15. Sofia

15

SOFIA

A few days later, I’m walking Lou to school, enjoying the crisp morning air, when my phone buzzes. It’s a text from Angelo.

Perfezione isn’t an active crime scene anymore. You’re clear to go in.

I stop in my tracks, causing Lou to look up at me curiously. “Mom? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong, sweetie,” I assure her, still staring at my phone in disbelief. I quickly type a response.

How did you manage that?

Angelo’s response comes swiftly.

I have my ways. Also, I’ve arranged for a contractor to meet you at Perfezione after you drop Lou off.

I blink, dumbfounded. A contractor? Already? I shake my head, marveling at Angelo’s efficiency.

How on earth did you get a contractor so quickly?

This one owes me a favor.

I can't help but laugh as I type, Just how many favors do people owe you?

Angelo’s response is immediate and snarky.

Enough to rebuild all of New York if I wanted to.

I burst out laughing, drawing Lou’s attention again.

“What’s so funny, Mom?” she asks, tugging on my hand and looking at me with curious blue eyes. Even though she looks like Jonah, I still see a lot of me in her.

I show her the text exchange. “Angelo’s being silly,” I explain, slipping my phone back into my pocket.

Lou grins. “I like it when he’s silly. He’s usually so serious.”

As we continue our walk, I find myself smiling. The thought of going back to Perfezione, of starting to rebuild, fills me with a mix of excitement and trepidation. But knowing Angelo’s behind me, supporting me every step of the way, makes it all seem possible.

“Hey, Lou,” I say, squeezing her hand, “how would you feel about helping me clean up the shop after school today?”

Lou’s face lights up. “Really? Can I?”

I nod, feeling a surge of love for my daughter. “Really. We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, but I think together, we can make Perfezione even better than before."

I send one last text to Angelo.

Thank you. For everything.

His reply makes my heart skip a beat.

Anything for you and Lou.

As we approach the school gates, a figure suddenly rushes toward us. My heart plummets as I recognize Jonah, his appearance disheveled and wild-eyed.

“Lou, stay behind me,” I say urgently, trying to fish out my phone.

But Jonah’s on us before I can dial. “Sofia,” he rasps, his eyes darting between us. “You can’t keep her from me.”

Lou stiffens, her voice sharp. “Get away from us!”

Jonah reaches out, his hand trembling. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmurs to Lou. “Just like I imagined.”

Lou slaps his hand away. “Don’t touch me!”

“See what you’ve done?” Jonah snarls at me, his eyes full of hate. “You’ve poisoned her against me!”

“Leave my mom alone!” Lou shouts, her small body shaking with anger as she aims a kick at his shins. “You’re a stranger! Go away!”

Jonah’s face contorts. “I’m not a stranger! I’m your father!” he blurts out. “She’s kept us apart, but I’m your real dad!”

No . I can’t believe this is happening. This isn’t how I wanted Lou to find out who her biological father was.

Lou’s eyes widen in disbelief. “You’re lying!”

I see a woman walking by with her phone out, recording the incident. Are you fucking kidding me?

“Call the police!” I scream, fear paralyzing me. “This man murdered someone and he’s harassing us!”

The woman fumbles for her phone, but Jonah lunges forward, grabbing Lou’s arm. “We’re leaving. Now.”

“No!” I shriek, clawing at his grip. “Let her go!”

Lou struggles, kicking at Jonah’s shins. “Help! Someone help us!”

People are starting to gather, but no one’s intervening. Jonah’s grip tightens, his eyes wild. “She’s my daughter! I’m taking her home!”

“Mom!” Lou cries out, terror in her voice.

I feel panic rising in my chest. Where are the police? Where’s Angelo? We need help, now.

“Please,” I beg Jonah, trying to keep my voice calm. “You’re scaring her. This isn’t the way.”

Jonah’s eyes meet mine, and for a moment, I see a flicker of the man he used to be. But then it’s gone, replaced by manic determination.

“You can’t keep us apart anymore,” he growls.

Just before Jonah can drag Lou away, a man rushes forward, tackling Jonah to the ground. The impact forces Jonah to release Lou, who immediately runs to me, sobbing.

I gather Lou in my arms, holding her tight against me. “Don’t look, baby,” I whisper, turning her face into my chest. I can feel her small body shaking with fear and confusion.

Behind us, I hear the sounds of a struggle. Grunts and curses fill the air as Jonah and the man grapple on the ground. A woman’s voice cuts through the chaos as she frantically yells into her phone, “Please hurry! He’s violent and there’s a child involved!”

Suddenly, there’s a sickening crunch followed by a cry of pain. I risk a glance over my shoulder to see Jonah scrambling to his feet, blood on his knuckles. The man who tackled him is on the ground, clutching his face.

