Chapter 6 - THE WAITRESS WHO WOULDN'T LEAVE
Maya Carter had grown up in a house where shouting meant danger.
Her father had been unpredictable.
Her mother had worked long hours.
And Maya learned early to read the smallest changes in people's faces.
She could tell when someone was frightened.
When someone was angry.
When someone was pretending.
That skill had helped her survive.
But it had also exhausted her.
She had moved to Chicago to start over.
Cardinale was supposed to be temporary.
A place to earn money while she completed a degree in social work.
She had no intention of becoming involved with Roman Duca.
But Ethan had changed that.
The boy sat beside her in the restaurant's quiet office.
He held a paper napkin folded into a small square.
"Do you think Dad is mad?"
Maya looked at him.
"Why?"
"Because I screamed."
She shook her head.
"I think he's scared."
Ethan stared.
"Dad doesn't get scared."
Maya smiled faintly.
"Everyone gets scared."
He looked down.
"Even you?"
"Especially me."
Ethan hesitated.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Why didn't you grab me like the guards?"
Maya thought for a moment.
"Because you looked like you needed space."
He nodded.
Then whispered:
"Nobody ever asks what I need."
Maya's chest tightened.
Later, Roman found them sitting on the floor.
Ethan was drawing.
Maya was folding paper airplanes.
Roman stopped in the doorway.
His son looked up.
"Dad."
Roman crouched.
"Hey, buddy."
Ethan hesitated.
Then asked:
"Is Mom really alive?"
Roman swallowed.
"Yes."
The boy stared.
"Really?"
Roman nodded.
Tears filled his eyes.
"She's alive."
Ethan began crying.
Roman opened his arms.
This time, he waited.
Ethan moved toward him.
They held each other.
Maya quietly stood.
She started toward the door.
Roman looked up.
"Miss Carter."
She stopped.
"Yes?"
He swallowed.
"Thank you."
She nodded.
"You're welcome."
Then Ethan called:
"Maya?"
She turned.
"Yes?"
"Will you stay until Mom comes?"
Maya looked at Roman.
He looked back.
For once, the most powerful man in the room had no answer.
Maya smiled gently.
"If your dad agrees, I can stay a little longer."
May you like
Roman nodded.
"Please."
