Page 17 of Mafia Daddy

Instead of a fancy lunch, we go to a nearby drive-thru and eat in the car. Not the date I wanted, but I’d take it. Especially since she’s clearly enjoying her food.

“I see you’re a fan of fast food,” I smirk.

“No. I just missed it. They don’t have servings this big outside the country,” she says. "So, what's the plan for the rest of the day?"

"I was thinking we could continue our date. That lunch date ended badly, but we can still salvage today," I reply, the corners of my mouth turning up.

She claps her hands and almost jumps from her seat.

"Where would you like to go?" I ask.

"Central Park," she beams, her voice filling with nostalgia. "There are so many memories I have of Central Park before I left."

"Central Park it is," I say, making a quick U-turn.

Whatever my girl wants, she gets. It’s as simple as that.

12

CARA

We arrive at Central Park in no time. As I step out of the car, memories that have long been forgotten flood my mind, and a rushing wave of nostalgia hits me. "Wow," I breathe. "This place hasn’t changed so much since the last time I was here."

Carlo looks at me with a hint of concern in his eyes. "Is everything okay?"

I smile reassuringly. "Yes, everything's fine. It's just that…I miss my mom."

He nods at me, understanding written all over his face, and he reaches out to take my hand. "Well, let's make some new memories then to honor your mother," he says softly with a smile.

I feel a flutter in my chest at his words. "That sounds perfect," I reply, and we start walking toward the park entrance, hand in hand.

We walk through the winding paths of the park, and the scent of blooming flowers fills my nostrils, while the sun's warm rays caress my skin. The trees tower high

overhead, their branches rustling gently in the breeze. Beautiful and vibrant greenery surrounds us, birds chirping and the sound of water trickling nearby.

The towering trees provide a natural canopy that filters the sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the path. The sounds from the soft crunch of gravel beneath our feet add a pleasant rhythm to our animating stroll.

The park is alive with activity. Children run around laughing and playing in the playgrounds, some couples lounge on the grassy hills, and joggers pass by at random intervals with headphones on.

All of this is a feast for my senses, and as I breathe in the air deeply, I feel a sense of peace and contentment. The worries of my life seem to melt away, replaced by the beauty and tranquility of this place.

We don't say anything to each other as we continue our stroll, taking in all the beauty that Central Park has to offer. This is another thing I like about him. He’s comfortable with silence.

Carlo stops walking abruptly, and I turn to face him, trying to read his face for any clues as to why he suddenly stopped. "What's wrong?" I ask, the concern evident in my voice.

A lazy smile spreads across his face, and any trace of worry has been erased.

"Nothing's wrong," he assures me. "I want to show you something."

I nod my head eagerly, knowing whatever Carlo surprises me with will be worth it.

My curiosity is piqued when he suggests that we venture off the beaten path and explore a secluded area of the park. He beckons me to follow him, leading me through winding trails and dense foliage, away from the bustling crowds and the cacophony of Central Park.

As we make our way deeper into the park, my excitement builds, heart pounding with nervous anticipation. I have no idea what he has planned for us, and the thrill of the unknown is nerve-wracking as well as intoxicating.

Finally, we arrive at a quiet and secluded spot, nestled amidst the trees and the soft bay of leaves. He turns to me with a smile and tells me to stay put while he goes to grab something.

I watch him disappear into the distance, my curiosity magnifying by the second.

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