Lissy Romano

62| Clingy brother.

Lissy Romano

It's been nearly two weeks since I did the dumbest thing I've ever done, and now I fully understand just how much of a mistake it truly was.

After countless conversations and pleading, Vincenzo finally said yesterday that I could go back to school. It's not that I'm thrilled about studying, but I miss seeing Vi and Cole. And honestly, I can't wait to play volleyball again.

With my backpack in one hand and the art project I finally finished in the other, I walked out of my room. Jax followed me. He's grown so much—he's not the tiny little puppy he once was. Now, he can go down the stairs all on his own and has even learned a few tricks.

Jax has been by my side these last two weeks without fail. He slept next to me every night and woke me up every morning with kisses. He's the best puppy anyone could ask for.

Santino even took me and Jax to visit his mom. We drove to the countryside, where Jax finally met his mother. They were both so excited and played together like they'd known each other forever. It felt good to get out of the house, even though I made such a huge mistake. Vincenzo had said, "Because that is a great way to spend time in a nice environment doing something you can enjoy." And I guess he was right.

Jax and I walked downstairs to the kitchen, where three of my brothers—Santino, Giovanni, and Dante—were already eating breakfast.

"Lissy, you look gorgeous," Santino said as he spotted me. He pulled me into a side hug and kissed the top of my head.

"Well... I'm not as good-looking as Dante. Look at his six-pack," I teased, chuckling as I glanced at shirtless Dante. He grinned back at me.

He still insists on walking around the house shirtless and in his boxing shorts after training. He mentioned I'd have to start learning self-defense again once I felt better. Since I'm heading back to school today, I guess that means I'm better now. Dante's already promised to train me after school—but knowing me, I'll probably just end up tickling him to the ground again.

Vincenzo walked into the kitchen looking absolutely exhausted. For the last four days, he's been drowning in work. Something about "business" has been keeping him up all night. Jax trotted over to sniff his shoes, and Vincenzo crouched down to pet his head.

"Vincenzo, are you okay?" I asked, noticing how he sipped his coffee like it was the only thing keeping him upright.

"I'm good. And you, baby? Ready for school today?" he asked, straightening up and glancing at me.

"Yes, I'm ready. But I hate that I have math today," I groaned, rolling my eyes.

"Your math teacher sent me your last test results," Vincenzo said, resting a hand on my shoulder. "And I have to admit, I was shocked."

"I know, I'm sorry," I said quickly, trying to defend myself. "It's just so hard, and even when I learn something, I forget it the next day."

"Why didn't you tell us sooner?" Giovanni chimed in. "I can help you with math. I'm actually pretty good at it." He winked at me.

"Really?" I asked, raising my eyebrows in disbelief.

"Sure thing, princess," he said, flashing me a grin. I couldn't help but smile back.