The Balotelli-Bale Series Book #3: The Italian Belle

Chapter 44: A Long Awaited Reunion

Giovanni's POV
"What happens if we hit another brick wall Don Giovanni?" The young boy who had been my little best friend asked. He has accompanied me for the last two years after I found him wandering the streets of Rome begging for food. I touched the top of his head giving him an assuring smile. "Will we have to go back to Roma? I don't want to go back. I don't want to live on the streets."

I came down to his height. "I will never let you sleep on the street ever again. As long as there is breath in my lungs, I'll take care of you."

Perhaps when I saved him it was a strong need to prove to myself that I'm not a failure. I have been looking for Maria for two years and this is the last clue on my list of crossed off places to find her. The last private investigator I have hired insisted on this place just when I was about to give up. He said it was a tip. Private investigators have taken advantage of me by bringing girls similar to Maria but none of them were my beautiful daughter.

I entered the small eatery on the corner of the busy street. With a big restaurant across the street they don't have many customers. I approached an older woman with a big smile on her face. "Good evening signora."

"No one has ever greeted me like this! Good evening. May I help you?"

I fished out my wallet to show her a photograph of Maria. Sonia's photograph fell out and my little companion immediately picked it up. My heart sank in deep pain. I fought the tears in my eyes. "I'm looking for this young girl. Her name is Marianna. Have you seen her?"

She studied the photograph for a moment. "Is she your daughter?"

"Si! Si! She is! Have you seen her?" I felt a strong hope consume me. Perhaps this is the place. This is it. "Is she here?"

I looked around desperately.

"Well I can't give you that information if you're not buying something."

"Per favore signora, I don't have time for this. Is she here? Have you seen her?" I am not in a mood to be taken round in circles. Two years of disappointment takes a toll on the heart. I won't be able to do it anymore.

"Buy something and then we can talk."

I gazed down at the little boy. "What will you have Julio?"

"Fries. A lot of fries."

"You heard him. I'll have coffee. Thank you. Now it's your turn signora. Answer my question."

"Have a sit." She gestured to a whole row of empty tables. "Anywhere."

I chose the table closest to the counter. Julio sat facing me. "Don't worry Don Giovanni. I will never leave you."

"I will never leave you." I assured him.

"Your coffee."

I looked up at the girl standing behind me. I nearly had a heart attack but still I stood up my eyes full of tears. "Maria!"

"Papi." She flung her arms around me.

I held her just as tightly.

Two years and finally, finally she is in my arms again. Heaven is smiling down on me!

Marianna's POV
"Why are you still here?" Keller's mom cornered me. "Rich grandmother! Rich dad! Rich boyfriend and you're scrubbing pots and pans in the sink. Why?"

Nate asked me the same question after I informed him I'm resuming work. He doesn't want me to work. He wants me to stay home and raise Nicko. I left before we got into a fight.

"Because this is the most stable thing in my life right now. On top of that, it's their money, not mine."

"I hate to disappoint you but this is not the most stable thing in your life. I'm sure you have noticed that we barely get any customers. I have forgone my pay check so that yours isn't reduced to half. We can't keep this place open anymore. We are closing Maria."