Page 9 of One More Chance
Tony offered no more than that and it was an answer Krista would have to accept. “So, did I.”
Tony could still remember the devastation he felt when he’d found out Krista sold out his family to the highest bidder. Story after story came about the negative dealings regarding the D’Amatos. They were called everything under the sun withnigger loversbeing a prominent insult on various social media pages, when a nasty rumor circulated about the brothers having a black woman fetish.
Tony didn’t have to wonder if that particular insult influenced him to have a life-altering decision. “I hope so,” he paused for a beat then he continued, “I get it, Krista. I truly do. You were used to being dogged out, you couldn’t think for a moment that someone with my reputation would change. I get it. That’s why when you went through my phone, I didn’t say anything. When you demanded you smell my dick, I thought, ‘Wow, my girl is kinky and weird as all shit. I kinda dig this’ but I didn’t say anything. Because I knew you had some trust issues from your past and I was determined to prove to you I wasn’t like the others.
“And it’s kinda funny when you think about it. I remember this one guy you dated; this supposed “baller.” He always made excuses for why he had to cancel dates, why your weekend trips were always short, why he had to do this and he had to do that. He was so busy trying to build his brand, he couldn’t afford to call you back?
“Our family could’ve been like those other numerous lottery winners. We could’ve blown through the money and be back where we started. Luckily, God felt otherwise for us. The money my mother gave me, I tripled due to my hard work and Joey’s business acumen. Eli designed the flyers and business cards. K and Nicky spread the word amongst their friends about their little brother doing hair cuts. I had a brand before I even opened my first shop.
“And guess what? I’m at a three-star Michelin-rated restaurant, spending an ungodly amount of money on food and services with a woman I still love, even though I shouldn’t,” he revealed a slow and sexy smile, “and I have all of the time in the world for her but she playin’.”
Krista locked eyes with Tony. She saw hope, light, and if she wasn’t mistaken, a bit oflovewithin them. She only hoped what she read was right. “So what now?”
“I’m going to pay for our meal, take you home, and call it a night.”
The pang of disappointment hit Krista hard in the gut. There was no room for reconciliation and she finally realized that ship had finally sailed. “That’s it?”
“I’ll probably slip on my jammies and watch a marathon ofThe Unbreakable Kimmy Schimdt,” Tony shrugged, “that’s about it.”
“The Unbreakable Kimmy Schimdt?” Krista was surprised. Then again, she shouldn’t have been. Tony was a huge TV show binger. Although he had his limits – absolutely, positively no Fox News – he watched just about everything. “I didn’t think you would like that type of show.”
“What? Are you kidding me? I’ve been in love with Ellie Kemper sinceThe Office!” Tony shook his head. “She don’t even know, man.”
“Well,” Krista softly cleared her throat, “I would like to join you if that’s okay.” She hoped she didn’t sound too desperate.
Tony revealed a slow smile. “Oh?” His eyes glanced at her up and down. “Do you have overnight clothing?”
“Well,” Krista tried to brush off the rush of emotions from Tony. She felt like she was made of glass and he could see every emotion that appeared in front of him.
Worry.
Anticipation.
Regret.
Hope.
She swallowed her emotions again and managed to continue. “I would need to stop by my home and pick up some overnight clothing and stuff for my hair and…”
Tony grabbed Krista’s hand and softly kissed it. “I got you, boo.”
