Beloved Liar (The Reed Rivers Trilogy #3) - Lauren Rowe Page 0,66

that’s exactly what he’d do. How’d you know that?”

Tony shrugs. “You’re Ricci. I’m Borelli. I’ve got three daughters of my own, so I know how Italian fathers think. My daughters are still young, but if they brought home a suave guy like Mr. Rivers, I’d let the guy have it. No offense, Mr. Rivers.”

“None taken. I’ve been called far worse things in my life than ‘suave.’”

Georgina says, “I’ve brought home exactly one boyfriend in my life. And my father went so freaking Italian on that guy, I’ve never had the stomach to bring anyone home again.”

Tony chuckles. “Sounds like your father is a good egg.”

“The best. He was right to dislike that guy I brought home, by the way. He turned out to be a first-class jerk.”

“Daddy always knows best.”

Tony’s eyes in his rearview mirror shift to me, and I flash him a look that says, “Wrap it up.”

“Well, I’ll leave you two alone now,” Tony says. “Would you like some air? Music?”

“Music,” I reply. “Something mellow, not too loud.”

“You got it, Mr. Rivers.”

Soft, soothing music begins playing and Georgina sinks back into the leather seat. “Whew. I was more nervous about meeting your mom than I let on. I’m so glad it went well.”

“Let’s do it, Georgie.”

She glances at Tony and mouths, “Here?”

I chuckle, realizing she thinks I want to have sex. “No, sweetheart. Take me to meet your father.”

Georgina makes the exact face I’d expect her to make if I’d just now asked her to shave my balls.

“Why is that such a ridiculous request?” I say, laughing at her expression. “We said we’re not going to hide our relationship anymore. And you said yourself you don’t care what anyone thinks.”

“My father isn’t ‘anyone.’ I care very much what he thinks.”

“Aw, come on. I brought you to meet my mother, and I was scared to death to do that. And look how fantastically that turned out.”

“That’s different.”

“Why?”

“Because your mother would never think I’m your boss. Because I haven’t paid off your student loans, and your mother’s condo, or paid for your mother’s expensive medicine.”

“Well, I’m not your boss. So, that’s not an issue.”

“My father won’t understand that.”

“And I can’t fathom your father will have a problem with me taking care of you, and someone you love dearly, to the best of my abilities. Plus, you really shouldn’t care what he thinks, Georgina. In the end, all that matters is what we think. What we feel.”

“Yes. That’s true, in relation to everyone in the world, except my father.”

“Are you planning to see him for your birthday when we get back?”

“On Saturday. I’m going to his house for dinner and cake.”

“Then I’m coming with you.”

She winces.

“Stop being a coward. We’re doing this. We’re both open books now, remember? We’ve got nothing to hide.”

“From each other.”

I laugh. “Come on, Ricci. Put your big girl panties on. Stop being a wimp.”

“He’s going to grill you, exactly like Tony said. He won’t be happy with anything except you saying I’m the great love of your life.”

“Great. Then, we’ve got nothing to worry about.”

Georgina makes that face I love. The one where she opens her mouth all the way, like she can’t believe what she’s heard.

“Is that a yes?” I say.

She flashes me a million-dollar smile. “Okay, let’s do it. But don’t you dare tell him I’ve moved in with you. He still thinks I’m living at the hotel. Let’s not give the poor man a stroke.”

Tony’s eyes crinkle in the rearview mirror at that.

“Don’t worry.” I touch Georgina’s thigh. “I thought today would be a disaster, and it was the best day of my life.”

Georgina bites her lip. “It was?”

“Yup. Thank you for pushing me to do it. You were right. It was beautiful. Freeing.”

She takes my hand. “What’d I tell you? The truth shall set you free.”

We rhapsodize about today’s visit for a bit. But after a while, Georgina says she’s tired, and I open my arm to her and let her crumple against me for a nap. After a few minutes, when I’m sure she’s out like a light, I pull out my phone and tap out a text to Josh and Henn.

Me: Georgie and I just finished visiting my mother. It went fantastically well. Tomorrow, we’re visiting her stepsister in Boston. Saturday, I’m going to dinner at her father’s condo in LA.

Henn: HOLY SHIT!

Josh: Whoa. Mutual meeting of the parents? This is a first for you, right?

Me: Yep.

Josh: Damn, dude. This is as serious as you’ve ever been with someone, isn’t

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