Chapter 12

Twelve

Leo

I hated leaving Evie and Harper. I wanted to spend my day helping them do laundry and lazing around their apartment. Maybe even take them to my house to play and work in the yard. But the reality was, I had to work.

We could hire managers, but we preferred to keep it in the family, especially since I had brothers who could help.

Maybe it was time to insist they take on more responsibility in the dining room, especially if I wanted to open another location.

Around lunchtime, I was surprised to see Manny at the hostess stand. Anger flared, and I was moving toward him without thinking about what I was doing.

I stood between him and Lindey at the hostess stand. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m looking for Harper,” Manny said easily, as if he had a right to inquire about her.

“Are you supposed to meet her here?” I would have thought she would have told me if that were the case.

Manny’s eyes darted around the restaurant as he shifted on his feet. “I thought I’d find her here.”

“We need to talk. Not here. My office,” I said, my words clipped.

“I don’t know what we have to talk about.”

“Trust me. We do.” I turned and headed toward my office, hoping he’d be curious enough to follow me.

I shut my office door behind him, moving behind my desk but remained standing, even though he’d taken a seat. I wanted Manny to feel uncomfortable.

In the past, Harper wanted my family to stay out of the situation with Manny. But things changed when he showed up at my restaurant looking for her. I felt this protectiveness take over, and I couldn’t rein it in. “I don’t appreciate you coming into my restaurant and hassling Harper.”

Manny leaned back in the chair as if he didn’t have a care in the world. “This is between me and Harper. Evie’s mine.”

My stomach dipped at his possessive tone regarding Evie. She was his in biology only. “I’m involved with Harper and Evie, and I won’t let anyone hurt them.”

Irritation flashed in Manny’s eyes. “She wouldn’t get involved with you. Not when she always says the Giovannis are her family.”

“All you need to know is that I’m in their lives. They mean something to me, and I won’t let you hassle them.” I wasn’t sure I could stay neutral in this situation, even if Harper explicitly asked me to.

Manny’s lips twisted. “I’m Evie’s father.”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “You don’t act like it. If you wanted to be her father, you’d support them financially and otherwise.”

He opened his mouth to protest, and I leaned in, bracing my hands on the desk. “We both know you don’t pay child support like you’re supposed to, and you don’t visit with Evie. You’re not capable of being the father Evie needs.“

Manny’s gaze darted away as he shifted in his chair.

“Leave Harper alone. Let her be happy.” That was the crux of the issue. He came around when he sensed Harper was moving on with her life. And she didn’t deserve that.

I straightened and moved toward the door. “If you don’t, you’ll have me and my brothers to deal with. We’ve stayed out of the situation because that’s what Harper wanted. But I won’t allow this to continue anymore. You don’t get to show up at a restaurant where she’s eating and pull her away from the table. You don’t show up where she is period. You need something, you call her attorney. We’re done here.”

I stood and opened the door, my jaw clenching.

He stood, and I almost wanted him to say something so I could fight with him some more, but instead, he pushed past me and down the hallway.

For Evie’s sake, I almost wished he’d stand up and be the man she needed. But I didn’t think he was capable of that. I wouldn’t allow him to hurt them anymore. Harper might not have wanted me to get involved, but it was too late. I was all in with her and Evie.

That night, we were so busy I couldn’t break away to see Harper and Evie. The rest of the week, I worked long hours too. I didn’t call Harper into work, even when a server quit without notice.

On Thursday, I called Carlo and asked him to help. That night, we were in the office, putting the cash away and getting the deposit ready, when I said, “I think we need to talk about hiring more help.”

“How about getting reliable help?” Carlo grumbled. He’d always hated dealing with the customers, preferring to hide out in the office or work remotely.

“Maybe if we raised their hourly wages, we’d attract better servers,” I said, voicing the thoughts that had been swirling in my head for months.

“Servers rely on tips,” Carlo pointed out.

“I understand that, but we’re not selling high-priced items on the menu, or even alcohol. If we raised the wages, maybe we’d attract more single parents and fewer high school kids.” In my mind, single parents were more reliable, even when their kids were sick.

“Some of the high school kids are good,” Matteo said.

I ran a hand through my hair. “But this isn’t a long-term commitment for them. They leave for college or whatever, and then we need to hire again.”

Carlo raised a brow. “So, the plan is to hire people who aren’t going to leave for school?”

“Not all of them. We still need high school kids to work a few hours a day. But we need a few long-haulers too.”

“You know Papà has to be on board,” Matteo pointed out.

The problem was, Papà didn’t like spending more money than necessary on the business. He prided himself on keeping expenses low. The only thing he didn’t skimp on was ingredients. “I think it’s time we sit down with Mamma and Papà and talk about a plan for us to take over.”

Matteo shook his head. “I hate to think of them not running this place.”

