Chapter 13 - THE HOUSE WITH THE OPEN DOOR
A year after the trial, Dante sold the old Valerio estate.
He had never liked the house.
It was too large.
Too cold.
Too full of memories.
He moved into a smaller property near the river.
He also continued restructuring Valerio Freight.
Illegal operations were shut down.
Several associates faced prosecution.
The legitimate business remained under independent oversight.
Dante lost influence.
Money.
And the fear that had once made people obey him.
But he gained something unexpected.
Peace.
Rosie visited the new house one Saturday afternoon.
She arrived carrying a homemade apple pie.
Dante opened the door.
He smiled.
"You made that?"
She nodded.
"Yes."
"Should I be worried?"
She laughed.
"Only if you insult my baking."
He stepped aside.
"Come in."
The house was warm.
Comfortable.
Filled with books and plants.
Rosie looked around.
"No grand staircase?"
Dante smiled.
"No."
"No marble floors?"
"No."
"No terrifying portraits of dead ancestors?"
He laughed.
"Absolutely not."
She grinned.
"Much better."
They spent the afternoon cooking.
Dante burned the garlic bread.
Rosie teased him mercilessly.
Later, they sat on the porch watching the river.
Dante looked at her.
"Rosie."
She turned.
"Yes?"
"Would you have dinner with me next week?"
She smiled.
"We just had dinner."
He laughed.
"I mean a date."
Rosie went quiet.
Dante waited.
He did not pressure her.
Did not bargain.
Did not promise anything extravagant.
Finally, she smiled.
"Yes."
His face softened.
"Yes?"
She nodded.
"One date."
Dante grinned.
"One date."
Rosie laughed.
"And no mysterious black cars."
"Agreed."
"No men following me."
"Agreed."
"And you don't get to decide what I order."
May you like
Dante laughed.
"I wouldn't dare."
