m not sorry if that isn’t enough for you.”
“You’re making a massive mistake, Giovanna. I won’t be here to bail you out when you come back for another chance. I pulled a lot of strings to get you that job at City Hall.”
“I don’t want you to pull strings for me!” Wrenching from Aiden’s grip, I move towards my father. “I don’t want you to get me a job or sponsor a campaign. I want you to be my dad. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.” With a hand to my chest, I blink and tears drip down my face.
“I wanted you to come to a dance competition. I wanted you to take pictures of me in my prom dress and threaten my date like all the other dads. I wanted you to hug me at graduation and tell me how proud you were instead of scolding me for not being valedictorian. I wanted a dad not a life coach.”
Aiden molds his front to my back. Fortitude washes over me, and I wipe my face with my forearm. “Why is it so easy for you to be that for my brothers and not for me? Is it because I’m a girl? Some sort of sexist thing?”
He snorts. “No, Giovanna. It is not a sexist thing. I hold the utmost respect for women. You could’ve been a million times more successful than your brothers.”
“Do you know what that sounds like?” Aiden speaks through his teeth. “It sounds like you are ranking your children. What kind of father ranks his own children?”
“The kind who wishes them all to be successful, Mr. Mitchell. I knew from the start the boys would have no problem forging their own way.”
