Seduced In The City

Dom smacked him on his way back to the kitchen to get the iced tea.

Dinner was on the table ten minutes later, and Luca slipped the ten spot over along with a serving of salad.

“So why don’t we all read the first two pages while we have the antipasto?” Dom suggested. “Then we can talk.”

His father, Joe, who’d finally taken his seat, looked at Dom. “You got a date after?”

He just smiled, though it had occurred to Dom that if the meeting ended around nine he might bump into Sara on her way home. She’d be walking in this direction so it wouldn’t seem weird. But for all he knew, she wasn’t even working.

Although, why would he bother when he was still pissed at her?

Dom read the pages of the antiquated agreement, as if he didn’t already know most of it by heart. The last time it had been amended was back in the 1950s, and that was something their attorney—Great-uncle Peter—had suggested to protect the family in case of a lawsuit.

The room was quiet as they all read, except for the occasional sound of crunched vegetables. The language took some concentration, having originated in the early twentieth century, but the basics were straightforward.

“Okay.” Theresa put down her paper. “Let’s finish eating first,” she said. “Talk after. Give us time to digest. The last thing your father needs is agita.”

“I’m fine, Theresa. Enough. If the boys want to talk about the trust, let them.”

“I don’t know how everything has gotten so complicated,” she said. “Attorneys and accountants, and the way you boys have had to keep things so private.” Her gaze went to Tony and Luca. “It almost cost you Catherine and April. I don’t want that happening to Dominic, or your future children.”

“That’s why we’re meeting, Ma,” Luca said. “We all agree. Look at this stuff.” He waved the document so close to his wineglass he nearly knocked it over. “This was written for a different world. I’m not saying we should change the current rents, but I think it’s time we stop buying properties.”

“Can’t argue with that,” Tony said. “We don’t have to kick anyone out. Just stop adding to the problem.”