Page 100 of Frankie and the Fed

I shake my head. “What?”

“Come on. You disappeared from me twice. What am I supposed to think?”

“The only reason I ran away no longer exists.” I take his face in my hands. “I’m not running away anymore. But you’re right. It wasn’t wise for me to disappear without explaining where I was going and not answering my phone. I’m sorry.”

He hugs me tighter. “What did you do at my parents’ house?”

“I went to tell them I won’t interfere with your relationship with them. I regretted that evening.”

“Ayala...”

“But the conversation developed in directions I didn’t expect, so it took some time.”

He shakes his head, looking stressed.

“It’s not what you think. We came to an understanding. About many things. You could even say we’ve made up,” I hasten to say.

His eyes widen. “What do you mean ‘we made up?’”

“We didn’t become good friends, but I think they no longer object to my presence in your life,” I explain. I hope they also apologize to Ethan, but we’ll have to wait and see.

An expression of disbelief crosses his face.

“Don’t be so faithless. I have powers of persuasion.”

“Oh, I’m sure of it.” His lips crush mine.

CHAPTER40

Ethan

My parents invited us to dinner and specifically mentioned that both Ayala and I were invited.

I don’t understand how she did it. She must be a magician if she could soften someone like my father.

“Ethan,” my mother says as we sit down, “I’m so glad you came. We want to know what’s going on with you.” She glances at Ayala.

Ayala squeezes my palm, but I just don’t know how to answer that. How do you reconnect after such a long time? Shall we talk about Clifford’s arrest? I’m not sure this is an appropriate topic of conversation right now.

Silence falls.

“Ethan is helping a lot with my new Savee campaign,” Ayala says, trying to save the conversation. “Have you heard of it?”

They nod and start talking to Ayala while I watch her. She’s excited and speaks enthusiastically, sweeping everyone into her sphere. How can anyone resist her? Her gaze is radiant as she explains the subject close to her heart. I watch my parents. They are captivated. It seems they’ve learned to appreciate her.

“What do you think, Ethan?” Ayala turns to me, interrupting my wandering thoughts.

“What?” I have no idea what they said.

“Your mother suggested organizing a fundraiser for Savee. To help my project expand. What do you think?” she asks again.

“Yes, that sounds like a great idea,” I say.

“I understand you donate quite a bit to Savee,” my dad points out, and I nod. “I didn’t know that. Too bad you didn’t tell us. We’ll be happy to help, to contribute as well.”

“I don’t need hel—”

Ayala kicks me under the table.