Page 52 of Frayed Bonds

It’s Saturday, which means he doesn't have a physio appointment today, so we have a full day to ourselves.

“I was thinking we could go grab some sandwiches at Giovanni's and desserts at Trescatelli's, then come home and binge-watch action movies?”

He places his hand on his heart and smiles at me. “You know how to butter up your papá.”

“Of course. I also think it'll be good to get out a bit, especially with the second operation coming up. I don't want you to get cabin fever from being stuck in here all day.”

He reaches forward and places his hand on mine. Thank you so much for everything, Fiore Mio. I know you're giving up a lot to be here, and to make sure everything goes well with my surgeries, and I want you to know how much I appreciate it.”

“Always, Papá. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat, you know I'll be here whenever you need me.”

“Fiore Mio, I hate to ask, but I found a few letters… and I’m just a bit worried,” he says and immediately I know what letters he’s referring to.

We’ve, or rather I received a few payment warning letters for both the house and an extra loan I took out to help with payments.

“Everything is fine, Papá, I’m taking care of the letters already. No need for you to worry.” I smile.

At least I hope there's nothing to worry about.

Nothing will ever be better than lounging on the couch, watching movies and eating snacks, especially with my papá when we haven't done it in years.

“I can’t believe he’s still doing this, isn't he like sixty now?” I ask, through a mouthful of my sandwich.

“Sixty-three, actually, with two good hips. I could out-stunt him if it wasn't for these stupid guys,” he says, smacking the sides of his hips.

“Sure, Papá.” I giggle, and he bursts into a chuckle as well.

The doorbell rings and I roll my eyes. “If this is Mrs Bordachelli telling us she’s locked out again, I’m going to lose it.”

“I’m convinced she either has Alzheimer's or she started purposely hiding the key after your mamá passed away.” He bursts out laughing and it rings through the halls, pulling an instant smile on my face.

When I open the door, a female frame burst past me instead. “Nat? What are you doing here?”

“Karyn mentioned you were on ‘papá-watch’, so I decided to keep you company,” Nat yells over her shoulder.

“Natalia, so good to see you again,” My papá says as she sits down next to him and leans into his side, getting comfortable, as if I interrupted their movie night.

“That’s my spot,” I pout at Natalia. She shoots me a dirty look and shifts closer to my father.

“You get to see him every day. I'm only in town for a few weeks a year. Let me take advantage of my time with my non-biological father too.”

I knew that was coming, so I shake my head and sit on her other side to resume the movie. Natalia and I have been practically inseparable since we were seven. She grew up in my house since things were always pretty rough at hers. My father is her father in many ways, and I know she misses him whenever she goes off to the States for work.

“Ohh, is this Blaze Steele? We haven't watched one of his movies in years,” she pipes up.

“It’s the new one,” My father adds. “How’s work, Nat? Valerie tells me your world tour is sold out.” My father is Natalia's biggest fan, and has been since he pushed her to join the singing competition that landed her, her first record deal.

She waves him off. “Yeah, in seven minutes apparently but shhhhh, no popstar talk while Blaze is on, Papá. You know he’s my favourite out of all the big muscle guys you watch.”

I scoff, and Natalia's head snaps in my direction. “You love any man that’s shirtless and fighting off bad guys.”

She shrugs. “It’s my type, I like my men ready to go to war for me, what can I say?”

By the time the credits roll, I can hear the soft snores of my father. Nat smiles at him fondly before moving slightly away from him, so I can wake him up and take him to his room for bed. I knew the adventures to the store would tire him out, but I expected him to last until at least 9 p.m.

“So, now for the real reason I came,” Natalia starts the second I walk back into the living room.

“Ambrose Vitale? Val, what the fuck? When were you going to tell me about this?” Natalia says, staring at me wide-eyed.

---