“We need to have more leeway to manage the restaurant, especially with them traveling for weeks and months at a time.”

Matteo’s expression was grim. “I’m just not sure how they’ll take it.”

“They won’t like it, but it’s the right thing to do. We need more autonomy.” We needed to take this step before I pushed the second location idea again. I needed my dad to concede something to us. “They’re not getting any younger.”

Carlo nodded. “They should enjoy retirement, and maybe that’s our angle.”

“It will certainly work with Mamma.” She’d been after Papà to retire for ages.

“It’s time for the next generation of Giovannis to make their impression.” Matteo slapped his hand on my shoulder.

I needed to tell someone about Harper, so I said, “I need to talk to you about something else.”

“Are you getting engaged and giving Mamma a grandbaby so I can relax?” Matteo asked good-naturedly.

When I hesitated, his eyes widened. “I was joking.”

“I’m not saying it’s serious yet. But I met someone. Someone they probably wouldn’t approve of.”

“Why wouldn’t they approve of her?” Carlo asked.

“She’s not Italian or Catholic.” And she’s a de facto member of this family.

Matteo frowned. “I don’t think they really care if we marry the perfect Italian girl.”

“Are you sure about that? They adored Bianca.”

Carlo waved a hand in my direction. “Bianca wasn’t right for you.”

“She was cheating on me for most of our relationship.”

“Everyone could see you weren’t in love with her. How do you feel about this other woman?” Carlo asked.

“I’m falling for her, but it’s new. I don’t know where we’ll end up.”

Matteo smirked. “I’m happy for you. You in a relationship has the added benefit of getting the parents off my back.”

“Is that all you care about?” I asked him.

“The pressure can be a little intense. I don’t envy your position as the eldest,” Matteo said.

There was a lot of pressure for me to represent the family and restaurant in a certain way. My brothers had been given a little more freedom in that area, but my parents had higher expectations for me.

“Who is it? Is it someone I know?” Matteo asked.

“Yes.” I wasn’t sure I was ready to tell them everything yet.

“It’s not…Harper, is it?” Carlo asked, and I wondered if I hadn’t done a good job of hiding my interest the last few weeks.

I let out the breath I’d been holding. “What if it was?”

“I’d say it’s a bad idea. Harper’s Gia’s best friend. You know she’ll be pissed when she finds out. Not only that, but Harper is part of the family,” Carlo said, ever the practical one.

“She’s not really part of the family.” That was the only explanation that made any of this okay.

Matteo exchanged a look with Carlo. “We’re the only family she’s got.”

My shoulders lowered.

Carlo stretched his neck. “What if Mamma and Papà don’t approve? You know how they can be. They might cut her off.”

“She’s looking for her own place anyway.” Although I wasn’t sure if she could afford anything.

“It’s more than just a place to live and work. You’d be taking away her family if it doesn’t work out,” Carlo insisted.

“Nothing has to change,” I said, but the words felt weak to me.

“Isn’t she worried?” Carlo asked.

I pursed my lips. “She is.”

“And what about Evie? She deserves to have someone permanent in her life,” Matteo asked. He wasn’t always the most responsible, but he adored Evie.

“I think that’s where this could be headed.” As long as there was no outside interference, but we couldn’t predict what would happen. I couldn’t imagine a world where Harper and Evie weren’t in it. Where she wasn’t at Sunday family dinners or holidays.

“Mamma watches Evie for her too,” Matteo said.

“She could hire someone—”

Matteo shook his head. “It’s not the same and you know it.”

“I don’t think they’d cut off Evie, do you?” I asked, my stomach tightening.

“They are rigid when they want to be. If things don’t work out, they will be on your side. Even if you’re the oldest.”

I thought about our dates over the weekend and how they seemed to fit into my life. “I like her. I can see a future with her.”

“How long have you been together?” Carlo asked, studying me.

“We’ve spent more time together recently.”

“I don’t think this is a good idea. If you only just started dating, maybe you can stop it before it goes any further,” Carlo said, like it was no big deal.

“I don’t want to stop it. I don’t want to deny my feelings for her.”

Carlo shook his head. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“What if she’s the one? Are you telling me you’d walk away from someone like that?” They were probably the wrong ones to ask. Carlo was rigid when it came to women and didn’t have serious relationships. And Matteo was more of a good-time guy.

Matteo ran a hand through his already messy hair. “I’m not looking for that, so I don’t know what I’d do.”

“I want to be the man she needs. And part of that is taking more control at the restaurant, stepping up, and demanding Mamma and Papà take us seriously about running things.”

“I agree with you on that. I just don’t see how this thing with Harper ends well with Gia and our parents,” Carlo said.

“I know.” I needed to hash this out with someone, but they weren’t saying what I wanted to hear.

We finished closing, and I went home thinking about what was happening between us. I felt good when I was with Harper and Evie. I enjoyed being with them, and I loved Evie. The more time I spent with her, the more I adored her.

