Page 16 of Toxic

"You're whipped," Gianni teases.

I toss a piece of bread at him as well.

"Stop throwing food," Papà orders.

"Then tell them to shut up," I mumble and eat a bite of my croissant.

"I think it's nice," Mamma says.

I ignore it and keep piling the food inside my mouth so I don't have to talk, cursing myself again for ever agreeing to go to this stupid event.

"Tully's coming over at three. We've got some issues that have popped up. I want the three of you in my office before he arrives," Papà states.

"I have my meeting with Rubio," I reply.

"Change it."

I cross my arms. "It's to go through the new shipments."

"Enough. I said, change it," Papà reiterates.

"We already scheduled distribution to start right after. The pickup is at four," I remind him, pissed he's telling me to change my meeting, which is going to screw up my entire day. Plus, this is my first significant project I secured on my own.

"Meet with Rubio before. End of conversation."

I take a sip of water then rise, angry that it's Tully who's making me rearrange my schedule. Tully makes me think of Bridget, and I've already thought enough about her today. I sarcastically respond, "Yeah, I'll just tell everyone to stop what they're doing and bend over since Tully's coming over."

Papà slams his hand on the table. "Watch your mouth."

Arianna jumps next to me, and her eyes widen.

Mamma wraps her arm around Arianna then glares at Papà.

But he doesn't break his gaze off mine.

Gianni rises. "Dante, let's go before we're late." He walks around the table and kisses Arianna on her head. "Have fun at your party today."

"Wait! I didn't give you your valentine!" She picks up a red envelope and hands it to him then gives the rest of us one.

I immediately feel guilty. I know how excited she's been, and I didn't get her anything. I open the envelope and pull out a red heart that says"Hope your day is filled with lots of love. Be my Valentine. Arianna."

Love. Fat chance.

Gianni hands her a card with a small box of chocolates. Massimo pulls a teddy bear and card out from underneath the table. I silently groan. Of course, I'm the only one who forgot to pick something up, and she's been bouncing off the walls all week about this stupid day.

I lean down over her. "Guess what?"

Her excited brown eyes make me smile. She barely gets out, "What?"

"I have a super cool gift for you, but I can't give it to you until tonight."

She beams. "What is it?"

"You'll have to wait and see. Have fun at your party." I kiss her forehead and leave with Gianni and Massimo for the gym.

"You forgot, didn't you?" Massimo asks when we're out of earshot.

"Yep."

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