Chapter 8
"But Papa, you know I can handle myself! After all I was the one that…stopped Luscino from killing you."
"And I never want you in that kind of situation again!" he insisted.
"But it was exhilarating!" it was clear that now Francesca was pushing more to tease AJ than with any great desire to be involved.
Giving her a knowing glance he decided that it was time to change the subject, "Isn't it time we were leaving for the theatre?"
"Yes, it is, in fact if we don't hurry we'll be late for the curtain."
"The way you drive, my dear, I am sure that won't be a problem! You never did say what we were going to see?"
Sticking her tongue out at him for the driving comment, she told him, "And for that remark you can wait until we get there to find out!"
With a chuckle he put her wrap over her shoulders and they headed to the car.
Even though his Italian was still a little rusty AJ was able to enjoy the performance of Shakespeare's "As You Like It". Father and daughter then returned home for another slice of tiramisu cake and coffee before bed. AJ silently promised himself another run!
As soon as Clay got to the bakery the next morning, he knew that Shane had to have heard some of what happened between himself and Francesca the day before. Possibly something had happened after his departure that caused the coolness he felt from her. "Shane, is there something wrong?" he asked hoping the open endedness of the question would give him a clue to the problem.
"The woman that came in here yesterday told Mama B that she wanted to marry you, but that you only wanted a good time. I'm not looking to be anyone's 'good time'!"
Clay looked stunned for a moment wondering what else had been said after he'd left, but right then he needed to address Shane's concern. Lying was a part of his life at this point, he'd been a spook for so long and even though he hated deceiving her nothing was ingrained in a field agent's brain more than how vital it was not to break cover! So he lied. "That all happened when I was also dealing with my parents deaths and the loss of their business. Everything in my life was falling apart. I just couldn't give her what she wanted at that time, but it all seems a lifetime ago now. I am looking for that one person that I could spend the rest of my life with Shane, and I would never treat you as a 'good time'. I respect you too much for that."
He could see her considering his words before she replied, and after a long pause she said, "Alright, I will give you the benefit of the doubt, but the first time I think you're playing fast and loose with me, I'll kick you to the curb!"
"I promise no 'fast and loose' Ma'am!" he promised, holding up his hand as if making a vow.
More might have been said, but Mama B toddled into the kitchen asking what the hold up was on the next tray of pastries that were already supposed to be up front. Clay sheepishly grinned at her and shamelessly blamed Shane for being so pretty today that she'd distracted him!
Shane threw his retreating back an outraged glare all the while secretly delighted he thought that about her. Mama B sighed about young people.
Luigi Bianchi showed up at the bakery at lunch time and ordered a large meal which Clay knew he had no intention of paying for. But he didn't bother his mother for money, Clay guessed it was because of the payday he had yesterday for passing along the time and place of the upcoming meeting.
After Luigi left, without paying, Clay questioned Mama B about him, "Is Luigi in town for a while visiting you, Mama?"
"I'm afraid he no come just to visit his Mama any more these days. Is always another reason, sometimes money, sometimes wanting me to sell the bakery. This time though he have a GREAT scheme! Going to make boat loads of money he says. Two days he says. I no believe him, but that is what he says," she sighed dramatically and shuffled out of the kitchen.
To be continued…