HER HOMETOWN PRINCE

14.

Dante

"Come on bud. Let's go." I called out from the bottom of the stairs. "Coming daddy." My heart always fills with pride whenever I hear that word. Dressed in a spider-man shirt and Cars shorts I smiled in amusement watching my mini-me come running down the stairs with a bag full of his favorite outfits and toys on his back and a large buzz lightyear in his hand. "Where are we going?" he asked.

"Going on a little vacation. I want to show you the beach."

"Really? Maybe I will see some sharks. Daddy did you know sharks eat crabs?" he continued as we left the house. It was late in the afternoon but I know I had to get him out of New York. Away from his mother. After seeing the video of her lies I knew she will drag her very own son into her mess. He wasn't about to let Dane be a pawn in his mother's greedy game. How foolish was I to think she will choose me over him. He was richer and was actually royalty. Strapping Dane into his car seat, I was able to point out what he had of his mother. Her eyes were the only thing he had of her but he had his strong Italian background which I was truly proud of.

I listened to him talk about sharks then the B-list movie Sharknado while mentally checking off everything I needed to start a new life. With the silence money from Veronica, I was able to save enough to buy a house in a new state and to care for my son.

Not wanting to do a long car trip I decided to take a flight out of New York. I was grateful to the friends I had in high places. I was loaned a small jet to go to whatever state I chose and there I will have a brand new car waiting. Knowing The Hursts they will search for Dane just to trick Sebastien. After seeing my old friend on the news during one of his interviews, I can tell he changed drastically. He was once carefree and approachable now he was distant and cold. I do feel guilty in having played a part in getting him like that but I was foolishly in love.

At the airport I left the keys under the seat for the new owner, I had to cover all my tracks. You can never trust those with money in high places. "We're going on a plane?!" Dane asked excitedly. We were escorted into a private waiting area and were presently looking out at the tarmac. "Yes we are and we're going to be the only ones. That's our jet right there." I replied pointing out the white and blue jet being refueled.

"Wow!!" His face was pressed upon the glass his wild dark hair falling in his eyes.

I always wondered why he never asks for his mother again. He did twice and that was it. At the park, he was indifferent to the other kids with their mothers. He never asked for one but I need to find him a mother, one who will love him as his own. One who will actually want him in her life.

"Mr. Tavolini. We are ready to take off." The flight attendant said smiling at me suggestively. I was equally flattered and annoyed by her subtle come on. I had my son with me and she was suggesting that we join the Mile High Club. "Thank you. C'mon bud. Time to see it all up close." I said out loud. The excitement on his face was still there as he placed his tiny hand in my large ones. I will never get old of that proud feeling of just holding my son's hand. He was mine. Truly mine. From the moment I held him at one minute old to three and a half-year-old, I did everything to keep him happy and healthy. Listening and answering his many questions a part of me was worried that Veronica will find us. Anger flared inside of me knowing she wanted to make him a pawn, the same child she refused to hold in Greece. I was a single parent the moment I held him and I held no regrets.

We were escorted onto the plane and seated, Dane was bouncing in his seat when the pilot came to talk to him. I was really grateful to my friend for making it all happen. Retrieving my phone, I texted him my thanks.

'It's all good man. You take care of D. Everything has been shipped to the house.'

He knew of everything between Veronica and me, though he didn't like the concept we've hooked up because of his mutual friendship with Seb he still stuck by my side. Counting that as my last text to anyone in New York, I switched off my phone, breaking the sim card right after.