In the Name of Family

LA'S

ing Rossi’s. I approached the loan officer’s desk, trying to keep my composure as I explain

irm. “Given your family’s existing debts and uncertain finan

uld they turn us down when our family’s entire livelihood was at stake?

rd voices behind me—two men, talking to the loan officer. I didn’t pa

IEN'

he waited for his lawyer, Michael, to finish up some paperwork

hed with worry. Damien watched with mild interest as she made her case, but when

oman’s situation. “Did you see that, Damien

arly interested. “Yeah, she d

she left the bank. “Perhaps we sh

“I don’t know, Mike. We have

stand, but sometimes helping others can lead

mately dismissed the idea. “Alright, let’s

ng the young woman’s troubles behind them—for now. But little did

state, the weight of her wish heavy on my mind. Taking a deep br

el a level of guilt. She had always been there for me, and no

ring me inside. "To what do I

ts. "Grandma, I wanted to talk to you abou

yes. I made it very clear, didn't I? You'll only

on. "Yes, you did. But Grandma, don't

en. I just want to see you happy, with a f

s no point in arguing with her. "No

nd affectionately. "Good. Now, tell me,

ut then, an idea formed in my

t. "Oh, Damien, that's wonderf

enthusiasm. "Uh, well, she's... she's

y palpable. "I'm so happy for you,

to keep up the charade. "

had lied to her, and it didn't sit right with me. But for now, I h

other's estate. The pressure to get married was strong, a

talk to. When he picked up, I launched into a long complaint about m

chael said, his voice s

ow, intrigued. "W

is tone decisive. "We're going to forget about

e. "Are you sure t

. It'll be good for you. Besides, w

c. With a sigh, I relented. "Al

Maybe a night out was exactly what I needed to clear my head