Page 56 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“Go tell her how you feel. It doesn’t matter if this is almost over. You two have given more than enough. Let her know it’s time.”

With that, I head upstairs to my room. I stop to pop my head in Lizzy’s room. She’s sitting on her bed reading.

“Hey, Liz.”

She looks up, pushes her glasses up her nose, and smiles at me. The smile brightens her entire face. My heart swells.

I love my little sister. Sometimes I want to tell her the truth, but I don’t want her to hold on to this burden I bear. This hate, anger, and rage don’t belong with such a sweetheart.

“I was hoping I’d catch you before I go to sleep. My boss asked me to help out with the Turkey Drive tomorrow. You want to come?”

I can’t help but notice the hopeful look on her face. Although I know Gio might be there, I don’t have it in me to tell her no. Hopefully, I can avoid him and spend time with my family at the same time.

It wouldn’t hurt to see Dario and Dante. I still remember the two cute little eight-year-olds. I would love to see them now as men.

I wonder how much they’re like Gio. The last time I saw them, they had started to look more and more like him when he was their age. Ava is so proud of the handsome men she’s left behind.

She talks about them nonstop. Reuniting with her family has been on her mind a lot lately. I wonder if that’s because Gio plans to bring her back soon. My thoughts go back to Elijah’s words.

Gwen says Gio’s bringing you guys out of the shadows.

Hope blooms. “Yeah, I’ll come.”

“Great, maybe you can help me pick something to wear in the morning.”

I think of the delivery waiting for me. I’m not ready to dig into that wound. I shrug and move into the room.

“Show me what you have. We can pick something now.”

The way she lights up makes me happy. I decided to put her first. This is how it should be. Gio can wait.

* * *

Gio

I walk through the apartment with a glass of brandy in my hand. I’m shirtless and in a pair of black sleep pants. I wish that meant I’d actually get some sleep.

I’ve never slept well without Ny by my side, but the last year has been hell. As I enter the living room area, my phone rings. I pull it from my pocket to see it’s Apollo.

“What you got for me?” I answer.

“Uncle T is here to see Dario, but Dario left. Carleen wasn’t feeling well.”

I snort to myself. I bet she wasn’t. I had Ming hack the doctor’s office and confirm what Jace found out. Carleen is indeed pregnant. My new niece or nephew should be here by the summer.

I release a deep sigh. I need Dario gone. He’s going to miss a lot of the pregnancy.

I can’t allow Carleen to go with him, not yet. I’m growing annoyed. Things are starting to enter the equation that I haven’t placed there and have the potential to be out of my control.

“Have you told Dario he’s there?”

“No, I called you first.”

“Good, good. Call him and let him know. Meanwhile, I’ll talk to our friend.”

“Okay. Got it.”

“Make sure he knows it’s important. Thanks, Apollo.”

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