My Mr. Manny (16 page)

“How are you doing, Dad?”

“I’m doing good.” Then, “I wanted to ask you something,” he whispered so no one else would hear him.

I turned around in a flash to look at his face. It was impossible to gauge his expression, because it was blank. I couldn’t read him at all. He was much better at hiding his feelings than I was.

“What? What is it, Dad?” I asked, concerned.

“Well, I’m not trying to interfere, but I want to know what’s going on with Lucia calling Dominic ‘dad’.” My father’s voice was steady and bold.

I was taken quite aback by his tone, so I flinched a little, and he saw it.

“I’m not sure what you mean,” I said more to steady myself.

“Mia, you haven’t known this guy long, and you’re already letting her call him ‘dad’?” he asked as if I were doing something wrong.

How dare he?

Fire ramped through my body, and I took immediate offense at his words. I was raging mad. “I do know him and my judgment should be enough, but you don’t believe I’m capable of making good decisions, do you?” I asked while shooting death rays from my eyes.

“Well, it seems as if you’ve had a huge lapse of judgment. You throw out Alex and jump right in with Dominic. I mean, don’t you think this is too soon?”

“No, Dad, I don’t think it’s too soon. There’s not a timeline for these things. And
I
did not throw away anything with Alex. He is already remarried and having—or has already had—another child. So, if anyone moved on a bit too quickly, it was him. But who am I to judge? The bottom line is, he didn’t want Lucia. Dominic does! He wants me and her, and he loves us just as much as we love him.” I looked my father straight in the eyes to show him how serious I was, refusing to back down to anyone who wanted to stand in our way.

I knew everyone in the house could hear us. Dominic stood up and walked over to my dad.

“Paul, would you step outside with me for a quick word?” Dominic asked. I knew he’d set my dad straight, but I was still fuming; we shouldn’t have to explain ourselves to anyone.

Turning back to the stove to act like I was finishing with dessert, I tried to get myself together. I needed to let the anger roll off of me and calm down. Someone come up behind me, but I stayed busy at the stove, not turning around to see who it was.

“Hey, Mia. Don’t be too hard on Uncle Paul. Dominic is wicked cool, and Uncle Paul just needs to get to know him better. They haven’t spent much time together, have they? He just wants to make sure you and Lucia don’t get hurt again, you know?” Vitto placed his hand on my arm, and his presence calmed me. I turned to him, and he pulled me into his arms. “It’ll be all right.”

I nodded into his chest. “You’re right, I just don’t want anything ruining what we have. Sometimes I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop instead of being able to enjoy this happiness.” I looked up at him. “Thanks, Vitto. I’m so glad you’re here. Now we just need Lori to move here, too, and we’ll be all set!”

“Are the pies ready? I’m dying for some pumpkin pie.” Always the hungry one, Vitto stayed to help me while I glanced over my shoulder to spy on Dominic and my dad on the balcony. They were leaning on the railing with their backs to us in what looked like a deep discussion.

Vitto helped me serve the dessert and coffee.

Before he left, my father apologized to me for butting into my business. I answered him with a grunt, dismissing him. My feelings were hurt, and I still needed time to cool off.

~*~*~

Our nightly ritual of movie watching was exchanged for something different. After the conversation with my father, I needed the connection with Dominic.

The minute Lucia was asleep and we went to our room, I pushed Dominic against the wall and began ripping his clothes off. He looked like he’d been through a tornado by the time his Queen t-shirt was off. My lips were on his, rough and needy, pushing my tongue into his mouth. Ever the attentive one, he turned us, and then pushed me face first into the wall. My breathing was coming fast, and my lungs were heavy. He stripped off my clothes, popped my bra like a professional, and grabbed my panties from the side and pulled. I moaned.

He kicked my legs apart and took me right there, hard and fast. My left cheek was pressed against the wall, and his hands were over mine, splayed out on the wall. It felt like he was touching every inch of my body at once, and the slick sweat served as the glue that stuck us together. We didn’t speak—no words were needed—but the sounds of our rough lovemaking filled the room. My hair was wet and sticking to my face, my back, and Dominic. I recognized the taste of salt from his sweat when it dripped into my mouth.

