Impact (Suncoast Society #32)(2)

That’s when he saw one of her brothers, Dante, picking his way through the crowd. Dante was eighteen, just two months older than Cris, and the second youngest boy. He extended his hand to Cris to shake.

In shock, Cris shook with him.

“She wanted to come. She asked me to bring her.”

“Do your parents know you’re here?”

“Heck, no. You crazy?” Dante nodded at her. “It’s a secret between me and the princess. They think we’re at a movie.” He smiled. “I’m proud of you. I know my dad’s been a real dick to you. I’m sorry I couldn’t defend you better.” He held up a camera. “Well, and Aunt Mariana knows. She asked me if I’d come and take pictures for her. And she asked me to give you this.” He handed Cris a card.

“Thanks.” He stared at the envelope. His name was written on the front in his mother’s hand.

Dante looked a little embarrassed. “I guess I’m officially in cahoots,” he said. “Aunt M gave me money for gas and to take you and Sofia out to dinner to celebrate.”

Cris fought back his anger. “Let me guess, my dad would have popped if she’d come.”

“Yeah. You know how he is. As big a dick as my dad can be.”

Cris had actually taken a city bus to get to the auditorium where their graduation had been held. Dante led them out to where he’d parked his eldest brother’s car.

“How’d you manage this?” Cris asked. “Or do I want to know?”

“Santino’s spending the day with his girlfriend. I told him I’d cover for him if I could borrow his wheels, no questions asked.”

After Sofia was safely buckled in the back seat, they headed out to eat.

“I heard Dad and Mom saying something about you moving out soon.”

“Yeah. As soon as I can get into the dorm,” Cris said. “It’ll be a couple of weeks, though. I’m going to do summer classes, try to graduate early. A friend of mine said I can crash at their house if things get too bad before the dorm opens.”

At dinner at a decent steakhouse, Sofia asked, “What if I need help with my homework?”

“You can always call me,” Cris assured her. “I’ll do my best.”

She picked at her food, a dark look on her face. “I don’t see why you have to move out.”

“I’m sorry, Fi. Your dad doesn’t like me. The only reason he took me in was Aunt Julieta talked him into it.”

“Family should stick together.” She looked up at him, her eyes red, near tears. “It’s not fair.”

“I know, sweetheart. Life isn’t always fair.”





Cris nervously sat at the table and tried not to glance out the window every five seconds. His mother was nearly fifteen minutes late, and even though it was LA, that was unusual for her.

I wonder if Dad found out and put his foot down.

He’d been shocked to hear from her. He hadn’t seen her since he’d moved out, although he had called her after his high school graduation to thank her for the hundred dollars she’d put in the card. Now in the middle of his sophomore year at college, she’d been the last person he’d expected to get a call from.

When she hurried up the sidewalk, looking harried and drawn, he relaxed in some ways even while his gut ratcheted up the tension within him. By the time she flashed him a weak smile after giving him a hug and then taking her seat across from him, he knew something was up.

“What’s going on, Mom?”

“I…” Her smile faded as her gaze dropped to the table. “I never could lie to you, could I?”

“I know Dad’s not dead, because you would have told me if that happened.”

“No, he’s not dead, but he’s been forced to retire. He had a heart attack and they found out he’s got severe blockage.”

“Oh.” He didn’t know what else to say. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“I was wondering…” She fiddled with her place setting.

“Wondering what?”

“Would it be possible for you to come visit him?”

“Did he ask to see me?”

She sidestepped the question. “I thought maybe you could, you know, tell him you’re dating a nice girl or something. Have one of your friends come with you. He wouldn’t have to know she’s not your girlfriend.”

He sat back in his chair. “I’m living with Landry. You know that. I told you that. He’s my boyfriend.”

Her lips tightened into a thin line across her face. “I’d rather not talk about that.”

The waitress appeared, ready to take their drink orders, before his mom could reply. When they were alone again, his mom forced a smile Cris knew all too well.

“I thought perhaps, for the sake of your father, you could come visit. It wouldn’t kill you to at least pretend.”

“I’m twenty, Mom. I’m too old for these kinds of games.”

“If you really love your father, you’ll do this for me.”

“If he really loved me—and if you really loved me—all you’d care about is that I’m with someone I love, who loves me, and who makes me happy.”

“The church says—”