I wasn’t going to be able to walk away from them. I was only getting to know Harper on a different level now, and I wanted to continue down this path. As much as I adored Evie, we needed some time to ourselves too. Was it selfish to ask Harper to get a sitter so we could go on a real date with just us?

It didn’t escape my attention that the babysitter would be my mom, and we’d need to lie to her about where Harper was. That didn’t sit right with me. Maybe Matteo and Carlo could watch Evie.

The next week, I saw Evie and Harper in passing when she was coming to and from the apartment. I texted her too, asking how their day was and when we could see each other again. My next day off was Saturday, so I invited them to my place. I still had a little time before construction started on the house. I’d hired Cade, but he had a project scheduled ahead of me.

When Harper arrived, I was just finishing mowing the lawn. I should probably hire a service because it was hard to find time for lawn care with my hours at the restaurant. When she pulled up, I opened the door. “Sorry, I’m all sweaty,” I said as she hugged me.

She grinned. “I don’t mind.”

“You’re stinky.” Evie turned up her nose as she passed me in the garage.

“Now you’ve done it,” I said as I chased her into the house and out the slider, into the backyard. “You need a stinky hug.”

Evie shrieked. “No. I don’t.”

When I tackled her to the ground, I made sure she landed on my body, and I hugged her.

“Gross. You stink.”

I chuckled as she scrambled off me.

“Can we do the sprinkler?” Evie asked Harper, who’d joined us.

“Do you have one? I told her you might.”

“I have one in the garage. I’ll grab it.”

Evie followed me, asking questions about the house and the tools in the garage. It was hard to concentrate because I had to pause and answer her questions. “You ask a lot of questions.”

Evie shrugged. “That’s what Mommy says.”

I shrugged it off. “It’s okay. I like it.”

She tipped her head to the side as if she didn’t quite believe me. “It annoys Daddy.”

I didn’t like that she called Manny “Daddy.” I doubted he’d earned the name. “You’re perfect just as you are, and the people who love you don’t think you’re annoying.”

“Did you hear that, Mommy? I’m perfect.”

“That’s not exactly what I said.” I followed her to the backyard with the sprinkler. I attached the hose and turned it on.

It sputtered, then turned, and finally let out a stream of water. Evie squealed and jumped into it.

I stepped out of the line of fire, and Harper moved to join me with an amused expression on her face. “What is this about Evie being perfect?”

“She said she annoyed Manny with her questions, and I said she was perfect as she was. That the people who love her don’t think she’s annoying. Maybe I didn’t say it the right way.” I didn’t have this parenting thing down. There were so many ways you could screw up and say the wrong thing.

“That was a nice thing to say. Manny doesn’t see her much, so maybe she assumes that’s why he stays away. I’ll try my best to make sure she knows she’s loved.”

“You’re doing a good job,” I said, trying to reassure her. “This parenting thing is hard.” Harper laughed. “I still can’t believe he misses so much of her life. If she were mine—” My heart contracted in my chest. I’d spend every spare moment with her. I’d need to work less because I wouldn’t want to miss things. That thought caused me to pause. If I was going to be in Harper’s life, I’d need to rethink my plans for the restaurant.

Could I be there for Harper and Evie if I was opening a new restaurant? It would be more time-consuming than managing the current pizzeria with my family. But it was too soon to think about future things and long-term plans.

“I don’t think of her as his either. He’s not present in our lives, and when we see him, he’s worried about other things, like whether I’m dating someone else. He causes trouble.”

“He doesn’t support you.”

Harper shook her head. “Not at all. When he gives me cash, he qualifies it by saying it’s for Evie, not for me. As if paying rent doesn’t put a roof over her head. I guess I’m only supposed to use it on her clothes and food.”

“That’s ridiculous. Especially if he’s not giving you much. He shouldn’t have anything to say about how you choose to spend it.”

“I don’t want to talk about him,” Harper finally said.

“Neither do I. I just want you to know that you deserve better.”

“I know that,” she said, but I wasn’t so sure. She might have lower self-esteem growing up the way she did, with a mother who didn’t make time for her and who constantly showed her that boyfriends were more important than her daughter.

“Come on, Mommy!” Evie said, grabbing her hand and pulling her into the water.

“I hope you brought a change of clothes.”

“It’s too late now,” Harper cried as she laughed and covered her face from the onslaught.

Not wanting to miss out, I joined them, splashing water on Evie and darting out of the way when she tried to return fire. It was easy to appreciate the little things with Evie around.

I liked having the two of them in my space. I hoped they felt the same way. After Evie was done with the sprinkler, we went inside to dry off. Evie had a change of clothes, but Harper didn’t. I offered her a T-shirt and a pair of athletic shorts while I threw their wet clothes into the dryer.

