Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 89772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
I opened my mouth to say something, however she rendered me speechless when she added…
“I think I’m in love with him.”
Chapter 45
—Cruz—
The doctor finished checking Papá’s vitals. He was heavily sedated, passed out on his bed with an IV in his arm. A mixture of fluids and pain meds were being pumped through his veins to help him stay comfortable, along with a machine to monitor his blood pressure and oxygen levels. Mamá and Sienna were with Adriana in her bedroom, getting her situated after seven long months being away from home.
Dr. Sanchez nodded toward the door and I followed him out, shutting it behind me. He was an old family friend who’d been to our house several times throughout the years for colds, flu, aches and pains. He was paid to keep his mouth shut. Regardless, I trusted him.
“How is he?” I asked, placing my hands in the pockets of my slacks.
“He’s strong, Cruz.”
“I don’t need your bedside manner, doctor, and my mother isn’t around. I want the truth.”
“The truth is,” he sighed, placing his hand on my shoulder. “Your father is in bad shape. Although, we both know how resilient he is. He won’t go down without a fight.”
“His body is fighting against him.”
“What’s that Frank Sinatra song? My way? Well,” he chuckled. “Your father did it all his way. He’s lived the life he’s wanted. Not many people can say that, Cruz.”
“I’m not ready to say to goodbye to him.”
“I understand. In times like these, all we can do is pray and leave it in God’s hands.”
“God hates me, doctor.”
“That’s not how he works. Trust in him. Okay?”
I didn’t reply, what could I say to that?
“He’s set with his meds and IV until the morning. I’ll be back then. If anything changes, I’m a phone call away.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
He smiled, saying goodnight to Mamá on his way down the hall. She beamed, focusing her attention on me. Standing in front of me, with nothing but strength written clear across her face.
Reading my mind, she reaffirmed, “He’s going to be fine, Cruz.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“I can feel it. I can feel him. I’ve been able to feel your father since I was fifteen years old when I met him for the first time. He’s always had that effect on me. It didn’t matter how many years we spent apart. I felt his soul every single day. So if I’m not worried, you don’t need to be either.”
I changed the subject. “How’s Ari?”
“She’s with Sienna. They’ve taken a liking to each other. It’s good. Your sister needs a friend right now, plus she’s always wanted a sister.”
“And you, Mamá? How are you?”
“I’m relieved and thankful I have my family under one roof again.”
“It feels like a lifetime has passed since we were all together like this.” I couldn’t hold it back any longer. “How did you figure it out, Mamá? How did you know it was Michael?”
“I received a letter this morning that said, I’m sorry. I should have been there for you. With a photo of me performing in New York. Your father said he was going to the city to take care of business and I just knew. I called Luciano, and we flew out there. I don’t think Michael thought I would catch on so quickly. He underestimated me. Your father has two properties from his childhood he has never been able to bring himself to sell. One is in Colombia, the other is in New York. His mom’s presence is still in those homes. As you know, your father loved your grandmother very much. To this day, her death still haunts him.”
I thought I had my father all figured out. Although, what I did know, barely touched the surface. I couldn’t judge him for his decisions, considering I would have done the same if he hurt my mother. He wouldn’t. He was a lot of things, but his family was everything. The past always had a way of repeating itself. He killed Michael for his sister, and I wanted Vitale’s grave for the same reason.
No one fucks with my family and gets to live another day.
“Does Daisy know about Papá and her parents?”
She shook her head. “No. And I’d like to keep it that way. Michael turned his back on my mother, on both of us. He’s never been anything more than a sperm donor, not a father in my eyes. I don’t know what he told you, but I know that it’s all lies. Your father is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. He gave up everything for us. He raised Daisy the only way he knew how, however, he’s made up for it through her children.”
“I know.”
“This isn’t the life I wanted for you, Cruz.” She lovingly grabbed my face. “I need you to know you’re a good man, you need to remember that. I hate this life, but you have a heart of gold. You will always be my little boy with bright green eyes that could see inside my soul. You’re my heart. I love you, Crucifixio.”