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“No. And she’s not my ladylove.”
“Ah,” he says knowingly, “so that’s the problem.”
I wish it were that simple.
And that’s how I end up explaining the whole sorry tale to Tony. In addition to being the owner of the deli, he’s the de facto neighborhood counselor. Everyone, myself included, finds it easy to open up to him. Which means he already knows that my father will be permanently tied to our business if we don’t start bringing in money soon. If I’m not careful, the man who doesn’t think I can make a good decision to save my life will be micromanaging me forever.
“Sounds like an easy dilemma to solve,” Tony says when I finally finish.
“I can’t wait to hear this,” I say dryly.
“Run for the hills.”
I wait for more, but that’s it.
“Seriously? That’s your advice?”
He shrugs. “Do you know how many women there are in the city?” He puts up a hand, palm out. “Wait, don’t answer that. You do. You’ve probably been with half of them already.”
He’s not entirely wrong.
“You said yourself that Enzo was the best thing that ever happened to you. That he was the first person who didn’t make you feel like a total screwup.” He shrugs like it’s simple. “So don’t screw this up.”
Easy for him to say.
“You don’t think I should text her tonight?”
He looks at me as if I’m nuts.
“Do you think it’s a good idea?”
My answer is automatic. “No.”
“Then why the hell would you do it?”
After a stare-off that lasts a few seconds, I frown and thank Tony for the advice. He laughs like a man who knows I won’t listen.
Back in my apartment, I toss the cold sandwich on the table and stare at my phone.
Of course I shouldn’t text her. Tony’s right. I don’t want to let Enzo down. I don’t want to earn my father’s poor opinion of me.
But it would be weird if I didn’t say anything, wouldn’t it? We still have to work together. Nothing wrong with clarifying the situation.
Hayden: Make it home OK?
I’m peeling back the sub wrapper when she responds.
Ada: I live a few blocks from the restaurant. So yes, I managed OK.
Smart-ass. Her response makes me grin.
Hayden: Just checking.
Ada: 5 hours later. . .
Since I can’t very well say I stewed all afternoon about what to text, I pause. Thinking.
Hayden: Were you that anxious for my text?
