for the news. I need to know you’ll be there on the big day. I can’t have you sick … or away for family business.”
I smile at his odd comment. “Never.”
He looks toward the door again and then back to me. “I heard about what happened with your father. I’m glad he made it out safely.”
My smile fades. “I didn’t know it was public knowledge.”
“It’s not. I heard from a friend. Your father and I are well connected. Goes back to the old days in Long Island City.”
A wave of familiarity at my father’s stories of the good old days warms me. “He always speaks highly of your friendship.”
“And I, him,” Mr. DeLuca says. “That’s why I’d like to send him something as a get-well gift. Do you have any suggestions?”
“Get well?” I ask in horror. “Is he sick?”
“I assumed you’d seen him,” he says, his eyes shifting as he sits back in his chair.
“No, he’s …” I halt. I don’t know where my father is, but that doesn’t mean everyone needs to know that. I reverse course and say, “I don’t live at home anymore. When I talk to him today, I’ll ask how he’s feeling.”
He frowns as he nods into his knuckles that are now resting against his mouth. “Please send my regards.”
My thumbs tap my notebook as we stare at each other in an awkward silence.
I stand from my chair. “If that’s all, then I’ll go back to my cubicle.”
His fingers rise from his clenched fist for a moment to dismiss me. “That’s all. And if you could, I’d like the files you’re working on by the end of the day.”
“Yes, sir.” I walk to the door and let myself out.
When I started here as a junior auditor, I enjoyed the monotony. Going through data with a fine-tooth comb, connecting the pieces of business funds, comes easily to me. With mathematics, you can always find the answer. If it doesn’t present itself on the first try, you can use another equation.
I take a seat at my cubicle and look at the photo of my family that sits on my desk. It was taken at the holiday brunch at Villa Russo. Mom is in her favorite emerald pantsuit while Dad stands, handsome, in a navy pinstripe. Gia and I are wearing different shades of red—a coincidence that made for a picture-perfect family.
What have you gotten us into, Dad?
I call my mother, as I have been all day, as promised. This time, my voice is urgent.
“Is Dad hurt?” I ask as soon as she picks up.
There’s a pause. I can hear the sound of the local news on in the background as she takes a moment to respond. “Why would you ask such a thing?”
“DeLuca made a comment.”
“Ignore him. He’s just repeating gossip. That’s what happens in these situations. These women can’t keep hold of their men, so they gossip with one another about everyone else’s and pass the gossip on to their husbands. Your father is fine.”
“Maybe he doesn’t want to worry you. Like the time he got into a car accident and didn’t tell you until he came home without a car.”
She hums, remembering the day. “Raphael is full of surprises. He also always tells me what’s going on.”
“Keep me updated too. I need to know the details.” I look toward DeLuca’s office and grimace. Lowering my head, I place my hand over the receiver and ask quietly, “Mom, is there a reason why Dad wanted me to work here?”
Don’t ask, don’t tell is the Sorrentino way, and I’m punishing her for doing as we’ve only been told. I’m asking; therefore, I’m the one breaking the rules.
“Of course,” she starts, and my heart sinks at the thought of some ulterior motive. “He knows Angelo DeLuca. Your father only wants you around people he can trust. You chose to get a degree in accounting, and he knew a man with one of the top five firms.”
I breathe, relieved. “You’re right. That makes sense.”
“Now, Amelia, come straight home, and we can talk more in person.”
“I love you, Mom,” I say to end the conversation without having to explain—again—that I’m not going back to her house.
We hang up, and I get right on the task of gathering the files DeLuca asked for. I’m efficient in my work, and I can complete a project in half the time of other employees. Some say it’s because I’m a fast reader. My eyes skim over the numbers with ease. I know it’s because