Page 28 of Sweet Madness
She too surrendered her heart when she was too young to understand what true love was.
Life has reunited me with the one man who’s ever made me feel like I could fly, the same can’t be said for Willow.
Maybe he’s just one chapter in her book, or maybe it’s not their time.
Only time will tell.
A slight buzzing sound lets me know that there’s an incoming video call from my father.
“Have I ever lied to you, Low?” I ask my cousin.
She shakes her head, looking adorable yet still so sad.
“Then believe me when I say there’s no one like you, and that’s what bothers them. Those kids are all bland. They don’t shine, and if you believe their words, then you’re allowing them to steal your shine. Don’t let them win. Aunt Mila never did.” I sign while staring straight at her, not paying attention to Dad’s video chat request. I’ll call him back as soon as I know Willow is okay.
“One day everyone will be kind,” she signs, looking so much like her mother at that moment that it brings a smile to my face. Aunt Mila reminds me of the sun, while my mom and Aunt Kadra remind me of the moon and the stars. They all shine equally and just as beautifully, but there’s something about Aunt Mila that makes everyone feel like they’re basking in the sun when they’re around her. There’s never a dull moment with her, and to me, Willow is just like that. I hope one day she sees herself the way I do. But until that happens, I’ll keep reminding her.
With a bright smile on my face and my heart less heavy, I repeat the words we were constantly told by Willow’s mom while growing up. “One day, Low.” After ensuring she’s no longer as sad as she was when we first started chatting, we bid our goodbyes with plans to talk soon. She hangs up and I call Dad back.
I glance at myself in the mirror to ensure I look okay, not wanting to worry him. Then, I press accept and wait for the chat to connect. As soon as it does, the most handsome man over forty appears on screen.
Sebastian Kenton is not only the best father a girl could ever ask for but also the best man I’ve ever known. He has the most stressful job in the world, and yet he manages to come home to his wife and kids every day and be our champion and our safety net.
Pushing my notebook and colorful highlighters aside, I lean forward on the desk to get closer to my father, even if it’s through a screen. I make a mental note to continue with my assignment and school schedule after I’m done chatting.
I’m already behind after deciding to switch majors from criminal law to astronomy. I made sure to reach out to the university and my professors. Thankfully, my professors understand my situation—or at least what they think is going on. I couldn’t exactly tell them that I had to leave D.C. and relocate to another state because there was a stalker after me and my family. I’m also pretty sure Uncle Benjamin had a hand in making this transition a lot smoother. I wouldn’t put it past him to threaten anyone who could compromise my safety.
Whatever the case, I’m grateful I finally have the chance to do something for myself—something I love. Now, I just need to find the right time to tell my father that I no longer wish to follow in his footsteps.
But judging by the look of things, today doesn’t seem like the day. Despite how handsome he still is, my father has dark circles under his eyes.
“Are you sleeping okay, Daddy?” Yes, I’m daddy’s girl. Well… I’m a mommy’s girl too. I’m not ashamed to admit it. I have the best parents, and I’m one lucky girl. They deserve all the love in the world, and I make sure to give it back as much as they do to us.
Dad’s face shifts from worried to happy as soon as he sets her eyes on me. “My darling girl,” he says, sounding relieved to see me. “Your job is not to worry about me. Let me worry about you, yes, ma fille.”
“You don’t need to worry, Dad. I’m fine, truly.”
“And why do your eyes tell me another story?”
That’s just like my father. If anyone in this world could notice my sadness without me having to say a word, it would be him.
“Dad…”
“It won’t be forever. We’ll get the fucker. Your aunt and uncles are all working tirelessly to catch him. Nothing will happen. I promise you,” he says fiercely, his eyes narrow, resembling exactly what my mother calls him: a ruthless tyrant. “In a matter of weeks, you’ll be back with us.”
I know that. I do.
All my life, my family has always kept us safe from every threat that came with the public and celebrity status our family reached. I also have uncles and an aunt who are part of crime families. My mother didn’t want us raised in that world, so she told us little to nothing about her life before she met Dad, but we all know about the Parisi legacy and what Uncle Riagan and Uncle Vitali do for a living yet none of us find an issue with it. We know their hearts, and that’s what that matters to me— someone’s heart, not their past or their mistakes.
But that’s not what has me feeling down.
I can’t exactly tell him that I have feelings for my bodyguard, someone he’s not that fond of to begin with.
“Is it Banning? Dad asks, sounding a bit angry.
“No.” I blurt, forcing a wide smile to reassure my father. “Banning is the perfect gentleman and I'm fine here, really. I just miss you all so much.” My shoulders slump. I do miss them terribly.
Dad’s face softens, and his eyes shine with love. “Soon, my girl.”