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  Theresa was stunned and flustered. I shook Al's hand. "Thank you for coming today, Mr. Cantello; it was a real honour to see you again, sir."

  Theresa looked at me with surprise.

  "You, too, Jimmy. Tell your father I'll be in Florida next week, and I'm taking him up on his deep-sea fishing invitation."

  "Will do, sir."

  "Theresa, I hope to see you again, young lady. Good job and keep up the great work."

  With that, Mr. Cantello walked off the field, followed by the team, plying him with questions.

  I turned to Theresa. "Nicely done, T. I wasn't sure you had it in you. I was prepared to be your knight in shining armour and dismount the bad guy."

  She laughed. "How did you know about Steve? Did you know he would be here?"

  "No, I didn't. I arranged for Al to be here as a surprise for you. I guess Steve caught wind of his presence and decided to come of his own accord. As far as how, Robert mentioned him to me and a little about what went down."

  She seemed to consider my words.

  Before she could ask more, I said, "How are you feeling about that interaction? I mean, you just verbally beat up a guy who degraded you and stole your job. You must feel some vindication?"

  "I feel good, Jimmy, like I just took something back that was mine. Not a job, but my self-respect. I never would have done it if you hadn't been here, so thank you for that."

  I nodded. She had a long way to go to restoring herself, but today had been a big step. "I'm proud of you, Theresa, you were perfect." I grinned. "Are you free to go?"

  "I have another hour here."

  "Okay, well, I have another surprise. I'll text you the time and location. Good job today, bella, I'm really proud of you."

  Her face lit up. "Thanks again, Jimmy. I couldn't have done it without you." She stood up on her tiptoes to kiss me, and I pulled her in tight. I could feel how wound up she was. My surprise would do her good.

  "Later, bella," I said as I headed toward my car. I pulled out my phone and made a call to my cousin, Louisa, a premier masseuse. I set up a time for an appointment at 5:00 and then texted Theresa the address. Later that night, I received a text from Theresa.

  T: That was an amazing gift, thank you.

  Me: You're welcome, Tesoro.

  T: Jimmy

  Me: Yah?

  T: Can I ask you a question?

  Me: Yah

  T: How did you know that was exactly what I needed?

  There were many things I could have said, many of which would have stroked my own ego. But that was not what she was asking; she wanted to know how I knew her so well.

  Me: I'm observant when it comes to the woman I love, piccolo.

  T: Thank you, Jimmy. "lip emoji"

  Me: T?

  T: Yah?

  Me: Mags and I would love it if you would join us for a night on the town this Friday.

  T: "heart eyes emoji, thumbs up emoji, smiley face emoji, two heart emojis and a wink emoji"

  I laughed at her use of emojis and sent her, Me: "crazy emoji, an ass emoji, a spanking hand emoji, and a muscle arm emoji"

  T: OMG, Jimmy! Seriously, you have an ass addiction.

  Me: Only for you, bella. "laughy crying emoji and double heart emoji" C U at 3, T.

  T: Okay Jimmy, thanks again. "heart emoji"

  Chapter Four

  Theresa

  I discarded my phone and rolled over on my bed. I was so relaxed, the idea of moving to find food was out of the question. This had been the best day ever. Something inside of me that I'd locked away in my first year of college stirred. I felt sassy, instead of afraid. Alive, instead of a shell. Inspired, instead of tired and hopeful, that was the best one, hopeful that maybe my life was finally on the upswing.

  On Thursday, after my lunch was delivered, this time, steak and salad, both done to perfection, I decided I needed a plan for tomorrow. I was a recluse, and my wardrobe was limited. I phoned Jimmy to find out what would be appropriate.

  "Hello, farfallina, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

  "Um, I was thinking I need a new outfit maybe, for tomorrow, so, I wanted to know what appropriate dress would be?" I felt stupid; I often did. I was blushing, geez, what was wrong with me? I was glad I wasn't talking to Jimmy in person, at least he couldn't see me blushing.

  "For stage one, something comfortable and layered as we will be outside."

  "Oh, I see, well, can I ask what we will be doing?"

  I heard him laugh. "You can ask all you want, Tesoro, but you will not get an answer. Mags and I will pick you up at 3:00. Be comfortable and maybe a sweater."

