Chapter 12 - THE DINNER WITHOUT BODYGUARDS
I left my position as Frank's direct caregiver three months later.
Not because I stopped caring about him.
Because I wanted to pursue a nursing qualification and eventually work in rehabilitation.
Marco supported the decision.
Frank was initially furious.
"You can't leave."
I laughed.
"I'm not leaving your life."
He frowned.
"Promise?"
I took his hand.
"Promise."
A new caregiver joined the household.
I helped with the transition.
Frank complained about everything for the first week.
Then he began liking her.
Though he refused to admit it.
Marco and I went on our first official date in August.
He chose a small Italian restaurant on the North Side.
No bodyguards at the table.
No private dining room.
No expensive spectacle.
Just dinner.
I wore a blue dress.
Marco arrived wearing a dark shirt and jacket.
He looked nervous.
I smiled.
"Are you all right?"
He laughed.
"Not particularly."
"Why?"
He looked at me.
"Because I've negotiated with dangerous men without losing sleep."
"And?"
He smiled.
"But I spent an hour deciding what to wear tonight."
I laughed.
Over dinner, we talked about everything.
My childhood.
His family.
My mother's recovery.
My brother's college plans.
His complicated relationship with the world he'd inherited.
Marco told me about his father.
How Frank had built the family's first legitimate business.
How he'd taught Marco to work hard.
How he'd warned him never to confuse fear with respect.
I listened.
Then asked, "Did you listen?"
Marco smiled sadly.
"Not enough."
After dinner, we walked beside the river.
Marco stopped near a bridge.
"Natalie."
I turned.
"Yes?"
He hesitated.
"May I kiss you?"
I smiled.
"Yes."
His kiss was gentle.
Nothing like the man people whispered about.
When he pulled away, I rested my forehead against his.
"You're not what I expected."
He smiled.
"Neither are you."
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For the first time in years, I felt like my life might hold something beyond responsibilities and survival.
And Marco looked at me as though he'd discovered the same thing.
