My eyes darted away quickly when I saw Leonardo eyeing us curiously. For soone who supposedly shouldn’t know anything about raising kids, he seed remarkably familiar with interacting with toddlers, judging by the concerned expression etched onto his handso features.
"So... You’re the irresponsible mother. For a second I had wondered who was a lot more cruel than I gave them credit for," he said flatly, making no effort whatsoever to hide his disdain. It felt like being hit square between the eyes.
It sounded accusatory, which ant he had an idea of what might have happened.
My stomach twisted uncomfortably because, despite his handso features and taking care of my little girl while I was searching for her, I knew better than to think he was a kindhearted soul underneath all that swaggering attitude. Which reminded why I never wanted to get involved with another mobster ever since leaving my ex-husband years ago.
It took everything I had left to keep breathing through gritted teeth and avoid turning crimson altogether.
"I had made a mistake, and I thank you for keeping my daughter company," I started slowly. "But that doesn’t give you any right to talk to like..."
Before I could finish talking, Leonardo stepped forward, grabbing hold of my upper arm, pulling so close our faces were only inches apart. His intense gaze held mine captive. Even now, staring up at him through tearful lashes, I didn’t feel afraid nor intimidated, although the tingle traveling along my skin told otherwise.
What a two-faced bastard. One mont I witnessed him playing with Mia as though they shared so special bond and then monts later, he acted offended when I dared to call the attention of my daughter.
What exactly went down between him and my daughter during a few hours I wasn’t there to see?
Mia pulled away from , walking back to Leonardo.
What could she possibly be up to?
"Uncle Leo?" She asked excitedly, tugging on his jacket sleeve. When she noticed the disapproving look on his face directed toward , her bottom lip quivered slightly.
Mia must’ve picked up on sothing I had not properly hidden behind fake smiles whenever she caught sight of speaking sternly to this mysterious Mafia asshole.
Her pretty hazel eyes t mine briefly, wondering whether I approved of her actions even before looking past to where Leonardo sat, watching her every move.
Not knowing what to say or do anymore, I decided against interrupting again. Instead, I just nodded my head, letting her know I understood and hoped she wouldn’t regret anything today by endangering both her safety and ours.
Her face brightened imdiately, bringing tears to my own eyes.
Mia gestured with her little hands that suggested she wanted to whisper sothing only they could hear. And judging by the wide grin across her beautiful little nose, I guessed it probably had sothing to do with her ’Uncle Leo’...
"Is that so?" Leonardo muttered as he listened to what she whispered.
She gave a nod followed by another secret sign suggesting more was being communicated than first appeared.
"Mia, it’s ti we go ho!" I called loudly, trying hard to hide the hurt spreading throughout my chest.
"Yes, mommy!" My sweet angel exclaid, turning around and skipping back into my arms, smiling happily. Her happiness helped ease the sting inside, making enough room left open to breathe.
Leonardo narrowed his eyes once again, glaring daggers straight at , signaling disapproval while I tried unsuccessfully to keep any hint of emotion off my expression.
"Thank you once again, Sir," I began with a slight bow, "and I hope we don’t run into one another ever again."
Then I hurried along with Mia in my arms, hoping I didn’t try to get us killed because my temper got the better part of yet again.
"Bye byeeeee!!" Mia cried out, waving frantically to her beloved friend as soon as our backs were finally turned.
*****
We hadn’t taken five steps further down the street until she started bawling, inconsolably screaming about how much fun she thought ’Uncle Leo’ would have had at dinner tonight.
Even through all her crying, I couldn’t help laughing hysterically imagining them eating spaghetti together now instead of hot dogs like last night.
With my work incomplete and barely finished, I will apply for my paycheck tomorrow morning. What could we possibly eat tomorrow morning...?
Heavens, please give strength!!
"Mommy, alright?" Mia said, wiping fresh tear tracks off her cheeks after sniffles subsided, allowing words to co back clear without sounding muffled.
I looked over at my precious child, staring at , waiting patiently, expecting so form of assurance that everything will indeed turn out fine if things continue moving forward according to plan despite their imperfection right now.
"Yes, mommy feels great as long as you’re by my side!" I managed to squeak between hiccups, causing the corners of her mouth to curl upward revealing two tiny dimples in each cheek.
"Then mommy will like the surprise tomorrow too..." She added, hopefully nodding vigorously from ear to ear.
"Surprise?" I asked, curiously eyeing her sideways not sure exactly what surprises she might an but willing to play along.
"Hahaha," she giggled, unable to contain laughter bubbling up within, which brought smiles full circle between us, sharing joyous glances.
We laughed, then hugged tight, holding onto each other tightly, sharing an intimate mont neither of us would forget anyti too soon, no matter how many years passed from hereon.
After several seconds passed, she took advantage of my distraction, dropping to the ground and grabbing hold of my hand, dragging behind her, leading the way towards our apartnt.
"Tomorrow is a big day!" She declared excitedly, tugging harder still urging faster following close behind letting nothing stop her including her mother or even her little legs itself taking flight.
Her words were strange, but I chose to play along: "It’s a big day... yes dear, I’m sure it’ll be very exciting. Just rember your manners especially saying ’please’ and ’thank you’. Okay?"
She nodded enthusiastically, grinning widely. It was so adorable seeing her face light up knowing sothing special awaited only for both of us to share.
There’s nothing that could possibly go wrong.
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