Falling over the edge with such pleasure had washed away all of my anger and frustration.

Dominic’s mouth went to my ear with his final spasm. “Ahh, I love you,” he whispered.

“Love you, too.” I felt as if I was splattered against the wall; not a muscle in me was able to move. “Shower?” I croaked out.

He tried to keep his lips attached to mine while he picked me up bridal style and carried me to the bathroom.

Dominic kicked the lid to the toilet down and sat me on it before starting the shower. I leaned my head to the side against the wall and closed my eyes, feeling like rubber and completely drained. When the water was warm enough, Dominic reached a hand out for me. Once the water hit my skin, I began to revive. I turned to face Dominic with body wash in my hands and caressed his torso while I washed him. Running my fingers over every inch of him, I reconnected with him in a different way—a more sensitive way. We were making love with our souls and our minds instead of with our bodies. I looked up to see his face and caught him staring down at me. Immersed in our moment, in our deep connection, I told him with my eyes how much I loved and appreciated him.

~*~*~

Later, I wanted to ask Dominic what he said to my father and where they stood now, but I didn’t want to ruin the moment.

“What is it?”

I smirked because Dominic was very good at reading my face.

“What did my dad say to you?"

Dominic looked away for a moment. I knew by his expression he didn’t want to talk about it. He didn’t want to cause friction between my father and me. I understood, because I didn’t want any problems with him either, but I needed to know.

“He was just concerned about you and Lucia. Look, he didn’t want Lucia to get attached, call me ‘dad,’ and then have things not work out between us. He needed to know how serious I am about this relationship with not only you, but with her as well. It’s a big deal, and I understand his concern.”

“Whatever it is, you can tell me,” I coaxed.

“Okay, here it goes,” he mumbled. I kept my eyes glued to his, searching to try and catch a glimpse of regret or distress.

“You know that I love you and Lucia so much and that I want to be a part of this family very much, right?” Dominic’s eyes bore into mine, waiting for an answer.

I didn’t need to think about it; the reply flew from my mouth as soon as he’d finished speaking. “Of course I do.”

“Well, your dad brought up a great point, and it’s one I’ve thought about myself, so don’t get any angrier with him, okay?”

I nodded, waiting for him to continue.

We lay together in the bed. He pulled me to him and held me close while he spoke into my hair. I could feel his warm breath fan out on the side of my face and forehead. It was soothing.

“So, if I’m going to be a true part of this family, I can’t stay home all day and not contribute financially. I need to get a job and make money and help in every way I can. And I’ve thought about this, tried to plan it out in my head.”

He paused to see if I had anything to say about it. In all honesty, I wanted to hear his plan before I freaked out.

“I have skills in accounting and can work from home and, when I get some clients, I can spend a few hours at their office consulting, teaching, and picking up paperwork. That way I can still be here when you and Lucia need me, but I will be bringing in some income. I have a small trust fund that I started using after I lost my job, but it won’t last forever.” He took a deep breath and let it out between scattering quick kisses on my head. “I just need to contribute monetarily, too, you know?”

Because I was torn, I wasn’t sure what to say. Somehow, I managed to gather my thoughts and speak my peace.

“I understand that there is stigma attached to a man who doesn’t bring home the bacon, but I don’t agree with that. I’ve saved over the years and, even though I don’t make tons of money, I do make a good living. The condo is paid off, and Lucia has a college fund, so if we budget, you wouldn’t have to work.” Then I sighed because I hadn’t phrased that right. “I’m sorry. What I was trying to say is: I’m not with you and I don’t love you for what you can provide us, but I understand that as an equal partner in this relationship it’s important for you to contribute fully. And I think your idea is great, but only if you can tell me you’d be happy doing it.”

I felt him relax. “Thank you,” he said. “And yes, I’d be very happy because I could do it on my own time, and it’s not in some fast-paced world that’s going to tie me down. This would be my own business. When Gary and I were talking about my old job, he told me he knew a bunch of small businesses that need an accountant. The job could pay well, and I could make my own hours.” Dominic’s shoulders twitched in a small shrug.

“I’ll support you in whatever you want to do, and I have all the faith in the world in you,” I said truthfully.

