Page 40 of Be With Me
“It means I won’t get back here tonight. Probably not until late tomorrow afternoon.” His gaze softened as it landed on me. “That’s a long time for Aris to be here alone.”
My stomach sank. “Dad, I’ve made plans.”
“I know,cariño. I’m sorry.”
“Who’s the donor?”
“An old acquaintance from college. No one you know.”
That struck me as odd. I knew all of my father’s major donors. I’d sat through countless dinners and events, schmoozing right alongside him. “What’s so important it can’t be a phone call?”
My father smiled. Did it seem a bit strained?
I felt a flicker of guilt. As crazy as my schedule was, my dad’s was even worse.
“She’s well-connected in the city,” he said. “I’d like her to take on an unofficial role with the transition team. I wish I could skip the trip,cariño, but it’s not possible. This is the only time she can meet in person for the next few weeks.”
The unspoken request hung in the air between us.
His trip was mandatory. Mine wasn’t. But I wanted to go. Badly.
Dad placed a hand on my shoulder. “Your friends will understand, I’m sure.”
Before I could answer, my stepmom’s voice cut across the hallway.
“Carlos, let her go. I’ll be fine.”
I turned to see her leaning against the doorframe, watching us with that familiar, tight-lipped expression she always wore when she was annoyed.
Dad stepped toward her. “Mi amor, the nurse is on vacation this week. There won’t be anyone nearby if you need something.”
“The fridge is full of food. All my medicine’s refilled. What’s there to worry about?”
“You know I don’t like you being alone for so long.”
“Reality TV will keep me better company than Mia sulking about missing her trip.”
Our eyes met. Was she trying to help me, or did she just not want me around? I couldn’t tell. I never could.
“I won’t sulk,” I said, forcing a lightness I didn’t feel.
She waved a dismissive hand. “If anything serious happens, I can call Jenny, can’t I?”
Dad exhaled through his nose, clearly reluctant. But then he sighed and pressed a kiss to her temple. “You get your way,mi amor.Just like always.”
I felt a guilty type of relief. My stepmom shot me another unreadable glance before turning and disappearing into the living room.
“I’ll walk you out,” Dad said, grabbing my bag.
I followed him to the elevator, my chest still tight.
“You’ve seemed distracted this week. Is it work?” he asked while we waited.
Distracted was putting it mildly.
For the past few days, I’d been debating whether or not to tell him about Romolo.
Would it help him to know that the Ferraros were questioning his motives?
