Page 53 of Vinny

“Come now, daughter. You were so brave a few minutes ago. What is it that you are hiding?” he asked sardonically.

“I’m not trying to hide anything, father. I’m just trying to tell you something that I know you don’t want to hear.”

His raised eyebrow was the only change in his expression.

“I’m involved with Vinny Malloy. As in we now consider ourselves to be a couple.”

“A couple?”

Her father’s habit of asking a question with only a word or two had never bothered her before. But now? It was pissing her off.

“Yes, father. A couple. You know—when a man and a woman decide to be together for more than just a night or two. When feelings are involved. When there’s care, concern, emotions.”

“Now you’re being facetious, Annalissa. I don’t care that you have a boyfriend as long as it doesn’t interfere with your career plans.”

This statement had her confused. “I…I don’t know what you mean.”

“If you think to turn down traveling for concert engagements because of Mr. Malloy, then think again.”

Not able to think of a reply, she sat stoically.

“I will have no problem contacting Mr. Alvarez and letting him know that his employees seducing clients while on the job will not look good in the press.”

Heart pounding a tempo in her chest, she stood quickly. “I can’t believe you’re so callous. I’ve done nothing but bend to your will and your goals for my career.” Tears sprung to her eyes and she hastily brushed them away, cursing the sign of weakness. “Whycan’t you understand? I’m not turning my back on performing. It’s just not everything to me the way it was for you.”

Knowing if she stayed for another minute she would fall apart, she bent to pick up Easnadh’s case and walked toward the door. Back straight, head held high. With her hand on the knob, she turned and looked her father directly in the eye.

“I’m in love. The kind of love that mom had for you.” At this she saw a flicker in his eyes; pain or annoyance, she could not tell. “I’ll look over the contracts from Todd, then I’ll decide what’s best for me. You try to bring this to Alvarez’s door, you’ll lose me. Forever.”

All of her bravado gone, she hurried down the stairs and outside, seeing Jobe waiting for her. He saw the look on her face and bolted out of the SUV. He caught her as she ran toward him, holding her close with one arm while making a call with the other.

“Tony? Jobe. Get Vinny to meet us as soon as we get in.”

Pushing herself away, she wiped at the tears saying, “Jobe, I’m so sorry to be so much trouble.”

He shushed her then hustled her inside, carefully securing her harp in the back. The drive to Alvarez Security only took fifteen minutes and as soon as they parked, she jumped out of the vehicle. Jobe jogged up the stairs with her and as he slammed through the door they were met with Vinny, Tony, and Gabe.

Vinny grabbed her in his arms, feeling her legs wrap around his waist.She does this when she wants close.Shewas not crying, but he could feel her body shaking. The four men made eye contact with each other.

Pulling her back slightly, Vinny peered into her eyes, searching for the cause of her distress. Giving him a small smile, she moved to have him put her down. She surprised him when she turned to Tony, wringing her hands.

“Tony, I’m so sorry. I think my father may make trouble for you and I…I…don’t know what to do.”

Ushering her to a chair, Tony gently pushed her into it, pulling another one up in front of her. Vinny immediately sat next to her, his arm around her shoulders. Gabe and Jobe stayed behind Tony, ready to do whatever was needed.

“Annalissa, I can assure you that there’s nothing that your father can do to hurt me or the company. Tell us why you think that.”

“He’s angry that I won’t agree to more traveling and that I’ve told Todd that I want to stay here more and also teach. Then, he wanted to know where I’ve been staying.”Licking her lips, she glanced around nervously. But all she saw were friends. Supportive friends.

“I told him about us,” she said looking at Vinny. “He said he didn’t care who I was with as long as it didn’t interfere with my concert traveling. And then,” she continued, turning her gaze back to Tony, “He said that he would go to the press about your company’s employees seducing clients.”

Sucking in her lips, she waited for the explosion. Or anger. Or cursing. Nothing but silence.

“What did you tell him?” Tony asked, curiosity clearly written on his face.

She looked over at Vinny, whose expression was unreadable. “I told him that I love you. And if he interfered with you or Tony’s business, then he would lose me.”

The room was quiet for a second before Gabe and Jobe burst out in laughter. Tony followed their response.