Keys clinked while Dario unlocked the door to his penthouse. The elevator doors slid open, and Ante trudged out, grunting under the weight of the bags. “Okay, who mistook me for a mule?”
Ella snorted and slapped her hand over her lips, but her giggles continued. “Unc—”
“Ella, watch your tongue,” Irena hissed and grabbed Ella’s wrist, an angry scowl marring her face.
“Um, sorry, I meant to say Ante…he’s so funny.” Ella lowered her gaze, her tone subdued.
Dario gave her a sympathetic smile. Poor child, Ella’s giddiness vanished.
“It’s fine, sweetheart, you can call me Uncle if you want.” Ante rubbed Ella’s arm and shrugged at Irena’s sharp stare. “What? I always wanted to be a cool, overindulging uncle.”
Irena’s shoulders relaxed. “I can live with that. I guess.” Her stern expression returned as she glanced at her daughter. She waved her warning finger at Ella. “Don’t get carried away.”
Dario pushed the door open and ushered them in, hoping to defuse the tension between mother and daughter. He figured Irena agreed for Ella to call his brother an uncle out of respect. Youngsters referred to grown up men as uncles had nothing to do with being related. “We’re home. Make yourselves comfortable.”
Irena embraced Ella. “Sorry, baby. I shouldn’t have overreacted. Come, you’ll love Dario’s place.”
“It’s okay, Mom.” Ella held her mom’s hand and followed her inside the condo.
Despite Irena’s predicament, Dario’s lips were stuck in a permanent smile ever since she accepted his offer. Ella’s burst of enthusiasm when her mother told her the news made him chuckle. She had grabbed the first chance to wrap him in a tight hug. Instead of stiffening, he embraced her like a dad. Just to think, a few short hours ago her attention had seemed odd and made him uncomfortable. Could it be his dad’s instincts were awakening?
Ella’s eyes widened as she slowly descended the stairs from the foyer to the open concept living room. “This is great. I love your place Da…Dario.”
“Thank you, Ella.” He gave her hand a soft squeeze and winked at her. His heart clenched. The girl was dying to call him her dad. He’d have a serious talk with her mother. Persuade her he was okay with finding out about Ella, despite the fact she hid Ella from him still hurt. Her predicament hadn’t been an easy one, he must keep that in mind.
Ante puffed and allowed the bags to slide off his arms and shoulders, leaving them piled at the front door. He let out a sigh of relief as he sprawled out on the couch. “Get me a cold one, will you?”
“What am I? Your personal servant?” Dario threw the words over his shoulder, heading for the fridge. Irena and Ella would be thirsty after the lunch he’d served them. Irena’s long list of restricted items troubled him. He never knew her to fuss over her food. The subject would require some delicate broaching.
“Ladies, what can I get you?”
“Just water for me.” Irena patted her stomach. “I stuffed myself. You should’ve let me do the dishes so I wouldn’t be this sluggish.”
“It was my pleasure to cook. It’s not often I get to step into the kitchen unless something needs fixing.” Running a restaurant required him to wear many hats, but he never imagined he’d have to deal with faulty plumbing and wiring. The damn espresso machine had more parts than a motorcycle. He had to become the master of all trades or his profits would diminish under the repair bills.
“Ella, you can sleep in my home office,” Dario said, filling the two tall glasses with fizzy mineral water. “There’s a nice pull-out couch and you are welcome to use my computer.”
“Thanks.” Ella wrapped her hand over the knob of a balcony door, ready to pull the glass panel open. “Wow, the view from here’s amazing.”
Irena offered him her warm smile when he passed the glass to her. Her swallows echoed through the room. She licked her lips and closed the blinds. “The view is much better at night when the lights of the city twinkle. You can step out on the balcony then. Right now the sky is gray. I hate rain.”
Ante’s phone beeped and he pulled the cell out of his pocket. “Good, the kitchen manager clocked in. We’re covered for tonight’s dinner. Never thought the cold rain would drive people out for dinner, but it is Valentine’s Day.” He cleared his throat and got to his feet, then turned to Irena and Ella. “Can Ella come along and meet my little girl?”
Irena flashed him a look of surprise. “Wow, Ante, a daddy? Can’t imagine. I still picture you as a goofy teenager. When did you get married?”
This should be interesting.