Page 23 of Cruel Existence

I had never been privy to his business plans. Suddenly, I felt a rush of relief that the meeting had nothing to do with marrying me off to a New Orleans family. I took a much deeper breath, filling my belly with air.

“What’s the meeting about?” I dragged a chair across the floor to sit close to him.

“One of the well-established families has made an invitation. It would be suicide to reschedule.”

“You’re trying to impress them, or they are trying to impress you?” I inquired.

He growled. “Are you able to take this seriously?”

“Yes, of course, I am. I’m just trying to understand all the angles.”

“At least you’ve learned to size up the competition.”

“If I take this meeting for you, will you promise to rest?” I asked. “Otherwise, I’m not doing it, and I’ll call an ambulance if I have to.” It was the first time I had threatened my father with something I could follow through on.

“No ambulance.” His eyes hardened. “Yes, I’ll stay here. You go. Take the meeting.”

“We have a deal.” I smiled softly. He closed his eyes from exhaustion. Had he been suffering up here for days while I lounged at the pool and went boutique shopping? When did he acquire all the pill bottles? Ciro had been right to alert me. I should have worried sooner.

“Good.” He nodded. “I’m going to tell you exactly what to say.”

“You don’t trust me to handle the meeting on my own?”

He glared at me. “I will give you the script. This is your first meeting as Lorenzo Amato’s daughter.”

“Fine,” I relented. “Tell me what to say.”

“Ciro will take you to and from the meeting. You stay exactly twenty minutes.”

“Twenty minutes?” I questioned.

“Yes. It shows interest, but it also shows you are busy. Your time is valuable, Amara. Your time should not be wasted by anyone.”

I nodded. “Okay, got it. In and out in twenty minutes.” The meeting seemed more doable. The time limit took the edge off.

“Do not mention my health.” It was a warning. “I am also a busy man. That’s all they need to know.”

“I won’t, but what do you want me to say when I show up instead of you? I think it will be obvious something is wrong.”

I could tell he was thinking through the strategy. He wouldn’t want to insult the family. He wouldn’t want to be caught in a lie.

“Tell them I was called to Philadelphia for a family emergency that couldn’t be helped.”

I peered at him. “What was it?”

“What?”

“The emergency,” I pressed.

He waved his hand in the air. “He won’t ask.”

I didn’t believe him. People were curious. They always had questions and more questions on top of those.

“All right. What is the meeting about? What do we need to discuss?” I was concerned about this part.

“It’s only an introduction. A family meeting. Have a drink. Tell him you love New Orleans. We’re happy here and glad to be out of Philadelphia. Make my apologies for not being able to make it. That’s all. Nothing more. Twenty minutes. And come straight here when it’s over.”

I nodded. “Okay. I think I can do that. What’s his name?” I asked.

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