Page 87 of Matteo
I sit in the other chair. Matteo’s eyes narrow on me before returning them to the twins.
“I don’t want to go to Yale. I’m not sure how to tell Rafe. I get it’s an honor he and Abuelo see us as Castillo even though we’re…but I don’t want to go into the family business. I want to have my own restaurant. Riley wants to focus on pottery and woodworking.”
“Like, what will Rafe feel? Not what he’ll say. I know he’ll say it’s okay. But what will he feel about it—about us?” Riley winces as he asks the question.
Matteo considers the question before he shrugs. “He’ll say and mean that you two need to do whatever makes you happy. If going into the family business is going to be miserable for you, then don’t do it. It’s important to him that you do what will make you happy. Rafe mentioned he told you both already he and your sister will pay for your schooling, but they won’t pay for much beyond that. If you’re lucky, Gigi will loan you money to start your restaurant. He will want to ensure you two have thought of that. However, if you go into the family business, you’re going to get an extremely large salary. Something to consider.”
“They wouldn’t help more?” It doesn’t seem fair to me. “I mean, your mom helped you.”
“Yes, it’s why I said Gigi would loan them money. Hell, she might even just give it to them. My mom is much more permissive and grew up with old money, so won’t see it as a bad thing. I’m not saying Rafe and Carrie think it’s a bad thing, but they would want them to work hard. Everyone is of the mindset that just handing money over isn’t the way to raise the kids. We’re doing the best we can while preparing them for the real world.” Matteo’s eyes meet mine.
I agree with him. The last thing I want is to raise spoiled kids who take their lucky lives for granted.
“I don’t care. I’ll do whatever I need to do to open my own restaurant one day. Spending four years at some Ivy League isn’t necessary.” Elliott’s lower lip juts out.
“You say that now, but who do you want coming to your restaurant? The Ivy League universities aren’t about the school pedigree alone. It’s about the connections you make and build. Deep pockets have an easier time spending money. Those are the clients you want, people with money to spend on an evening out and who want to be seen—want to impress others that they can afford it.” Matteo’s eyebrow is up as he looks at Riley. “What mijo?”
“I’m not willing to do whatever it takes to become an artist. I love the freedom to create whatever I want in pottery and woodworking—making things with my hands—but I like our current life. If I can keep the same lifestyle by continuing a legacy I want to be a part of, then I’ll do it. There were too many nights of wondering if we were going to go into foster care because Carrie couldn’t keep us for me to go back to being poor.” Riley shrugs self-consciously.
“There’s nothing wrong with admitting that,” I assure him. “Maybe someday something else that means more will come along, and if it never does, that’s okay too.”
Seeing the change in Riley, I’m glad he at least found the assurance he needed.
“I’m relieved and a jerk enough to admit it. I was feeling guilty both of us weren’t going into the Castillo company when Rafe clearly needs help.” Elliott admits.
Riley sighs. “I was worried you would think I was selling out because I’m not willing to give up money for art. It’s like I can take it, or I can leave it. I’m also thinking Matteo is right. You should still go to Yale. Make connections and take time to learn all you can for the business side.”
He considers his twin’s urging. “Maybe. If Rafe is okay with me going and not planning to continue with the Castillo company. I’d feel like I was stealing any other way.”
“I think it’s more than fair. I also think Rafe will surprise you. What makes you happy is the most important thing to him.” Matteo is firm.
Both teens sigh in relief.
Matteo
The moment the door is closed behind the twins, the words fly out of Amy, “Where were you?”
This woman is not afraid of me. She’s not going to let me get away with anything. Good. Smiling, I pull her to me. Her hands go up to my chest to keep me from squeezing her tightly. Layla clutches at my neck as though she were trying to climb up me.
“I met with your soon-to-be-ex. He signed off on the divorce, his parental rights for Layla, and the NDA. It only cost thirty thousand. Tomorrow my lawyer will be sending evidence to the insurance company paying workers comp. He’ll be out that money within a month. I have a judge who will put everything through by Friday. It was supposed to be a part of your birthday present.”
Her beautiful face falls. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.”
“I didn’t want you stressed. There was no need for it. He didn’t do or say a single thing that surprised me. I always knew I would come away with his signature, and it was the only thing that mattered. If I told you, you would have asked to be there, and that wasn’t going to happen.” I’m not going to apologize.
Rolling her eyes, she sighs. “You are such a jerk. I’m annoyed with you being so bossy.”
“No, you aren’t. You love how bossy and in control I am. I’ll always keep you and Layla safe. Since you trust in me, you’re simply annoyed you didn’t know ahead of time.”
She rolls her eyes again. “You really are annoying being such a know-it-all. Fine. I love it, and I would have spent every minute you were gone concerned. There, are you happy now?”
“I am. Very fucking happy. He signed. Tomorrow, you’re going wedding dress shopping with Mom, and I leave work a few hours early for the person to meet with us to help us plan the wedding. I’m taking Wednesday off completely and after your therapy appointment at two, we go to Chicago. No work, no phone calls—just you and Layla. How soon before we can confirm you’re pregnant?”
Melting into me, she sighs. “We started at the perfect time. We’ll know very soon.”
My cock hardens until it feels like steel at the idea of her pregnant. “After we come back you and Mom are going house shopping on Monday. I want us settled before the baby comes.”
“You want us to move?” Her eyes are wide.