Harper came out of the bathroom with a shirt that was far too big on her, and the shorts were rolled up to fit better.

Evie giggled. “Those are huge on you.”

Harper looked down at herself and laughed. “They are, aren’t they? I probably look ridiculous.”

“You look adorable,” I said as Evie pulled out a game of cards from her book bag.

“Can we play?” she asked, attempting to shuffle the cards. Since the stack was too big for her small hands, I took the pile to help her.

The cards indicated it was Monopoly Deal. “I don’t know this game. You’ll have to teach me.”

Evie explained the rules, which were a lot less complicated than I initially assumed. It was more fun than the real board game. It went quickly, and we were able to play several rounds before Evie complained she was hungry.

I grabbed her a snack, and we sat in the kitchen to eat.

“If our clothes are dry, we can get going so you can get some work done,” Harper offered.

“Can we stay?” Evie whined.

Harper sighed. “Evie, that’s not polite. You can’t just invite yourself to stay at someone’s house.”

I wasn’t sure if it was overstepping or not, but I said, “I don’t mind if you stay longer. If you’re here, I don’t have to do any chores. So, it’s a win-win for me.”

“We can help you,” Evie said sweetly as she made a double-decker sandwich of crackers, cheese, and salami.

I chuckled. “That would be amazing, actually.”

“Evie’s a good helper,” Harper said proudly.

We ended up cleaning out one of the spare rooms. It was stacked with boxes I’d never unpacked. I was thinking that eventually, it would be nice to have a guest room, but I didn’t think too hard about who would be sleeping there. We got through several boxes before Evie got bored. Then we ended up in the kitchen, looking for something to eat for dinner.

Harper opened the freezer. “You have chicken.”

“I have some rice in the pantry,” I said as I pulled out my phone to look for a recipe.

“Can I pick something?” Evie asked.

I tipped the screen toward her and scrolled through the various chicken recipes. She finally chose firecracker chicken, after verifying we had the ingredients.

I was surprised that Evie stayed engaged as we added the spice to the chicken and put it in the oven. Then we cooked Spanish rice. The entire experience was domestic.

While dinner was cooking, Evie watched a show on TV about dogs who had an Australian accent. We watched together for a few minutes, and when I thought it had captured Evie’s attention, I gestured for Harper to help me in the kitchen. I moved her so that we were out of Evie’s eyesight and pulled her close, enjoying the feel of her in my arms. “I love having you here.”

Her forehead creased. “Are you sure about that? Kids can be a lot.”

“The house is so full of energy with you two. I love it.” It wasn’t like I laughed when I was here by myself. It was rather lonely, and maybe that was the reason I worked so much. I had nothing to come home to. “But as much as I love it, I would like to see you by yourself. Do you think that’s possible?”

I didn’t want Harper to think I didn’t enjoy Evie’s company, but it was time for us to explore the chemistry between us. It was hard to keep my hands to myself.

Harper’s face fell. “I don’t feel right asking Mrs. G. to watch Evie while we go on a date. It feels like lying to her.”

I had to agree with her on that point. I racked my brain for other possibilities. “How do you feel about my brothers watching her?”

Her brow furrowed. “Are you sure they’d be okay with it?”

“They love Evie, and if there’s two of them, they should be able to handle her.”

Harper’s lips tipped up. “It takes two Giovanni men to watch Evie?”

“When it’s not me, yes,” I said, pleased to put my brothers down.

Harper tapped my chest, the spot over my heart. The one that was quickly softening for her. “You’ve never tried. We’ll have to see if you’re up for the task.”

“I can watch her the next time you have a wedding.” I licked my suddenly dry lips, wondering if I was getting in over my head.

Her forehead wrinkled. “You’d do that?”

I brushed a strand of hair off her forehead, feeling a sudden tenderness toward her. “I’m serious about you, and like you said, you and Evie are a package deal.”

She laughed. “I never thought I’d be standing in your kitchen, talking about you taking care of Evie so I could work.”

We were new, but I wanted her to see that we were good for the long haul. This wasn’t just a fling or a temporary relationship. “You need to get used to this. To us.”

“We’re not going to have a lot of time together, and when we do, Evie will be with us most of the time.”

I’d already prepared myself for the reality of dating a single mother. I adored Evie, and I couldn’t wait to spend more time with Harper. I wasn’t worried about that. “My brothers might make excellent babysitters.”

“That would be convenient for us, but would they be good role models for Evie?”

“They’re troublemakers, so probably not,” I finally concluded. Both raised hell in high school and drove my parents crazy.

Sometimes I wondered if they had more freedom as the middle and youngest children, and I was pressured to do more as the eldest. I didn’t resent them for it, but I was tired of living within the lines. I wanted a brighter life. One without restrictions.

“Mommy, where are you?” Evie called, and I snuck a quick kiss before Harper pulled away, giggling.