He’s about to head for the door but decides to lean into my ear before leaving and whispers, “All the criminal activity runs through one main corporation. It’s the only solid evidence we have on the Bartoli empire, but we’ve never been able to link it to Adriano until now.”
“Huh? Why?”
My dad smiles widely as he says, “That corporation is called Ace Enterprises. And I believe my daughter has just cracked this case wide open.”
* * *
My head is still spinning from today’s lunch when it’s time to close up and head home for the day.
My phone buzzes in my hand, and I smile at the name on my screen.
Tony: Get your fine ass home.
I laugh at the audacity of this man. Although I can’t deny the zing that runs up my spine any time I think of Tony’s reaction to me being a brat. So naturally, I fight him on every little thing to rile him up.
Nikki: What for? Anything interesting waiting for me?
His response is immediate.
Tony: Stop being a brat. If you make me leave the warmth of this apartment to bring you home, be prepared for me to teach you a lesson.
Ha! He knows me too well.
Nikki: Promises, promises.
Tony: Only pinky promises for my girl.
Damn it. I was so ready to keep this defiant act up all night. But all this man had to do was mention our pinky promises, and I’m putty in his hands.
Nikki: Ok you win. Coming home to you now!
Tony: There’s my girl. Have lots to catch you up on.
Tony: Just sent you an uber, it’s too cold for you to take the train. See you in ten, corazón.
Tony: Love you.
Nikki: Thanks for the uber love!
Nikki: Te amo.
Tony: Fuck, Nikki. Tell the driver to hurry up so you can say that to me in person.
* * *
We spend all of Saturday morning in bed. Tony didn’t even bother going to the gym today.
Last night, he spilled everything that happened at his work meeting and then in his therapy session. To say it was an emotional night is an understatement. But before the night ended, I helped him draft his resignation letter. For a moment, I worried he might be making a mistake. But then I heard all about his plans to start looking into the brewery business and how Evan plans on helping him. I couldn’t keep track of how many smiles appeared on his face every time he talked about a different aspect he was interested in learning about within this new industry. It was like a new light has been lit within him, and I was the most fortunate person on the planet to be allowed to bear witness to it.
When we finally went to bed, we made love for hours. It was passionate and thrilling as always, but it also felt like more. Tony’d had his heart cracked open for the past couple of weeks after being thrown curveballs with his job and his love life. And last night, I was seeing a new version of him come alive, all while being connected and intertwined with our bodies.
And if that’s the closest I’ll ever get to heaven, then I’ll consider myself lucky.
This morning, as I lie with my head on his chest, I absentmindedly trace the disco ball on his inner bicep while I run through a list of things I want to research to help Tony pick the best spot for his brewery.
Anything in the city will be extremely costly, so I’ll start my search in Brooklyn. Then, I’ll move on to—
“Jesus, woman, I can hear the search engine of your mind going a hundred miles per hour. I know I’m the unemployed one of the duo right now, but must I teach you how to relax? I was sure I put enough work in last night.” I look up in time to see the smug look on his face.