He bent down, kissed my lips, and adjusted the blankets around me before settling down for sleep.

Chapter 22

Pick-up Sticks

Dominic told me his parents were coming for Christmas since they hadn’t been able to make it for Thanksgiving. I was anxious but excited to meet them. He described how his mother was sweet and his father was funny. Even with his constant words of encouragement, I was still nervous.

The closer to Christmas we got, the more anxious I felt. I wracked my brain over what to get Dominic for a gift. The man owned everything he wanted and could buy anything he lacked, so I needed to get him something we could enjoy together. He tended to be a very generous person, so I was hoping he wouldn’t splurge on me. I mean, I had no problems accepting gifts—I welcomed and loved them—but I didn’t want Dominic to go overboard. His unconditional love was the best gift he could ever give me. I was sure he would love the meaning behind my gift to him, since it would lead to us being naked on a private beach somewhere.

Lucia had been acting in a suspicious manner lately, as if she were hiding something. I found it strange; she was in a constant state of giggles and always snickering behind her hand. She had Dominic wrapped around her finger and was spending a lot of time with him— more than usual, and without including me. I asked and asked what was going on with the two of them, but they both said it was nothing.

My nerves were already strung like an archery bow, since I was hosting both Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner for guests I had never met. Even though I had always wanted to, I had never cooked for so many people. It was exciting because most of my relatives were going to be there, but stressful because I wanted it all to be perfect. Lori and Chris were coming, and Susan and Vitto had agreed to join us as well.

~*~*~

It was the morning before Christmas Eve, and I was getting ready for work. Lucia had started school vacation already and was enjoying the time off. Dominic had been busy helping me around the house and visiting with his parents. They had arrived a few days prior, and every evening they went out and did some sightseeing. I was happy Dominic was able to spend that time with them.

His parents were wonderful, so down to earth and not at all what I had expected. The things I’d heard about Dominic from Lori and from the stories he told me about his childhood made me picture them as uptight, high society types. The truth was, they were so sweet that I felt comfortable with them immediately. We met the night they arrived, and we went out to dinner at a great little Italian place, San Genaros, in downtown Culver City.

Dominic wanted Lucia and me to join them for more sightseeing, but I was just too busy with work and preparing for our holiday feasts. He asked if he could take Lucia with him and his parents, which warmed my heart, and without a second thought, I agreed. Every night, Lucia came back with more giggles and whispers, but with the biggest smile on her face. I knew that her relationship with Dominic was just what she needed—what they both needed.

One morning on my way out the door to work, I found myself trapped in the hallway when I heard Dominic and his mother speaking in the kitchen.

“Are you serious? You’re one hundred percent sure about your decision?” asked Emma. I held my breath, not knowing for sure what they were discussing, but I had an inkling it might be about me. I leaned against the wall next to the doorway so they wouldn’t see me.

There was a heavy sigh and the silence of a long pause before Dominic began to speak. “Mother, I’ve never been so sure about anything in my life,” he said with conviction.

“It’s just that you were engaged not too long ago to Porsha, and I thought you were sure about that. She didn’t come with the same kind of baggage,” Emma said. Her words didn’t sound mean, exactly; she just sounded like a worried mother. Either way, I still felt a pain in my heart.

“Mother, please stop it. First of all, Lucia is not baggage. Never—” His voice cut off, and then I heard him sigh again. “Look, I don’t know how to make you understand this. From the moment I met Mia, I knew I’d love her. It wasn’t like the love I thought I felt for Porsha. It wasn’t arranged or expected; it was my heart’s choosing. I need those girls, and they love me, too. I mean they
love
me, by choice — not for anything I have to offer them. I know that I will have a life full of love and happiness with them. I’m not looking through rose-colored glasses, either. I know with any relationship that’s worth having, there will be hard times, but I also know that what we have will get us through any struggle that may come. The relationship we have now is still new, but it’s already so much more than I ever had or felt for Porsha. Mia and I allowed our relationship to take its course; we didn’t try to stop it or rush it. It happened as it should have, and I will be forever grateful for having met her,” he said with so much strength in his voice that it made me fall in love with him even more.