Page 60 of Unbroken (Russo Mafia)

After leaving everything with Gretchen, I head back downstairs. It feels like a Peasantville compared to upstairs. Oscar is doing laps in my office when I enter.

He rushes towards me without halting, cups my face with his large hands. “Tell me are we both looking for a new job, because hells if I’m staying here without you, Chuck.”

I grab his hands, lowering them slowly. “We’re safe. They only wanted to say sorry about what went down and offer support. It was weird, really. They didn’t seem pissed off about the whole situation. Any other boss would be firing my ass or yelling. I don’t understand them.”

“Yeah, I heard they could be weird, but understanding. Thank God for you, right?”

“You have no idea. I think I’m going to call it a day and finally visit Dad. It’s been forever since I’ve seen his face.”

I send Lucca a quick text letting him know what I’m doing. He said it’s a good idea, that he’s busy with work, anyway. Yet he wanted me to move in. Oh, that’s hilarious. I would be that distraction of his, and he needs to focus on his work. I can’t be the reason that he falls behind. So, for now, I’ll stay at my place.

“All right Chuck, I’m out. I’ll see you tomorrow. Hopefully, everything will be better, and your clients come back.”

“Same, this is such bullshit anyway. Have a good night.” Once he leaves, I finish up a few files. Turning off the light take a deep breath. I got lucky today if my bosses weren’t so forgiving, I would be screwed. Jill stops me on the way out.

“Hey, this came for you.” She hands me an envelope.

I hesitantly take it. The last time I received one of these it wasn’t very good. “Thanks Jill. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

I place the envelope in my purse. I’ll wait when I’m with Lucca to open it. This time I’ll remember it. I scan my surroundings when I step outside, something I didn’t think I’ve ever had to do before. It’s all I can think of every time; is Lucca’s wife. Did she see her killer coming for her, or was he hiding in a car nearby and pounced at the last second possible? Was he someone that she knew, and she just never figured it out? These are the things that will always play in my mind. The walk back to my apartment takes longer than it should. I take the most populated way possible, staying hidden amongst everyone. The things you learn from late night true crime shows. When I enter my place, it feels foreign, cold and empty. Quiet, so very quiet. I’ve grown so used to Ada’s laugh, Anna’s humming in the kitchen while she’s cooking. I can’t bring myself to say yes to his question, though. It’s too soon for me.

I’m contemplating about taking my car. I don’t think there’s a tracker. I can always ask my dad to check things over. It’ll give me a reason to explain all of this. It’s time to pull the plug and get my big girl pants on. It’s time he knows I’m dating a mafia man.

“Old man! Where you at?” I yell as soon I enter the house. I hear some banging and clanging coming from the kitchen. When I see him, he’s not alone.

“Oh, sorry. I can come back. I didn’t mean to intrude.”

Dad freezes, pivots, and stares at me. His guests doing the same. This is beyond fucking awkward. I’ve never seen my dad with a date before.

“Pumpkin, what are you doing here?” Dad asks, embarrassed.

“I haven’t seen you in a while. I figured I would stop by. I see you’re busy, so I’ll leave you two alone.” He goes to argue, but I hold up my hand. “Really Dad, enjoy your night. I have work to finish, anyway. It was nice to meet you,” I tell his date. I waste no time leaving.

What the hell was that. I didn’t think he would be seeing anyone especially in his condition. Is that a thing? I’m grateful he’s getting out there, only wish he did it years ago. I know no one could replace my own mom but it would’ve been nice to have a mother figure growing up especially through my teen years when I needed one the most, don’t get me wrong Dad tried, but he didn’t understand what I was going through, no guy does. Having someone to talk to would have been great. Even now, I don’t have anyone to talk to. Scarlett refuses to talk to me still. I can’t bounce anything off Lucca especially when it involves him.

Me:Are you busy?

Oscar:Not for my Chuck. What’s wrong?

Me:Dad has a date, so my night just cleared up, and I have nothing to do.

Oscar:Well, my dear, let’s go out for supper then.

Me:Done deal. Let’s do this!

Time to see what mischief we can get into.

“Shut the fuck up, Oscar. It didn’t happen that way and you know it!”

“It so fucking did, Chucky.”

I slam my drink down, glaring at him over the table. We headed to a local pub that he recommended. He said they had cheap beer and awesome wings. Well, cheap beer turned into four pints.

“Did you just call me fucking Chucky?”

He spits his beer out. “Not like the creepy doll, I swear. You’re so much cuter than he is.”

“Yeah, well, you’re like Oscar the grouch. Where’s your garbage can at?”

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