One Smile

28: Naked and Smoking A Joint

Sam POV:

It still shocks me how calm my parents are with everything. I would have expected them to freak out and demand I never see Jake again. Instead, we are all here like one big happy family in the living room watching the kids play with Ben.

I snuggle closer into Jake, he is becoming my favorite place to sleep, sit, and calm down.

"What is going on in that frizzy head of yours," he whispers to me.

"Planning how I am gonna kill you for giving me that awful nickname," I huff.

"Awe. Don't pout. You know you are my queen. Your hair is perfectly curled. I just call you frizz because it reminds me of when you got off my bike and removed your helmet," he explains before rubbing his nose against mine.

"Damn, why do you have to be so perfect. I can't even pretend to be annoyed at you right now," I whine.

"So Sam. You are able to go home tonight. We sent all your clothes and stuff home. If you have any problems my number is in your phone," Antonio explains from across the room.

I know I should be happy but I am not. I don't know if I can sleep without Jake and I don't want to be around Ethan right now.

"Should I be offended that you look so unhappy with that," my dad chuckles from across the room.

"I won't be able to sleep," I mumble absentmindedly.

"What do you meant sweetie? Why not? You know we will be home too," my mom adds looking hurt.

"Sorry I didn't mean to say that out loud. It's just, Jake has been there every night to help with my nightmares. I don't know how I will sleep without him, I guess," Jake picks me up and settles me in his lap. My dad chuckles. This is not the same man who used to threaten neighborhood boys with shotguns.

"I have no problem with him staying at our house or with you staying at his. I want you better. I can't see my daughter suffer again. If that means he sleeps next to you so you can heal I am not going to argue," my dad says with a shrug of his shoulders.

"You would let a teenage boy share her bed," my mom demands shocked.

"No, I would let Jake help her sleep and heal," my father says in a no-nonsense tone.

"It is my house too Ian. I am not comfortable with them sharing a bed, they are too young," my mother argues. Yet she cooks breakfast for Ethan's conquest.

"Lora, she's almost 18. She has never lied to us, besides once and I understand why. I will not force her to do something that stops her progress," my dad says angrily.

"Dad it is okay," I say softly. We have given everyone enough of a show.

"No. Your mom has literally cooked breakfast for the girls who share your brothers bed. This isn't an argument. In fact, you aren't allowed to come home," my dad declares.

"What? What do you mean? Dad, it is not you, I love living with you guys. I just have nightmares," I say defensively. I don't want to hurt my dad.

"I know sweetie. So until we work out things with your brother and your mom stops enabling him I want you healing," my dad explains with a smile. My mom looks like she is going to blow a gasket but she looks at me and realizes why this is happening. I love my mom, but I will always be a daddies girl.

"She is more than welcome to stay with us, Jonas would love it and I can use some help with the men," Myra jokes.

I get up and run to my dad hugging him. "You are welcome home anytime, but you and I both know these upcoming weeks are going to be hard. I am done with him. He crossed the line too many times baby," my dad whispers in my hair. I hug him closer.

"Your dad comes over a lot for work and you can go home whenever. You'll get to see him and your family as much as you want if you choose to stay with us Sam," Rob adds. "We can have a room ready for you and we will have your stuff moved as soon as you give the okay."

"No. She doesn't need a room. She will stay in my room," Jake adds with a smile. I mouth at him if he is sure and he mouths back all of it. I just give him a smile. I really like him.

"Yes. I would like that. Thank you Rob. Thank you Dad, I love you," I give him one more squeeze before I head back to Jake.

The rest of the night is spent goofing around and getting to know everyone. I have never felt like I belonged as much as I do right now. I got along great with all of the girls and can see us becoming close. I really got along with Angelo though. Something in me feels drawn to him. Not in a romantic way but in a connected way.

"You're 24. Are you nervous about running an empire? I would be," I say to Angelo while Jake runs his fingers on my back.

"No. It was what I was raised to do. Taking over the family was always in my cards. I am ready."

"Do you have a special someone yet? You're so kind," I pry. I know I shouldn't. I have to know though.

"No. I don't really see myself settling down. I have a family to take care of," he sounds so sure of himself.

"Your father was able to do it. What is different with you? Sorry I ask a lot of questions," I shoot out when Jake gives me a little pinch.

"No. You are fine. I can't give myself to someone like that. I am told I am detached. People want a connection," he explains.

"You are connecting just fine with us," Jake adds. I expected him to seem angry. He's not. He said it like it was a fact.

Angelo just stares at him before nodding his head. "We were born to be brothers and heads of the family. Your dad made a mistake keeping you out, but I won't let it stop our connection. You are my left hand man and I am yours. With my plans I need to trust you. From what I have seen of Sam, she will be just as involved as you are. So, I offer my respect to the both of you as my future partners and my current family," Jake and I just stare at him not sure how to respond. I mean, we are young, newly dating, and not at all prepared to takeover a mafia. But Angelo sounds so sure, how does he know?

"I am never wrong, never," he states looking at me. Like he was reading my thoughts and answering my questions.

"Well we should all head to our separate homes so that this place can be cleaned. It was wonderful having us all together," Rob announced. Everyone started saying their goodbyes and giving hugs. I noticed that Angelo was only nodding at everyone which confused me.

"Go ahead," he chuckles.

"I don't know what you mean," I try to sound convincing. I am just shocked he knows. I look up at Jake and he smiles at me.

"I could kick his ass so he isn't a threat," he whispers before kissing me. I chuckle at his comment before giving Angelo a hug.

"Oh my god," I hear shouted from behind me. I step back to Jake and see all of the Rossi family looking at me like I am naked and smoking a joint.

Angie must see the question on my face because she explains, "Angelo doesn't touch people unless necessary. We were already shocked he talked to you two so much but to hug you," she shakes her head like its a miracle.

I look back at Angelo and he just looks at Jake, shakes his hand, shrugs his shoulders, and heads out the door.

"What the fuck was that," I hear Lorenzo yell.