Page 52 of Family Secrets

Chapter Twenty-Two

Elizabeth felt as if she’d contracted a contagious disease, everyone in the office avoided her. Lisa reasoned it would take them a while to come to grips with her being the new girl in Gino’s bed, and not to let their silence affect her. The crowning jewel happened as she was readying to leave for the day; Sully stopped in, shooting her a sorrowful look before disappearing into his office.

To add misery to her already crap-tastic day, the heavens opened up and poured as she made her way to the restaurant Gino asked her to meet him, making her more than an hour late.

Two suited men greeted her by name as she pulled to the curb, one shielding her with an umbrella and helping her to the door, as the other jumped behind the wheel of her car to park it.

Inside the smell of cooked meat and spices filled the air. The restaurant was empty sans Gino and a man she didn’t recognize standing from a table in the center of the room.

Clearing the distance, Elizabeth sent Gino a smile. “I’m sorry I’m late, the storm brought out the worst in people and there were several accidents.”

Gino laid a kiss to the corner of Elizabeth’s mouth, wishing he could toss her on the table and eat her instead of the food he’d ordered.

“You’re right on time, Elizabeth. Your absence allowed me to speak with Emilio here on some matters I need his help with.”

Elizabeth turned to the man standing beside Gino, his intense stare making her feel uncomfortable.

“Sweetheart, this is my friend, Emilio Vittorio. Emilio, I’d like you to meet my Elizabeth.”

Twisting her head to the side, “Vittorio? As in Felicia Vittorio?”

Emilio couldn’t believe his eyes as he’d watched the tiny woman walk in. Standing before him, as if taken back twenty-five years, was his Nicole.

“Y-yes,” Emilio stumbled, collecting himself quickly before the situation grew more uncomfortable. “Felicia is my niece.” But you are my daughter, he said to himself.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Vittorio, I’ve heard wonderful things from Giovanni about you. It’s nice to connect the name to a face.”

“Likewise, Elizabeth. I’ve waited not so patiently to meet you.”

“Oh?”

“Babe, let’s take a seat and I’ll explain everything.”

Both men reached for her chair, Gino pulling away to give Emilio the honor.

“Before I forget, how did your meeting go?” Elizabeth questioned, leaning back to allow the waiter to place her napkin across her lap.

“Well, that is one of the main reasons I wanted to have dinner tonight,” Gino took Elizabeth’s hand. “I want to be honest with you. Well, as much as I can be,” shooting a look to Emilio. “You’ve shown me how intelligent and observant you are, my guess is you have an idea what I’m about to say.”

“About your job, you mean?” Elizabeth avoided the word, attributing the idiosyncrasies to a long list of coincidences.

“Yes. You know I was born in Sicily, brought to the States when I was little.”

“Yes.”

“Well, I was brought here to be groomed for the day I would take over the Family for my father. With his death, my meeting earlier was to officially place me as the head of the Family.”

Glasses of red wine appeared, along with various dishes filled with food. Elizabeth’s stomach was too full of nerves to consider eating a single bite.

“With that role comes an incredible amount of responsibilities and requirements. One of those requirements I’m hoping you will help me with.”

Mixed emotions filled Elizabeth. Was Gino about to give her a promotion? And if so, how would it affect their relationship?

“First, I have to confess something to you.”

“Confess?” Fear gripped her. Had he changed his mind about them? Lisa assured her she was happy Gino was paying attention to her. Had she been placating her?

“The night I took you to my penthouse to celebrate your new apartment, I had an ulterior motive for drinking so much champagne, and ultimately getting you drunk.”

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