“She will be fine. She’s had a rough night is all.” I cup her head, so it doesn’t hit the top, as I get in. I cradle her to my chest, hating that I wasn’t with her last night.
I have so many questions, so many concerns, but I suppose they don’t matter right now. Or maybe, they don’t matter at all. Perhaps, I need to put aside my jealousy.
“Where to, sir?” Tony asks.
“I assume you know where I live.”
“Oh, yeah. I take my kids by there all the time. Beautiful home.” He suddenly cackles, meeting my eyes in the rearview mirror. “It didn’t sound as weird in my head, but you have the prettiest home in the city. The kids really look up to you. They want to work for you one day.”
I snort, shaking my head. “I’m sure that doesn’t please you.”
“Why wouldn’t it? Life is hard, and you have to play the game to make it. I want my kids to make it.”
His words surprise me. “Well, you can tell them you officially work for me now. I’ll get you a new car. This will not do.” I glance around, not wanting to think about all the people that have been inside here.
“Seriously? Are you serious? No way. Oh, man. Mr. Milazzo. You won’t be sorry. I swear it.”
“You’ll have an NDA and contract. Your entire family will have to sign one. I’ll start you with a signing bonus, health insurance, and good pay. We will hash out the details soon. My focus is on Sophie right now.”
“Yes, sir. Not a problem.”
“You’ll have to move to the estate with your wife. I have plenty of room, but I’d need you to be available at all times. If that is an issue, please let me know now.”
“It isn’t. My wife will be thrilled. Thank you, Mr. Milazzo. You have changed my life for the better.”
I glance down at Sophie, running my finger down her warm cheek. “Yeah, I don’t do that very often, so that’s good to know.”
“I’m sure you do it more than you think,” Tony says softly. “Every couple has fights and disagreements. You’ll get through it. I know it.”
“You’re a confident man, Tony.”
“I’ve been married awhile, sir. Nothing works better than honest communication. Keeping it bottled up inside isn’t good for the soul. It will create a bitterness that will spread like poison if you don’t get ahead of it. It isn’t worth it, sir. Whatever happened, talk about it.”
“Yeah, we aren’t good at that. It’s my fault.” Here I am, spilling my guts to a stranger. I find it easier than talking to Gianni. This man doesn’t know me. Tony can give me unbiased advice. “I try to protect her by doing things my way, but she’s been alone for a long time. She’s had to fight for what she has. She is independent and strong. She’s used to making her own choices and I need to respect that. I only want her as mine. At the end of the day, that’s all I really want.” Even if it means she doesn’t want to have my baby, maybe she and I can come to an agreement. Maybe not now, but soon? I want to be what she needs me to be.
“Don’t take all the blame. It takes two to tango.” His thick New York accent comes through, telling me where he is from.
“She’s stubborn and hardheaded.” I admire her beautiful face as she sleeps, even with alcohol pouring off her in waves, she still is everything my heart desires. “She loves fighting me.”
“She has spirit. It’s good. It means she won’t ever have you walk all over her. It’s good to have a woman like that.”
I nod in agreement, kissing Sophie’s forehead. “I’m so sorry,” I whisper. “Please, don’t be mad at me anymore.” I look down, hoping she’d open her eyes, but they remain shut.
“We are here, sir.”
“Roll down the window and tell them to let you through.”
As soon as he rolls down the window, Gianni’s voice comes through the speaker.
“Whatever you are selling, we don’t want it.”
“No, I’m Tony. I’m the new driver for Mr. Milazzo. He’s in the backseat with his girl. He told me to tell you.”
“Tony? Who the fuck is Tony?”
“Me. I’m Tony. The Taxi driver. You know, yellow cab kind of guy.” He chews on his toothpick. “You want a ride in my cab? The fare is decent. I can help you around the city. I’m sure that’s my job now. You know, I could take you to this really great place—”
“—Shut up. And come in. Stop talking.” Gianni is moodier than usual but opens the gate.