Jonah’s wild eyes meet mine for a split second before he turns and runs, pushing through the gathering crowd. He disappears around a corner just as the wails of police sirens fill the air.

Minutes later, we’re surrounded by officers who are gathering statements from witnesses. One kneels down to our level, his voice gentle. “Ma’am, can you tell us what happened?”

I try to keep my voice steady for Lou’s sake, but I can hear it shaking. “He… he’s my daughter’s biological father. He’s unstable. He’s been stalking us. He tried to take her.”

Lou looks up at me, her eyes wide and red-rimmed. “Mom, is it true? Is he really my dad?”

My heart breaks at the fear and confusion in her voice. “Oh, sweetie,” I choke out, unable to lie. “Biologically, yes. But he’s not your father in any way that matters.”

The officer asks a few more questions, but I can barely focus. All I can think about is the devastation in Lou’s eyes, the way her world has just been shattered.

As soon as the police leave, I pull out my phone with trembling hands and call Angelo.

“Fee? What’s wrong?” His voice is immediately concerned.

I can barely get the words out through my sobs. “Jonah… he was at the school. He tried to take Lou. She knows now, Angelo. She knows he’s her biological father.”

I hear Angelo’s sharp intake of breath, followed by a string of curses. “Are you both okay? Did he hurt you?”

“We’re physically fine,” I manage. “But Lou… she’s so scared and confused.”

Angelo’s voice is tight with fury. “I’m in the middle of important meetings, but I’m calling my lawyer right now. We’re getting a restraining order, and I’m making sure the school knows he’s not allowed anywhere near Lou.”

I nod, even though he can’t see me. “Thank you,” I whisper.

“Fee.” Angelo’s voice softens slightly. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there. I promise you, we’re going to fix this. Jonah won’t get near either of you again.”

As I end the call, I look down at Lou, still clinging to me. Her world has been turned upside down, and I don’t know how to make it right.

Lou is still trembling in my arms, and I make a quick decision. “Lou, you don’t have to go to school today if you don’t want to. We can go home.”

Lou’s head snaps up, her eyes wide and pleading. She shakes her head frantically, burying her face back into my chest. “Please don’t make me go, Mom,” she whispers, her voice muffled against my shirt.

My heart breaks for her. My normally independent child has been reduced to this. She hasn’t been this clingy since she was a toddler. Hatred rolls through me at Jonah. He did this to my girl.

“Okay, baby. We’re going home,” I assure her, stroking her hair.

People are crowding around us now, their voices a cacophony of concern and curiosity.

“Are you alright?”

“Do you need anything?”

“Should we call someone?”

I feel a surge of anger. Where were all these ‘helpful’ people when Jonah was trying to drag Lou away? I brush off their questions with curt nods and a mumbled “We’re fine,” pulling Lou closer to me.

My eyes land on the man who tackled Jonah. He’s sitting on a nearby bench, holding an ice pack to his face. His nose is swollen and clearly broken, a testament to Jonah’s violence.

I approach him, Lou still clinging to my side. “Thank you,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “For stepping in. I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t…”

He waves off my thanks with his free hand. “Don’t mention it. I just did what anyone should have done.”

I nod, feeling a lump in my throat. He’s right—anyone should have stepped in. But they didn’t. He did.

“Come on, Lou,” I say gently. “Let’s go home.”

As we walk away from the school, I can feel the weight of stares on our backs. Whispers follow us, but I ignore them. Right now, all that matters is getting Lou somewhere safe, somewhere she feels protected.

I pull out my phone to text Angelo.

Taking Lou home. She’s too shaken up for school. Will explain more later.

Angelo’s response is swift.

I can cancel the contractor if you want .

Oh, fuck . I forgot all about the contractor coming to Perfezione. I glance down at Lou. “The contractor is supposed to meet us at Perfezione today. Do you want to go there, or would you rather go back to Angelo’s?”

Lou looks up at me, her eyes still wet with tears. “Can… can we go to Perfezione?” she asks in a small voice.

I nod, relieved that she wants some semblance of normalcy.

No. We’re heading to Perfezione right now.

On our way, I spot Lou’s favorite bakery. “How about a treat?” I suggest, guiding her inside. Soon, she’s clutching a warm paper bag with her favorite donut and a cup of hot cocoa.

As we walk toward Perfezione, Lou’s small voice breaks the silence. “Mom?” she says, her voice trembling. "Is… is Jonah going to take me away because he’s my dad?”

My heart shatters at the fear in her voice. I stop in my tracks, kneeling down in front of her. The busy New York street fades away as I look into my daughter’s tear-filled eyes.

“Lucille Saldano, listen to me,” I say, my voice firm but gentle. “Jonah will never, ever take you away from me. Do you understand?”

Lou nods hesitantly, but I can see the doubt in her eyes.