  "Okay, see you tomorrow." I hung up the phone.

  Friday came, and I was a nervous wreck all day. I followed my usual routine, getting my 'free' morning coffee, going home, working for a few hours. Except, today, I couldn't concentrate. I would get going on an article and would find myself drifting, images of our date night playing over in my mind. I had a bath and shaved everything, making sure I was soft and ready in case a sleepover followed this family date.

  Finally, at 3:00, the doorbell rang. I opened it to have Mags throw herself into my arms. "Theresa," she gushed, "we're going to have so much fun."

  Maggie's enthusiasm was contagious. All my stress just melted away when faced with her optimism. "I am so glad you're here. I'm super stoked about our outing."

  "Daddy," she said, turning to Jimmy who was just stepping out of the car. "Do we have time to see the famous treehouse?"

  He was about to answer, then he hesitated, and his expression changed. He got a gleam in his eye. "All right, I will give you a five-second head start. Go!"

  I took off like a shot, Maggie right behind me. We heard Jimmy growling monster sounds behind us. We giggled as we ran for the safety of the ladder. Just as I reached the last rung, Jimmy grabbed my ankle. I let out a yelp of surprise. Maggie grabbed my arms and helped to pull me into the treehouse, where we lay on the plank floor, panting and laughing. A moment later, Jimmy's head popped up at the opening.

  "Are you coming in?" I asked.

  "I don't think so. I'm not even sure you two should be in there." A crack was heard, and Jimmy's head disappeared. Maggie and I peered over the edge to see Jimmy on his ass on the grass below us.

  "Daddy, are you okay?"

  He waved up and lay back in the grass, closing his eyes.

  "Jimmy? Jimmy?" No response. I began to panic, and we flew down the ladder with one of us landing on either side of him. Maggie began to shake him. I leaned over and listened for a heartbeat. Jimmy growled loudly, startling us both. Back in the game, we tried to get up and run, but we were too slow. Jimmy grabbed us and pulled us in. Just one of Jimmy's arms was too much to fight, and I gave in quickly, while Mags still fought on valiantly.

  "You had me worried there for a second, junior."

  "Junior, really? You're going to pay for that, Tesoro."

  My lady parts clenched. "I'll hold you to that," I whispered in his ear. I rolled onto my back, staring up at the clouds. "I haven't done this since forever, Jimmy. How about you?"

  "Feels like a hundred years, cara."

  "What does?" Maggie had also rolled onto her back to see what we were doing.

  "Watch the clouds, Mag; tell us what you see."

  She lay back, and I wondered what sort of picture this would make. Two grownups and a teenager lying on a lawn, staring at the sky.

  "Hey, I see a cheerleader," Jimmy said, pointing.

  "I don't know, Dad, I see a swimmer," she responded. And for fifteen minutes, that was how our conversation went. It was so much fun; I'd forgotten how wonderful it was to lie outside and look up for a change.

  After our sky gazing, we headed into the city, to Citizens Bank park, home of the Phillies. "Wow, Jimmy, these are amazing seats," I said when we sat down in the fourth row from the Phillies' dug out.

  "Pops bought them years ago, T, when the business was just starting to boom. Remember where we used to sit?"
<
br />   I looked around, getting my bearings. "I think up in the two hundred, by the left fielder."

  Jimmy smiled. "That's right; good memory."

  Jimmy ordered us foot longs, edible cookie dough, beer and water, and an iced tea for Mags. I decided to not make a fuss about having carbs on a Friday. Somehow, I felt I may burn off the extra calories later in the evening; at least I hoped I would.

  We purchased red foam Phillies' number one fan foam fingers and had fun beating Jimmy up with them when we weren't using them to cheer the team. We left the stadium and headed toward downtown and into the core of the shopping district.

  "What's next, Daddy?" Maggie's enthusiasm for our evening oozed out of every pore in her body. I wondered if I'd ever been that enthralled with life?

  "You'll see, bambina."

  Jimmy parked in an alley and banged on a door. I was wondering what was going on, when a woman I recognized opened the door. Jimmy's cousin, Tina, beckoned us in. The three of us entered a beautiful boutique. "Wow, Tina, this is incredible, is this your store?" She gave me a hug.

