company. It’s the late nights, the hours that I’ve spent working, and how I’d much rather spend that time with Violet. My time at the company was never a nine to five.
“Dad, I’m not saying no . . . I’m saying I’m not sure I can give you an answer right now,” I admit. “The idea of being part of the family company is nice, but the idea of being with Violet and spending time with her is pretty damn nice too. And this would be something we need to discuss together.”
Dad purses his lips, disappointed but respectful. “I understand. It’s open to you any time you’d like to have it. What are you thinking you’re going to do?”
I appreciate that there’s no pressure, no drive to get out there and make something of myself right this minute. “I’m still discussing it with Kaede. There’s a part of me that wants to see if I can do what you did, build something of my own too. You taught me a lot, and I think it’s time I put all those hours at your side to good use. If you or Courtney ever need me at Andrews, I’ll be there, but I’m looking forward to a new challenge.”
He smiles proudly and nods. “I’m sure you’ll do whatever you put your mind to, Son.”
The warm evening’s perfect for dinner as we light up the patio and set everything up for dinner. While I wish Marissa, Estella, and Vanessa could join us, along with the rest of Violet’s family, they all had to leave town and return to their own lives. Apparently, the triplets’ performance at our reception earned them some positive notoriety, and there’s talk of their doing some recordings when they’re on break from school. That was a silver lining to that particular dark cloud, at least.
“Good news, everyone,” I report as we settle in and Nana starts passing around a huge tray of lasagna. “I got a call from Colin Radcliffe’s lawyer. He’s agreed to drop his suit if Abi and Violet are willing to drop the lawsuit over his recording on private property. Seems they got a rather threatening call from someone at Andrews?”
Courtney smiles like she’s some sweet, innocent thing, but I know it was her. It was a stroke of genius, and all Courtney’s idea, but a little bit of research by our lawyer found that Colin violated quite a few laws with recording Abi and Violet’s conversation. It seems video recording on private property without the owner’s permission is a huge no-no, and partner that with the audio recording, which is a separate offense, and Colin was looking at potential jail time. That was before we tacked on the civil suit with solid cases against Colin for defamation and trespassing at the wedding and reception with ill intentions.
Around the table, my news is greeted with smiles, except from Aunt Sofia. “I would have liked to have had a few minutes with that . . . excuse me, I must watch my tongue,” she says, her lips pinching shut. “Father O’Flannigan says I inspired him to learn a little Italian, and I already owe him enough Hail Marys as it is. He’s learning a new language. I’m learning to bite my tongue.” She holds her hands up to the sky. “Dio Mio!”
Violet, who looks amazing as always sitting next to me, laughs. “I give it a week before you’re back to your normal self.”
Sofia laughs, shrugging. “Someone has to keep you all in line! And nobody’s better than an Italian aunt!”
“Whoa, there, Aunt Sofia,” I plead, holding up my hands. “I’m new around here, but I already know not to mess with you.”
“Well, as long as you’re scared of a little old lady,” Abi teases as she reaches across me, “I’m gonna grab the garlic bread.”
We get everything passed out, all of the dishes coming around family style. Plates are filled, and the conversation’s loud and boisterous. If anyone looks upset, it has to be Stefano.
“What is it, Papa?” Violet asks after Nana’s said grace and everyone starts to dig in. Stefano’s got a pained expression in his face, and I swear he looks emotional. “Are you okay? Is it your heart?”
“Yes and no,” Stefano says, sighing miserably. “All this wonderful food, but those doctors, they want me to eat less!”
“Well, you know, Stefano,” Mom says, trying to be helpful, “tomatoes are very rich in lycopene and vitamins. They’re actually great for your heart. You might just