Chapter 13

MADDIE

“Hi, Daddy.”

“Pumpkin! How are you? How’s New York?”

“Really great. My job is amazing and the people are super nice.”

“Why do I find that hard to believe?”

“I mean, the people I work with. I don’t do much out of work. I have devoted myself to the restaurant and I love it there.”

“That is so good to hear.”

“Which is why I’m calling. I wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Go ahead. What is it?”

I hated lying to people, especially my father. He and I always had a great relationship and I don’t remember ever lying to him about anything. It’s a lot harder than I thought it would be.

“I have an opportunity to invest in the restaurant. It’s an Italian place, very well-known and prestigious. They are offering me a buy in as an investor which could mean bigger profits for me in the future.”

“You don’t know anything about investing.”

“They have good lawyers and I have a co-worker who is helping me understand it all.”

“Is this person invested?”

“Yes. So, you know they won’t steer me wrong. They want it to succeed as well.”

“How much is this investment?”

“Two hundred thousand.”

“That’s a lot of money, Maddie.”

“I know. I have some in my savings.”

“No, don’t use that. That is for your future. I can come out next week to meet with the investors. If I think it’s a sound deal, I’ll front you the money.”

“That’s just it, Dad. I need it today.”

“Today?”

“I thought I could do this on my own, but they don’t work in payment plans.”

His hesitation is hopeful. When my father hesitates, he almost always says yes. “Okay, but I want to be copied on all paperwork as soon as you get it.”

“Of course. Thank you, Dad.”

“I’ll transfer the money this afternoon.”

“Thank you so much. I will call you after everything is set.”

“I’m trusting you on this.”

“Yes, sir. I won’t let you down. This is going to be a good thing.”

“Talk to you soon. I love you.”

“I love you, Daddy.”

As soon as I hang up with him, a pang of guilt consumes me. Please, let me be sure I’m doing the right thing. My phone rings and Nancy’s name comes up on the caller id.

“Nancy, hi.”

“Did you get it?” she asks, panic in her voice.

“I will have it by this afternoon.”

“Oh, thank God.”

“Meet me after work this evening. I’ll be at that little bar on the corner. We can talk about the details there.”

“Okay. I’ll see you there around eleven. Thank you so much, Maddie. I don’t know what I would do without you. You are an angel.”

She hangs up and I try to hang on to her words for self-assurance.

When ten-thirty rolls around, I pick up my purse and I start to the door. Just as I open it, I see Rocco standing on the other side, his fist raised in the air, ready to knock.

“Damn good timing,” he says, smiling.

“Actually, it isn’t. I’m on my way out.”

“Want some company?”

“I… can’t. I have to take care of some things. I’m sorry. What are you doing here anyway?”

“I was hoping we could talk.”

“Can I take a rain check? Maybe lunch tomorrow?”

“Lunch, sure.”

“I’m sorry, but I have to go. Walk me out?”

He does, but silently. He seems bothered by my curtness. I want to ease his mind, but that involves time that I don’t have at the moment. I will make it better tomorrow.

We reach the street and I hail a cab.

“Can I drop you some place?”

“No. That’s okay. But thank you.” As soon as the cab slows to a stop, I jump in and close my door before I have to answer any of Rocco’s questions. I feel bad not telling him what I’m doing, but the less he knows the better.

Nancy is already in the bar when I arrive. She is sitting at a table with an older gentleman, who is quite good looking and dressed very well. At first, I’m not sure if he is there with her, or if she is being flirtatious. My stomach flips at the thought this guy might be the man she has to pay off. I don’t want to deal with them directly so I dart off to the side and pull out my phone.

I’m almost there, I text her.

Okay. I’m here now.

Are you alone?

No. I brought my father. I thought you should meet him since you are the one who is saving his life.

I smile, pocket my phone and walk to them.

“Hello,” I say, as I approach them.

“Maddie!” Nancy jumps out of her chair and throws her arms around me. I glance at the man as he stands, his eyes squinting as he smiles at me. “This is my father, Joseph. Dad, this is Maddie.”

“It is so very nice to meet you, Maddie,” he says softly.

I hold out my hand to shake his, but instead he grabs my wrist, pulls me to him and puts his arms around me.