The Ones Who Saved Us

Chapter 11

Antonio's POV

It was done. I had finally told my daughter the whole, dark history of alcoholism in the Russo family, and she still saw me as her Papa. Her view of me hadn't changed after learning this, and if anything, she seemed to understand why.

Even though Ava didn't express any feelings of revulsion, I couldn't help but feel ashamed. Eighteen years ago, I was a coward and succumbed to my weakness by drinking until I was too intoxicated to be there for my family. I don't think those feelings of shame would ever disappear even if I hadn't had a drink in eighteen years. Knowing that my mind was weak enough to drink instead of facing my problems was enough to make me feel like a failure, but I made a promise to never go down that dark path again. I wouldn't put my children through that pain like my father had with me and my siblings.

I had taken her to one of our family restaurants and reserved a private room for us just like I had done with each of my boys. We had been talking for a few hours, enjoying the much needed alone time away from the boys.

"Papa," Ava said. "What made you stop drinking?"

I looked up at my daughter who was wearing a look of confliction on her face. Smiling at her, I said, "Your mother. She threatened to leave with your brothers if I didn't pull my shit together. It was the tough love I needed to admit that I had a problem, go to rehab, and sober up."

I let out a deep breath, running my hand through my hair. "Aves, addicts don't think reasonably. Sometimes it takes drastic measures in order for us to accept help. Your mother understood that and did what was needed. She was always my number one supporter during my recovery. I wouldn't have made it without her."

Ava moved to the seat next to me and hugged me, not saying a single word. I returned it and kissed the top of her head. "I'm okay now, Lee Lee. You don't need to worry."

Backing away, she nodded and said, "I know. You just looked like you needed a hug."

"I could always use a hug, especially from you," I chuckled.

Ava let out a small laugh, her cheeks turning a light shade of red. After a small moment of silence, Ava put her hand in mind, a look of hesitation crossing her face. "Um, Papa, I have one more question. What would you do if you found out that one of the boys had a problem with alcohol?"

I sat for a minute in thought and said, "I would definitely confront them and then send them to rehab. They would obviously have to agree to let me help them, but it's hard to quit alcohol without rehab."

Ava was stunned into silence, her eyes becoming unfocused after I had spoken. Placing a hand on her cheek, I said, "Honey, are you okay?"

My touch brought Ava's attention back to me as she nodded her head and gave a weak smile. "Yeah, Papa. I'm just going to go to the bathroom and then we can head out. It's getting pretty late, and Sandro probably wants us home soon."

I looked at her with a confused expression, but before I could say anything, she had already left. A few minutes later, she returned and grabbed her coat from the back of her chair. "Shall we get going?"

I guess I'll have to talk to her about this at home.

The two of us walked out of the restaurant, but as we neared the car, a man stopped us. "Sir! Mr. Russo!"

Ava and I both turned around, confused at what was going on. The man, who I recognized as one of our Mafia soldatos, walked quickly towards us. "Mr. Russo, I have strict orders from Capo to drive you both home."

I glared at him and said, "I can drive. There's no need for this."

"I'm sorry, sir, but I was instructed to drive you both home. I can't disobey the boss," he said.