Breathe In (Just Breathe, #1)(142)

“Yeah, yeah,” I tease. “You owe me.”

“Sure do, Kitten,” he replies, helping me pack up.

Jared, Nathan, Pop-Pop, Sadie and I pile into the car and make our way over to Joe’s penthouse. We thankfully make it in just about an hour — got to love the HOV lane. After friendly greetings in the living room with Mr. and Mrs. Covelli, Jimmy, Allen and Joe, we are ushered into the dining room by Anna.


As dinner is served, conversations are light and fun. I see a distinct difference with Mr. and Mrs. Covelli and how they speak. They are less formal and even more friendly. Mrs. Covelli and Pop-Pop swap stories about their families for most of the meal which keeps everyone easily entertained.

“So, Emma,” Mr. Covelli begins. “Which of your two businesses did you start first?”

“No business talk during dinner, John,” Mrs. Covelli reminds playfully.

“My apologies, my love. I’m just trying to get to know Emma better. I have no intention of actually talking business,” he sweetly announces.

“Your intention is never to talk about business, but your habit always ends up there, sweetheart,” she reveals teasingly.

“You are right as always, my love. My apologies,” Mr. Covelli answers sweetly, taking her hand in his and kissing the back of it.

I can easily see the love and playfulness of their relationship. It appears as if they are restraining their banter as to not draw too much attention away from their guests, but enough to show their personalities more to make us feel more comfortable. I admire them and feel more comfortable than I usually do with most people I meet.

“Emma, my dear, have you always lived in California?” Mr. Covelli proceeds.

“No,” I reply keeping things simple.

“Where else have you lived?” he continues.

“Jersey,” I offer taking a sip of wine.

Mr. Covelli chuckles, “You’re a very to the point kind of woman.”

“My apologies. Yes, sir.”

“There’s no need to apologize. I admire that,” he flatters.

“Thank you,” I graciously accept.

“I take it that you grew up in New Jersey?” he investigates further.

“Yes sir,” I answer with a softer smile.

“Where are your parents? It would have been nice to have them here tonight as well,” Mrs. Covelli politely interjects.

Not wanting to be rude, but wanting to answer her question, I inform, “They’re back in Jersey.”

“Do you get to visit them often?” Mrs. Covelli continues.

“When I can.”

“Do they come out here more to visit you then . . . since you’re so busy with your businesses?” she pushes, wanting to know more.

“Now, my love, you are starting to talk about business,” Mr. Covelli muses.

“Oh John, don’t you start,” she baits with a twinkle in her eye.

As much as I hate being the topic of discussion, I am enjoying Mr. and Mrs. Covelli. Ironically, some of their playfulness reminds me of how Joe and I are together. I can’t help but smile a little watching them.

Everyone sits quietly looking to me. Crap. Do I really have to answer?

“It’s a little hard for my parents to visit,” I reply, hoping my answer will suffice her curiosity.

“Why is that, my dear?” Mrs. Covelli presses.

Jared squeezes my right hand that is resting on my lap. I take a sip of water and clear my throat trying to avoid the awkward silence. Unfortunately, I know I need to answer.

“My parents are . . .” I begin, but fall short of saying more.

“They are no longer with us,” Jared offers on my behalf.

I see the shock on Jimmy’s and Allen’s faces first. Joe didn’t tell them?! As my gaze sweeps across the table to Mr. and Mrs. Covelli, I see Anna gently touch her heart before making the sign of the cross. Mr. and Mrs. Covelli’s reactions do not match the others who did not know. Their eyes soften as they offer a reassuring smile in consolation.

“My apologies, Emma. I’m so sorry,” Mrs. Covelli warmly states.

I nod acceptance, though I sense a hint of pity behind her words. I appreciate her kind gesture, but I hate receiving pity from people.

“That explains a lot,” Jimmy randomly blurts.

Joe punches him in the arm, hard enough that I could practically feel it on the other side of the table.

“Ouch,” Jimmy mumbles.

An uncomfortable mood permeates the room.

“Excuse me for a moment, please,” I proclaim, quickly standing up from my seat. Jared lets go of my hand and doesn’t follow, giving me the needed space he knows I require. Joe, Jimmy, Allen and Mr. Covelli all stand up when I do.

Not sure where to go and not wanting to be completely rude, I swiftly exit the dining room. Without thinking, my body takes me through the halls and I find myself in Joe’s bedroom of all places. What am I doing in here? I don’t really care. I just need a moment.

Sitting on the edge of his bed, I close my eyes and focus on my breathing. Breathe, Emma. Just Breathe. My mind starts to wander as I feel the need to be consoled. One would think that my best friend, my brother, who has loved and helped me all these years, would be the one to come to mind. Not at all. Not him. The person I want to enter the door is the man who my body desperately craves. I want Joe Covelli.