Page 107 of Committed to You

“Yes, sir. I own a lot of different companies that Noah had me invest in when I was younger. We were paramedics together. I also have a portfolio of real estate, but my main company is Vital Services, which is an ambulance company. My partners and I are expanding in the Midwest, and Chicago will be our hub.”

“You will be living in New York or Chicago?”

“I’m moving to Chicago, sir. Vivian found me a beautiful place, and I wrote an offer on it today. Hopefully, the offer gets accepted.”

“Your father is a businessman, too?”

“No, sir. He was a construction worker. He and my mother have been married for fifty years, and he is retired now.”

“What does your family think of you moving?”

I shrug. “They seem okay with it.”

“You are not close to them?”

“Yes, but I can fly back and visit. My younger sister is Vivian’s age, and I’m trying to get her to move with me.”

“Your parents would be okay with that?”

“She is in a bad relationship. They would be happy to see her go if it meant she could be away from her current boyfriend. I would be here to watch out for her as well.”

“So, you will not be trying to get my daughter to move to New York with you?”

“No, sir. She told me when we met that she would never leave Chicago. I will not be trying to persuade her to move. We will live here.”

“You plan on staying in Chicago? This isn’t a short-term move?”

“No, sir. I will be where Vivian is. If I have to travel a bit to make it work, I will.”

“My daughter’s home is important to her. She needs stability.” His eyes are no longer cold slits throwing daggers at me.

“Sir, I understand.”

He studies me for several moments. I try not to squirm. He finally stands up and says, “We will focus on moving forward. You do whatever it takes to keep my daughter happy and safe. If you need help, reach out.”

What? He’s going to let me off the hook?

I stand up. “Thank you, sir. I won’t let you down.”

“Call me Nico from now on, or my wife will have my balls for breakfast.”

25

Vivian

I saygood night to my parents, and my father gives me a look. I’m sure he’s not happy I’m staying in Chase’s room, even though I’m a thirty-year-old woman. I expect him to tell me to stay in their suite, but before he can, my mama jumps in.

“We see you in the morning, Vivian,” she says.

Páppa looks at her, and she ignores him. She gives Chase and me a hug and pulls my father out of the room.

My mama already loves Chase. When Páppa and Chase came back from across the hall, Chase called him Nico, so I’m hoping everything is okay.

Once they leave, Chase tells me about their conversation and that my father made nice. I feel bad that Páppa dug into his business, but he tells me not to worry about it.

I brush my teeth, wash my face, and hop naked into bed. Chase joins me shortly. It’s late, but I’m not tired. I snuggle into his warmth. “Thank you for making sure my parents are safe.”

He strokes my cheek. “You don’t have to thank me. I’m sorry again I’ve put you all in danger.”

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