“It’s just the first of many things of her mom’s that I plan to return to her. Knowing how much Adrienne loved her daughter, I imagine there’re lots of things she left for her to inherit when she turns eighteen.” Like a car.
Becky drew in her breath and bit into her lip like it was a lifeline. I couldn’t quite read Victoria’s expression. Either she knows nothing about the car being sold, or she’s too dumb to realize the subtle threat I’d just made.
“So, Gia, how long do you plan to mooch off that family? Or is that your excuse to shack up with him? Everybody knows, and it’s disgusting. What will people think about our family…?”
“The Fontanes are speaking, don’t interrupt.” You’ve got one more chance, Victoria. Don’t let your cushy life come to an end too soon.
“I’ll have you know; I’m just as much a Fontane as she is. Felix adopted me. I guess he needed an improvement.” She laughed at her own bullshit.
“You can’t adopt a kid in this state without both parents’ consent. Did your father sign away his rights?”
“My father is….”
“He’s what? What is he?” Now she had nothing to say? But I have plenty. Since she thinks she’s worthy of being my opponent and is bold enough to attack what’s mine right in front of me, there’s nothing left but to annihilate her.
“By the way, how’s the weather in Jersey? I hear it’s kind of chilly this time of year. Then again, a grimy booth in a diner in Jersey City still beats a cell in the Federal precinct in Manhattan.” My face had gone stone cold. I felt the change, so I knew what she saw when she looked at me.
My silent message said loud and clear, ‘say one more thing to or about Gianna, and I’ll end you right here.’ It may bring an end to my game of torment too soon, cutting into my fun, but for her, it’s worth it. I’d also just let them both know that I’m watching them.
Victoria stuttered and looked to her mom for help, but poor Becky wasn’t doing too good. She looked on the verge of an epileptic fit. I could swear I saw a look of pleading in her eyes when she looked at me, but all she got was a dead glare.
“What are you three talking about?” Felix turned away from his conversation with Gianna to ask. I put on my best boy next door smile, “We were just talking about my friend Jimmy and how great it is that he’s found his wife and daughter. Don’t you think that’s a great story, Rebecca? A long-lost family reunited at last. I imagine Jimmy should be reaching his destination any minute now.”
Becky jumped up from her chair nervously, making Felix, who had gone back to talking to his daughter, look over at her again. “What’s the matter now?”
“Nothing, I just remembered something I need to take care of.”
“Right now? You knew Gia was coming; why didn’t you take care of whatever it was before?”
“Yes, Rebecca, that’s very rude. I thought you would love seeing your stepdaughter since you haven’t in a couple of days, but I guess I was wrong?”
Yes, try telling him how much you love and miss her now. She looked cornered, trapped. The way I imagine Gianna felt the last ten years of her life in this house. “You should run.” I mouthed the words to her while Gia and her dad went back to talking about school and how she was doing, but always coming back to how much she looked like her mother.
“Uh, where is the bathroom?” I looked around for an answer which came from Gianna.
"Thanks, I’ll be right back.” I took my time leaving the room and walked as lightly as I could past the door Gianna had mentioned, up the stairs to my real target. It was easy to find what I was looking for, but it meant a trip out to the trunk of my car since there was nowhere on me to hide what I’d taken.
I went back to the room and sat beside Gianna, who didn’t look as though anything untoward had happened while I was gone. I hated to leave her, but it hadn’t been for long, and it needed to be done. I looked at my watch after another five minutes as if I didn’t know what time it was by the location of the setting sun.
“Well, Mr. Fontane, Felix, it’s time for Gianna and I to head back home. My mother doesn’t like it when any of us are missing from the dinner table; it’s a family thing. I’ll bring her back to see you soon.”
“What about this weekend?” He was looking hopeful again.
“Sorry, can’t. I’m taking her to Virginia to see her mother’s mom and sisters.”