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“Does that change how you handle Leonardo?”
“Hell no! Why should it? Did I decide which of us got what life? No. Let’s say I take into account his horrible childhood. I can’t excuse what he almost did to us. His action rocked the foundation we spent decades building. How do I let him get away with that?”
Ivy sighed. “I don’t know but maybe keep an open mind. Hear him out.”
“One of the things I love most about you is your heart. You are being very considerate of someone you haven’t met.”
“I hate to burst your bubble, but I wasn’t being altruistic. I am looking out for the man I love. Leonardo may have some answers that give you peace about your past.”
“Speaking of which, I am ready to meet him and try to get some of those answers. Wanna take a trip to Vancouver?”
“Of course I will be with you.”
Frank insisted that he be there for the meeting. At first, Manny objected. Her husband didn’t think Frank’s presence was needed, but Ivy certainly saw the benefit of his presence. There was no way to predict how Manny would react when he came face to face with Leonardo. Eventually, Manny relented when Frank offered to be the bait to lure Leonardo to the meeting.
“How do you plan to have Leonardo show up to meet you?”
Ivy wasn’t sure she agreed with how the men orchestrated this meetup. However, it was like Frank pointed out,“There is no way to know if Leonardo will show up if Emmanuel issues a sit-down invitation. I think the element of surprise will be beneficial.”
The circumstances of the meeting wasn’t the only thing she wasn’t fond of. Ivy was completely shocked when she learned Manny had the means to control Leonardo’s entire life. Well, at least financially.
“Don’t you think that’s drastic?”
“No more so than knowingly pinning his son on me. What kind of family was I born into? These people can’t parent for shit. If they aren’t selling their child, they are imposing paternity on someone else.”
What could Ivy say to his comment? Manny’s feelings were valid. She was worried this situation would make him someone he wasn't. However, this was who her husband was. It had never been his MO to start altercations with anyone, but if someone messed with him, well… all bets were off. Why would he deal with this situation any differently?
While they waited for Leonardo’s arrival, Frank reiterated how important it was for Manny to keep his cool. The actual goal was to gather as much information as possible. Ivy had suggested the discussion take place at a round table. Hopefully, it would foster a less confrontational meeting.
At exactly the appointed time, a knock sounded. Ivy grasped Manny's hands. Neither looked at each other. They glued their eyes to the door as Frank got up to answer it. Her cousin greeted Leonardo, and Ivy was astounded when he responded. He sounded exactly like Manny.
If the sound of his voice was jarring, it didn’t compare to seeing Leonardo as he entered the room.
Of course, she knew they were identical twins. She had Voogled him and still wasn’t prepared. Leonardo was Manny with longer hair and a swarthier complexion. Their similarities didn’t stop with their looks, they also shared mannerisms. Leonardo walked into the room like he owned it. It was eerily familiar. The man seemed unbothered as Frank closed the door behind them. When he took in the occupants.
He tilted his head, scoffed as if accepting his fate and said, “ahh, well played.”
Then he smiled. Damn if that wasn’t Manny’s smile.
“Emmanuel, I suppose this meeting is long overdue. Ivy, it is lovely to meet you,” he said, extending his hand towards her. Manny tensed beside him.
“Don’t speak to my wife.”
Her hot-headed husband stood and brushed his twin’s hand away.
Great, so much for this meeting going peacefully.Ivy and Frank exchanged looks as they silently shared the same sentiment.
The two men looked intently at each other for an extended period. Ivy could only imagine how surreal it felt for Manny to look into the mirror eyes of his twin. Eventually, Leonardo raised his hands, palm up, and inclined his head to the right. Only then did Manny resume his seat.
“Is it alright if I sit as well?” Although Leonardo didn’t smile when he spoke, there was the slightest bit of humour in his tone. Manny jutted his chin in his brother’s direction and Leonardo took his seat.
“You’ve come a long way to meet me. I imagine you didn’t travel all this distance just to stare at me,” Leonardo stated. His posture was the very picture of unbothered. Like his brother, he was also used to taking charge.
“No, I certainly didn’t. I have many questions for you, but let’s start with why you pinned your son on me.”
It was subtle, but Leonardo’s posture stiffened at the statement. “It was an uncharacteristic lapse in judgment on my part. I obviously owe you and your wife an apology for drawing you into this… situation.”
Manny’s jaw ticked as his hand balled into a tight fist. Ivy covered it, and she felt it flex beneath her touch before he uncurled his hand. She left her hand there, letting him know she was with him.
