Page 108 of Knocked Up by My Dad's Mafia Boss

“I’ll get you the juiciest burger this side of town.”

“With bacon,” he pleads, and I smile.

I head out into the hallway and Ricardo leans against the wall. He straightens up when he sees me. “How is he?”

“He seems okay. Thank God. Listen, can you take me to get him something to eat?”

“Of course.”

Ricardo and I go to a drive-through and I get a large fry for myself and a bacon double cheeseburger for Reese. “I told you he’d be okay,” Ricardo says with a smile on the way back.

I stop munching on fries long enough to answer. “Yeah. No thanks to Dante.”

“I can’t believe Dante lost it like that. He must have had a reason.”

“I’m sure he did,” I say tightly. Even if things were different, I can’t trust him around my baby. Not anymore. “How’s your mom doing?

Ricardo stiffens. “Chemo’s hard.” It’s the only information he offers, and I don’t push. I really have come around to Ricardo, lately. He’s been there to take over for Dante every step of the way, and he’s been kind to me.

I can’t say the same for Dante. Especially after tonight.

We return to the hospital and Ricardo waits outside as I bring Reese the food. Reese eats voraciously, praising me with every bite.

“I think I like you on hard drugs.”

He scoffs. “Try not to get used to it.”

I bite my lip. “I’m really sorry about all of this.”

He waves a hand dismissively. “I told you. It isn’t your fault.”

“No, but if it wasn’t for me…” I trail off when Reese glares at me.

“Sammy. It’s not. Your fault,” he says pointedly, and I slowly nod. He’s quiet for another moment before he speaks. “I know how he feels. But how do you feel, Sammy?”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb. Do you love him?”

It takes me only a millisecond to answer. “Yes. I hate myself for it, but I do.”

He sighs. “I know how you feel. It’s not like I’ll ever have a real shot with Vaughn.”

“Have you called her? Told her you’ll be here a few days?”

“No.”

“I”m gonna call her.”

He pouts. “Don’t you dare.” But his voice is weak. I know he wants her here.

“Give me your phone.” He hands it over, flushing as I take the phone and head outside the room. Ricardo looks up from his phone but doesn’t react. I dial Vaughn’s contact number. She answers on the third ring.

“I told you not to call me, Reese–”

“This is Samantha Capetti. Reese is hurt. In the hospital.”

She goes silent. “Which hospital?”