CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Vincenzo

When Lila had joined Maximo and me at the dining, stepping in just in time to save Maximo the blow I was going to serve him, I had known something was amiss. She had descended the flight of stairs without her friend tailing her.

I hoped earnestly that Lila had not found out about the previous night. I felt like a boy in his teens as I looked away from her.

She pulled her chair back and settled into her seat.

"Good morning Dad, Uncle Maximo, I see my father was going to use a fist on you had I not interfered in time to save your hide. It is a colossal shame__"

"Lila, let's eat. We've been waiting for you_ and, um, your friend."

I said, interrupting her.

Perhaps, should not have mentioned her friend. Well, did that not make it seem even more fishy? Like I was trying to evade anything that had to do with her?

Well, was it not only proper that I ask after someone who was living under my roof? Someone who had shared the dining with me and my family?

" She Is just a little tired an