I take a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. “Jonah might be your biological father, but that doesn’t make him your dad. A real dad is someone who loves you, protects you, and is there for you every day. Jonah isn’t that person.”

Lou’s lower lip trembles. “But he said?—”

“I know what he said,” I interrupt gently. “But he’s not well, Lou. He’s sick, and he needs help. That’s why he's been acting so scary. But I promise you, Angelo and I are working very hard to make sure Jonah never gets near you again.”

I cup her face in my hands, looking directly into her eyes. “You are my daughter, Lou. Mine . And no one, not Jonah, not anyone, will ever change that or take you away from me. I will always protect you. Always.”

Lou’s face crumples, and suddenly, she’s in my arms, her small body racked with sobs. I hold her tight, feeling my own tears start to fall.

“I’m scared, Mom,” she whispers into my shoulder.

“I know, baby,” I murmur, stroking her hair. “I’m scared too. But we’re going to get through this together. You, me, and Angelo. We’re a team, remember?”

I feel her nod against my shoulder. We stay like that for a long moment, huddled together on the busy sidewalk, people streaming around us. In that moment, nothing else matters—not Perfezione, not the contractor, not even Angelo. Just my little girl in my arms, needing her mother’s comfort.

Finally, Lou’s sobs subside. She pulls back, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. “Mom?” she says, her voice small but steady.

“Yes, sweetie?”

“I love you. And… and I’m glad you’re my mom.”

Fresh tears spring to my eyes as I pull her in for another hug. “Oh, Lou. I love you too. More than anything in this world.”

As we stand up, hand in hand, I feel determination course through me. No matter what it takes, I will keep my daughter safe. From Jonah, from the world, from anything that threatens to harm her.

Because she’s not just my daughter. She’s my heart, walking outside my body. And I’ll fight heaven and earth to protect her.

As we approach Perfezione, I spot a woman standing in front of the shop, her eyes scanning the building critically. She’s heavily pregnant, her rounded belly straining against a pair of well-worn overalls. Her dark hair is pulled back with a brightly colored scarf, vibrant blues and greens that seem to match her energetic demeanor.

I feel Lou’s hand tighten in mine, a small whimper escaping her lips. I give her hand a reassuring squeeze before addressing the woman.

“Excuse me, can I help you?” I call out, my voice cautious.

The woman turns, her face breaking into a bright, infectious smile. “Oh, hello there! You must be Sofia. I’m Edith Bonetti, but please, call me Edie. I’m the contractor.”

I pause, taken aback. This bubbly, pregnant woman is the contractor Angelo sent? I struggle to find the right words, not wanting to offend her.

Edie seems to read the confusion on my face and lets out a hearty laugh, showing off slightly crooked teeth. “Don’t worry, I get that reaction a lot,” she says, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “But yes, I am the contractor, and if I do say so myself, one of the best in the business.”

I can’t help but smile at her confidence. “I’m sorry, I just wasn’t expecting?—”

“A woman? Or someone who looks like they’re about to pop out a baby any second?” Edie finishes for me, patting her belly affectionately.

I laugh, feeling some of the tension from earlier dissipate. “Both, I suppose.”

What on earth kind of favor could this vivacious woman possibly owe Angelo? It’s hard to imagine her being involved in anything that would put her in debt to a man like him.

“So,” Edie says, clapping her hands together. “Shall we take a look inside?”

I nod, guiding Lou forward as I unlock the door and step inside. I watch as Edie moves through Perfezione, her eyes taking in every detail. She asks a few questions about the layout and the fire damage before her gaze lands on Lou.

A wide grin spreads across Edie's face. “And who’s this little lady?” she asks, her voice warm and inviting.

Lou shrinks back, pressing herself against my side. I run a soothing hand over her hair. “I’m sorry,” I explain to Edie. “We had a pretty traumatic morning. This is my daughter, Lou.”

Edie’s face softens with sympathy. “Oh, honey,” she clucks. “I’m sorry to hear that. You know what always makes me feel better after a rough day? Ice cream. Maybe we can convince your mom to get us some later, huh?”

Despite her fear, I see Lou’s interest piqued by Edie’s friendly demeanor. She offers a small smile, which Edie returns with a playful wink.

As Edie continues her assessment, my curiosity gets the better of me. How on earth does this woman know Angelo? Is she part of the Mob, too? There’s no way…

“So, Edie,” I begin cautiously, “how do you know Angelo?”

Edie turns, a mischievous glint in her hazel eyes. “Oh, you want to know what favor I owe him, don’t you?”

I feel my cheeks heat up, caught off guard by her directness. “I, uh… I mean, if you don’t mind sharing…”

Edie laughs, the sound bright and infectious. She pats my arm reassuringly. “Don’t worry, it’s nothing sinister. I lost a bet to him, if you can believe it.”