  "Theresa, so good to see you, Yes, its mine, about seven years now. I guess it's been a while since we saw each other. When Jimmy told me he was bringing you to the shop, I quickly unpacked my new collection. I'm sure we'll find you the perfect outfit, bellissima."

  "Outfit?"

  "Yay!" Maggie squealed, giving her second cousin a hug. Tina laughed. "Okay, ladies, right this way."

  I was out of my comfort zone, while Maggie was in heaven. She raced to the changing room with five dresses. "We only have an hour," Jimmy stated as he headed to a changing room with an Italian suit that Tina handed him.

  When he came out, I sucked in my breath. Holy hotness, he looked amazing. The suit showed off his long, muscular legs without making him look like a bodybuilder trying to look sophisticated. His dove grey shirt almost matched his eyes perfectly. He looked taller than usual, with the double-breasted jacket widening his chest even more. Oh, God, the man was stunning. He had amazing looks when we were kids, his hair and his complexion such an unusual mix for an Italian.

  Jimmy's bleach blond curls and tanned skin were right out of a fantasy. Right now, he had it pulled back in what I called a man bun, his five o'clock shadow lending an air of masculinity to the entire ensemble. I stood gazing, unable to draw my gaze away.

  Jimmy must have felt my eyes on him. He looked at me in the mirror, his eyes narrowing. "You like, mia?"

  I nodded, trying to close my slightly parted lips. Instead, I licked them.

  Jimmy's narrowed eyes lit up in amusement. He curled his finger at me, and I awkwardly sashayed over to his side. "If it makes you this hot, cara, I will wear it every night before bed."

  My eyes dilated and my sex clenched. I was in serious trouble; this man was so addicting. Maggie came out next in a rose taffeta, full length skirt, with white ballet flats and a white blouse.

  It was my turn; Jimmy took my hand. "Come, mia, let me help you." Jimmy chose three cocktail dresses. One in dove grey, to match him, I guess, one in ruby red with sequins and one in white. After trying on all three, we chose the grey. It was form fitting but comfortable, with room to breathe. It had capped sleeves instead of full arm, which I preferred, and a plunging neckline that didn't allow for a bra, which Jimmy preferred.

  Added to my outfit were black heels and black stockings, with a matching garter belt, and a black silk wrap for my shoulders. I threw on some makeup in the changing room, and when I emerged, we were ready to go. Jimmy wouldn't let me pay for my outfit, despite my insistence.

  He ended the conversation by saying, "Are you going to be bad, il mio amore? Time to devirginize your cute little back button?"

  I blushed furiously. "Thank you, oh, great and powerful Jimmy, sir, for this finely made, sexy outfit and remarkable day, and what I'm sure will be an extraordinary evening."

  He laughed then asked Tina to take some photos of the three of us.

  Our next stop was the R2L, a restaurant. I'd heard of it, of course. It was considered the best view in the city. The restaurant sat on the thirty-seventh floor, and when the elevator opened, I was awestruck by the view. The remnants of sunset still hung in the sky, making purple, orange, and pink streaks. Twilight offered the most beautiful blue, and enough of the city was lit up to make it look like the night sky was invading earth in a bath of twinkle lights.

  We were escorted to our table, set back in a private section of the restaurant. Maggie was invited by our hostess to a private showing of the restaurant. "Wait till I tell Em," she said, happily following our hostess. Jimmy laughed and shook his head. "That girl, T, sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky."

  I was about to respond it was because he was such a wonderful and caring father. But Jimmy spoke first. "I figure we have fifteen minutes; take off your panties and hand them to me." The change in the direction of the conversation caught me off guard.

  "Here?" I squeaked?"

  "Do not worry, amore, they will leave us with our pre-dinner drinks; this is a private space. Come now, time is ticking, and obedience will be well rewarded."

  I'd wanted a moment like this all evening, I was only offering a bit of resistance for propriety's sake. I'd be the one giving him the show and having him panting for a change. I stood up and slid the hem of my cocktail dress to the top of my thighs. I placed my hands to the insides of my panties and slid them down my legs, slowly.

  Jimmy moistened his lips with his tongue as he watched. My inner goddess did a high five. I finally let go and allowed them to drop to the floor. I turned to scoop them up so my naked ass would be staring Jimmy in the face. Then I stood and turned back around and handed them to him.

