Chapter 4 - THE LITTLE GIRL WITH THE PURPLE BACKPACK
I expected Giovanni to disappear once we reached the hotel lobby.
Instead, he asked whether I had transportation.
“My car is in the garage.”
“Then I'll walk you there.”
“You don't have to.”
“I know.”
We stepped into the underground parking area.
My shoes clicked against the concrete.
For several moments, neither spoke.
Then Giovanni asked:
“How old is your daughter?”
“Five.”
“Her name?”
“Lily.”
He smiled faintly.
“Beautiful name.”
“She's beautiful too.”
“I believe you.”
I looked at him.
“You're very strange.”
He laughed.
“So I've been told.”
At my car, I stopped.
It was a ten-year-old Honda with a dented rear bumper.
A purple backpack sat in the passenger seat.
Giovanni noticed it.
“Lily's?”
I nodded.
“She refuses to use any other color.”
He smiled.
“Strong opinions.”
“Very.”
I opened the door.
Then hesitated.
“Thank you.”
Giovanni looked at me.
“For the dance?”
“For not making me feel like something was wrong with my daughter.”
His expression changed.
Something dark moved behind his eyes.
“There's nothing wrong with your daughter.”
I swallowed.
“I know.”
He nodded.
“Good.”
Then he stepped back.
“Drive carefully, Jessica.”
I got into the car.
Started the engine.
And drove away.
May you like
I told myself I'd never see him again.
I was wrong.
