Page 43 of Days Of Valentino

“How are you really? Did you find whoever shot you and why?”

“It’s being handled,” Dad grunts. He doesn’t want to tell me anything.

“Is there a threat against the family or just you?” I pry.

“It was just me. It’s fine, Liliana. There’s nothing for you to worry about,” Dad says.

“Right, well, as long as you say so. I need to go get ready. It’s good to see you.” After kissing my father’s cheek, I go in search of my brother.

I end up finding Alessandro in the kitchen.

“Who shot Dad and why?” I ask him.

My brother shuts the fridge door, his hands full of leftover containers. “If he wanted you to know, he’d tell you himself.”

“I’m asking you.” My arms fold over my chest. I’m not letting this go. I want to know what’s going on.

“It’s not that big of a deal, sis. It’s being handled.”

“Was it a rival family? Cartel?” I press him.

“Neither.” Alessandro puts the armload of containers onto the counter.

“Was it an inside job?” I try again.

“Lil, it wasn’t even business related. It’s someone from Josie’s past. Some former foster dad,” Alessandro says at the same time Josie walks into the kitchen.

“What?” Josie stops dead in her tracks. “Theo was shot because of me?”

“No,” Alessandro and I answer at the same time.

“But you just said…” She points to Alessandro.

“It’s not your fault, Josie, and it’s being handled. The guy isn’t a threat,” Alessandro tells her.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” She looks pale.

“Josie, the actions of other people are not your responsibility. Come on, I got an old jersey of Travis’s you can wear to the game tonight. He signed it for you too,” I tell her while wrapping my arm around her shoulders.

“Hold the fuck up. Why does she get a jersey and I don’t?” Alessandro calls after us.

“Because sisters are better than brothers.” I smirk at him over a shoulder as I lead Josie out of the kitchen.

“Aunt Lil, Aunt Lil, I got a pretty room.” Graycee comes running towards us.

“Did you? How pretty?” I ask her.

“You wanna see?” She grins up at me.

“I’d love to. Can Aunt Josie come too?”

“Yep.” Graycee takes hold of Josie’s hand, and I follow the pair up the stairs. Stopping dead in my tracks when we get to what used to be the guest room.

“I told you my parents go overboard,” I whisper to Kathryn, who’s standing on the threshold, appearing dumbfounded.

“I have no words, Lil,” she whispers back as we both stare into the princess-themed bedroom that looks like it’s been thrown up on by a unicorn. Pinks, purples, and glitter. Everywhere.

Episode Nineteen

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