  "Here you are, sir."

  He reached for me and pulled me down to his lap.

  "Jesus, Theresa, you're a girl after my own heart, you know that, Tesoro? Feel how hard you make me. I ran my hand over his bulge, and he began muttering in Italian. To me, he said, "Theresa, you drive me insane. I need to be inside you tonight. Come and spend the night with me."

  With those last words, he plunged two fingers inside of me, eliciting a guttural moan on my part. He began finger fucking me, working me to a quick climax. "But, what will Maggie think?" I managed to pant through my moans.

  He suddenly stood me up and slapped my ass, sending me to my chair. As I was placing my napkin on my lap and muttering about not coming, Maggie made her entrance and, on her heels, the waiter with our dinner.

  During our meal, Maggie filled us in on her tour. After our plates were cleared and dessert and coffee ordered, Jimmy said, "Mags, didn't you want to ask Theresa a question?"

  "Yes, thanks, Daddy, for the reminder." Turning to me, she said, "Theresa, in a few weeks, it's my thirteenth birthday, and I was hoping." She paused. "With Nonna gone, I would like some help planning my party. I was hoping it would be you. Please say yes."

  Why did I feel like Jimmy set this up? I looked at him for answers, but his face was set like a pro-gambler, blank. "I'm honoured, Maggie, but with all those female cousins, wouldn't you rather have one of them help you?"

  She pretended to pout. "Not," she said in a peal of giggles.

  "Maggie," Jimmy chided.

  "Please, Theresa," she added, "you are the premier blog queen, all my friends want to meet you."

  "Okay, okay, you win. I would be honoured, princess Maggie. Make a list of what you want, and we'll get started."

  "Well." She looked at me shyly. "I was hoping if you spend the night, maybe you could take me for breakfast. Daddy's working tomorrow, and we could hang out for a little while."

  My eyes flew to Jimmy's, but his held an earnest surprise. Clearly, his daughter knew more than she let on.

  "You're on, Mags," I said, using Jimmy's nickname for her.

  Then we both looked at Jimmy, and he looked a little nervous. "I think I need to keep my eye on you two."

  Maggie and I looked at each other. I was feeling a little rebellious. "Yep, better
hide the weapons and the money, Maggie and Theresa are in town, and we're dangerous."

  We laughed uproariously and fist pumped each other. Jimmy slid his hand down over his face. Ha, I gloated, Jimmy was in for more than he bargained for.

  Chapter Five

  Jimmy

  Those sassy girls, I would have to work hard to keep the two of them under control. Maggie fell asleep in the car on the way home. Once we were parked, I opened the car door and tried waking her up. She mumbled but didn't move. I scooped her up while T unlocked the door and followed behind me. When we arrived at her room, Theresa stood back out of the way. I removed Maggie's hair clips and shoes, all the while chattering quietly in Italian.

  Next, I pulled her pajamas out of a drawer and walked her, with pajamas in hand, to the bathroom. She closed the door and a minute later re-opened it. I went in and washed her face and waited for her to brush her teeth then tucked her in, all the while very aware of Theresa' s presence behind me. Maggie was back asleep by the time I joined Theresa at the bedroom door.

  The sexual tension that had started at the boutique and followed us to the restaurant was replaced with something else. I felt less predatory but just as turned on. My awareness of Theresa being here with me in a very natural, family setting was something new for me. I never shared my private life with any woman. I dated on and off, but mostly, I went out and had sex. There was never a shortage of volunteers, but not one of them ever sparked in me a desire for more.

  This was different. I felt like we were a family. Of course, this is what I wanted, for Theresa and Maggie to like each other. But I'd not felt it in terms of the three of us. This was a first for me. I'd always wanted Theresa, but when I was given full custody of Maggie, I was so young, the idea of finding Theresa and wining and dining her seemed ridiculous.

  But fast forward, my daughter is turning thirteen. I'm turning twenty-eight and Theresa, twenty-six. We are at the age when people were settling down and starting a family. I had Mags so young. Other than Al, who is four years older than I am, I don't have friends with children. I chose my bed and was prepared to spend most of my life alone. But with T back, life was a do over and I felt a shift in my chest.