The end of the dinner was just as intense as the beginning. The men split the bill, and then we walked outside into the frigid air. It didn’t seem like the hostility between the two of them had subsided.
But at least Griffin didn’t object to him anymore.
“I’ll see you later,” Vanessa said. “Let me know when you talk to your father. You know I’m going to want to be prepared for the questions my father will bombard me with.”
“Yeah, I will.” I hugged her back before I moved to Griffin next.
To my surprise, Vanessa moved to Bosco then hugged him. “Even if everyone never likes you, just know that I like you.”
Bosco hugged her back awkwardly, clearly tense that Griffin was staring right at them.
Griffin hardly hugged me because he was too focused on what he was looking at.
Vanessa pulled away then rolled her eyes at her husband. “Get over it, Griffin. He’s a nice guy. Now let’s go home because I need to take my vitamins.”
Griffin watched her walk away for a moment before he caught up with her, not saying another word to either of us.
Like magic, Bosco’s men pulled up to the curb, and we got inside the car.
I was happy to be inside the warm vehicle with the heated leather seats because the winter air was chilling. The summer could be hot and unforgiving, but I missed it so much now. The only nice thing about the winter months was having a man to keep me warm.
We headed back to the penthouse in silence.
“I think that went well,” Bosco said in a teasing manner.
“I think you made as much as progress as you’re going to make.”
“He knows I’m right. He might not like me, but he doesn’t have a justification to reject me. He won’t be a problem for us.”
“You don’t think so?” I asked, a note of hope in my voice.
He shook his head. “No. I treat you well. I take care of you. I clearly love you. Regardless of his personal disagreements, he really has no case anymore. I wouldn’t worry about him. He won’t oppose me. He may not vouch for me…but silence is better than his objection.”
“Then I guess I’ll talk to my father next.”
“When?” He turned his head toward me, watching my expression.
It didn’t matter where or when the conversation took place, my father wouldn’t be happy about Bosco. It would take him a while to calm down, but I had to start somewhere. The sooner I started, the sooner it would end. “Tomorrow. I’ll go by his office.”
13
Griffin
Crow and Cane were already drinking even though it was only noon. A decanter was on the table along with three glasses. Theirs were already full, and when Crow saw me walk in, he filled my glass without looking at me.
I took a seat, seeing the way Cane was visibly miserable over Carmen. He placed the cool glass against his temple even though there was no ice in it. He must have a migraine, but it was obviously from stress, not dehydration.
Crow watched his brother, leaning back on the leather sofa. “I’m sorry, Cane.”
After I’d married Vanessa, I became the third member of their group. They included me in everything, whether it was business or personal. I was the third Barsetti even though I had a different last name. Maybe Conway and Carter would be included if they took over the winery, but since it was me, I was the one who was there all the time. Gradually, I developed a special bond with each of the men, even seeing Cane as somewhat of a father figure. Not nearly as much as I did with Crow, but it was still there.
I had started to see that Cane was similar to his brother, and even though he had more emotional outbursts and rushed decisions, it was only because he cared more. When it came time to protect his family, Cane was the quickest one to jump into the fray. He was impulsive because he was so invested. Caring too much was actually his weakness.
Crow as just more pragmatic about his behavior.
Cane set the glass down. “She could have any man she wants. Literally. And she picks him? Motherfucker…” He added more scotch to his glass even though he hadn’t finished what he was sipping. “It’s only a matter of time before she confronts me about it. What the hell am I supposed to say? Just be fine with it?” He took a long drink, washing down all his liquor in one go. “How does this even happen? She’s in a city with hundreds of thousands of people, and he’s the one guy she actually likes? Why are arranged marriages outdated? They make perfect sense, if you ask me.”
Crow grinned slightly but restrained himself from laughing. “I get why you’re angry, but I really think you just have to be okay with it. When she talks to you…let it be.”