Page 33 of Merciless Monster

“But it would be great to spend more time together. You have your hands full between your job and ferrying Angelo to school and back. Moving in with me would make your life easier. You can bring his nanny here to live with us. There’s plenty of room.”

“Goodness. I don’t know what to say.”

“Look, I don’t want to put you on the spot, Mia. Please promise me you’ll at least think about it. I must tell you, though, that I don’t want to waste time. We’ve already lost five years. Just saying.”

“Okay. I’ll think about it.”

“Great.”

“Wow! Mommy! Dante! Come see the pool,” Angelo yells, running into the living room.

It would be wonderful to afford my son, our son, a chance at a better life. Our apartment is small and there’s no lawn, so poor Angelo is missing out on the things little boys should be doing, like playing outside. Maybe I can get him a dog. He’s always wanted one.

“Looks like I have at least one of you on my side,” Dante laughs as Angelo jumps into his arms.

“It’s so cool! Is this our new house, Mommy?” my angel asks with excited eyes.

Shit. What should I say? This is so hard.

“Uhm, well. We’ll see, sweetheart.”

“Ah, a firm fan,” Candice smiles.

“At least two,” Dante winks.

Great. Nothing like being ganged up on. I can see that saying no to the father and son duo is going to something I’m going to have to get wise to.

* * *

“I still can’t believe what you’re telling me, M. Dante! Here in LA! It would have been nice if he’d called and told me.”

“I don’t think he was planning on staying that long, Gina. It’s a miracle he found me.”

“From what you’re saying, I think you turned out to behismiracle. Is he okay?”

“Yeah, he’s fine.”

“What happened?”

“Dante was vague when I asked him. I don’t want to push. I’m sure he’ll tell me when he’s ready.”

“And? How are things between you two? Have you told him about Angelo?”

“Are you crazy? I’m not ready to do that. Even if I were, how the hell will I break the news to him that I’ve been hiding his child from him for five years?”

“Good point.”

“What should I do, Gina? Dante wants Angelo and me to move in with him.”

“So soon. That’s a big step, M.”

“No shit! Come on. He’s your family. You must have some useful advice for me.”

Gina looks like a cornered animal. Why does she always get that look when I ask her about Dante? Is she hiding something from me?

“What aren’t you telling me, Gina?”

“It’s not my place to talk to you about Dante. I don’t really know him that well, anyway. We’re distant relatives. I grew up here in the States and he in Italy. We used to see each other every now and again when we were kids. I don’t know the grown up Dante well enough to comment on his character.”

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