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“Yep. You remember what we talked about?”
“Yes. I’ll lie for you. If Marco or your parents call, I’ll tell them you’re with me.”
“Thank you. I said something about visiting your family in Chicago.”
“I don’t have family in Chicago.”
“I know that, but they don’t.”
Her harsh breath crackled over the phone. “You know, lying is usually a good indication that you’re doing something you shouldn’t be doing in the first place.”
“Not in this case. I’m lying to help my brother.”
“Sleeping with your boss won’t help your brother, Frannie. So don’t give me that.”
My eyes watered. But I didn’t have to worry about Erika seeing me, so I didn’t wipe the tear that fell down my cheek. “You’re right. I’m doing this for me. For once in my life, I want to be selfish and do something just for myself. Not because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s not.”
She sighed. “You really should have rebelled more as a teenager, you know.”
I should have done a lot more in college, too. But he’d said I didn’t need any of that. All I needed was him. It sounded so romantic at the time. Now, the memory makes me want to throw up.
“Just be careful. Don’t do anything you don’t want to do. And if he hurts you, you call me and I’ll mess him up.”
I snorted but knew Erika wasn’t kidding. She had my back and I had hers. It would always be that way between us. “I’ve got to go. Thank you and I love you.”
“Love you too.”
I grabbed my bag and raced down the stairs. Marco stood at the stove next to Nonna, scrambling eggs while she sprinkled icing sugar on the pancakes.
“That looks delicious,” I said.
“It tastes even better,” said Marco, flashing me a grin. “Sit down, eggs are almost ready.”
“I can’t.” I slung the bag’s strap over my shoulder. “I have a plane to catch. I’ll see you both Sunday night.”
“Have fun,” he called out while spooning the eggs onto a plate. “Say hello to Erika for me. And don’t forget to put in a good word. I’m nearly a college boy now.”
He chuckled, and Nonna smacked his shoulder.
“Sorry, kid,” I teased. “Still not man enough for Erika.”
“What! Nonna, did you hear that?” He raised the spoon, causing some eggs to fall onto the floor.
“Marco, you’re making a mess everywhere,” she yelled. Then to me, “Be careful, Francesca.”
“I will, Nonna,” I said and closed the door behind me.
A black sedan sat in my driveway, and for a minute, I thought he’d gotten the wrong house. Until the driver, dressed in a black suit and tie, stepped out and asked for me by name. Or rather, Ava. I was starting to really dislike her.
“Yes, that’s me,” I said and cautiously looked over my shoulder to ensure no one was watching through the window. Thank goodness they were both busy in the kitchen.
The driver walked up and grabbed the bag from my shoulder, then opened the backseat door and waved me inside. It was nice and warm inside the vehicle. Despite the sunny sky, it was still chilly outside.
Having thrown out my resume, Colton had asked for my address to send a car to pick me up. I’d expected a ride-sharing service, not this fancy car. I was glad he hadn’t come himself, though.
Earlier, Marco had insisted on driving us but I’d said that Erika and I were taking a taxi to the airport. So, if he saw the fancy driver outside, he’d know something else was up.
“I don’t mean to be rude, but can we get going? I’m in a bit of a rush.”