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. That wasn’t what I was expecting. “A bet?”

Edie nods, rolling her eyes good-naturedly. “Yep. I bet that the Red Sox would win the World Series against the damn Yankees. But somehow, in the last game of the series, those damn Yankees pulled it off.” She scoffs. “I bet Angelo somehow fixed the game to make sure I lost. Bastard.”

I can’t help but laugh at the unexpected explanation. “And that's why you’re here? Because of a baseball bet?”

“Hey, a bet’s a bet,” Edie says with a shrug. “And Angelo Pirelli isn’t a man you want to owe a favor to for long. So, here I am, ready to work my magic on your shop. Speaking of your shop, here are some ideas I have…”

As Edie launches into her plans for Perfezione’s renovation, I find myself relaxing for the first time since this morning’s incident. There’s something about Edie's presence—her warmth, her humor, her obvious competence—that makes me feel like everything might just turn out okay.

I glance at Lou, noticing that she’s slowly inching closer to Edie, drawn in by the woman’s animated descriptions. It’s a small thing, but seeing Lou engage after the trauma of this morning fills me with hope.

Edie and I finalize the details for Perfezione’s renovation, including work schedules and the timeline for the grand reopening and auction, and I feel a sense of relief wash over me. Having a concrete plan makes everything seem more manageable.

Suddenly, Edie places a hand on her rounded belly. “Well, ladies,” she announces with a grin, “my little one is demanding ice cream. And who am I to deny my baby anything?”

Lou, who’s been quietly observing until now, pipes up. “But it’s so early for ice cream!”

Edie shrugs, her eyes twinkling. “Ice cream is healthy, you know. It’s got milk, eggs, and if you get a waffle cone, you’ve even got some wheat. That’s a balanced breakfast right there!”

Lou’s eyes light up at this logic, and I can’t help but groan good-naturedly. “Oh, Edie,” I laugh, “Lou’s going to use that argument every morning now.”

“I see nothing wrong with that,” Edie says with a wink, nudging Lou playfully.

Before I know it, we’re headed to the nearest ice cream parlor. Edie pays for our order despite my loud protests. “It’s the least I can do,” she says as she shoulders me out of the way and pays with her card. “Everyone knows about the All Around. It’s my honor to fix it up for you.”

My eyes burn, and I busy myself by grabbing my ice cream and Lou’s and sitting down at a nearby table. Edie soon follows with a large chocolate chip cookie dough in a cup.

“You know,” Edie says, licking her spoon, “I’m due in about six weeks, but don’t you worry. We’ll have Perfezione looking better than ever well before then.”

I nod gratefully, then remember to text Zip about our progress. His reply comes quickly.

I’ll meet you at Perfezione in an hour. Want to see how we’re saving the building.

As I watch Lou and Edie debate the merits of various ice cream flavors (Lou is vehemently arguing that strawberry is the superior flavor while Edie insists that fruit doesn’t belong in ice cream), I feel a warmth in my chest.

This morning started with terror and trauma, but somehow, we’ve ended up here—eating ice cream for breakfast with a pregnant contractor who’s quickly becoming a friend.

I take another bite of my ice cream, savoring the sweetness. Maybe Edie’s right. Sometimes, ice cream for breakfast is exactly what you need.

An hour later, we leave the ice cream parlor. I watch with a mixture of surprise and warmth as Lou throws her arms around Edie’s rounded belly in a hug. It’s the first time she’s reached out to anyone since this morning’s incident.

“Can I be here when you start working on Perfezione?” Lou asks, her voice tinged with excitement.

Edie grins, ruffling Lou’s hair. “Of course, kiddo! As long as it doesn’t interfere with school, right?” She throws me a wink.

Lou turns to me, her eyes pleading. I hesitate, not wanting to make promises I can’t keep. “We’ll see, sweetie. School is very important.”

Lou groans. “You’re no fun.” She pouts, and Edie laughs.

We say our goodbyes and head back toward Perfezione. “So, what do you think Nonno will say about the designs?” I ask Lou.

She skips beside me, a small smile on her face. “He’s going to love them, Mom. Especially the new display area.”

We reach Perfezione and step inside. The familiar smells of fabric and leather hit me, mingled now with the lingering scent of smoke. Lou rushes ahead toward the back office, eager to see if Zip has arrived.

Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream pierces the air. My heart leaps into my throat as I race after Lou.

“Lou! What’s wrong?” I call out, fear gripping me.

I round the corner and come to an abrupt halt. The world seems to tilt on its axis as I take in the horrifying scene before me.

Zip’s body lies motionless on the ground, his normally vibrant face pale and still. There’s blood, so much blood.

“Nonno!” Lou’s anguished cry snaps me out of my shock.

I rush forward, my hands shaking as I check for a pulse. “Lou, call 911. Now!”