Page 70 of Gary

And that I am a member of that family. She is not going to ‘cool down’ as you so quaintly put it. She told me she hated me. I have to go to her and try to salvage this. This is a nightmare.”

“At least give her some time.”

“No!” He shook his head. “The more time I give her, is the more time she has to fester. It has to be now. I cannot spend one night without knowing where I stand with her.”

“Gary…”

“I have to see her.” Without another word, he charged out of the office.

*****

Sharon looked up from the transaction she was doing to see the man striding in. From the determined and set look on his face, she knew he would not be easy to get rid of.

Forcing a smile for the customer, she handed over the items and bade him a pleasant rest of the afternoon.

To his credit, the young man waited until the customer had left before walking to the counter. “I need to see her,” he began without preamble.

“She does not want to see you and neither do I.” She told him coldly.

“I need a chance to explain.” His face was set. “And I am not leaving until I do. Where is she?”

“She’s not here.”

“Mr. Moretti…”

“I took my mother’s maiden name when I left the country five years ago. Please.” He gestured to the sofa. “If I have to become a fixture then so be it, but I am not leaving until you both hear me out.”

Sharon recognized the unshakable resolve and knew he meant every word.

“As soon I have a customer, you are out.”

“Then I had better start talking then.”

*****

Sadie’s head jerked up when she heard the sound of the door being opened.

“Mom, you didn’t have to…” Her voice tailed off when the achingly familiar figure stepped through the open doorway. Longing turned to burning anger as she watched him close the door and come towards her.

“I suppose breaking and entering is a small thing to you considering your family’s history.”

His mouth tightened at that. “Your mother gave me her code.”

“She wouldn’t do that.”

“She did. Call and ask her.” He waved towards her phone that was on the table in front of the sofa. The first look of her took his breath away. She was wearing a thick terry robe, and her eyes were swollen from crying.

There was also a tub of cherry vanilla ice cream on the table. Her legs were curled beneath her, and she looked like a lost little girl. He had done that to her.

“It doesn’t matter. Go away.”

He took several steps that then placed him in front of her and took a seat.

“I need to explain.”

“It’s not going to make any difference.”

“I adore you.”