“I think you’ll be the most excited, Dad. We need to drive to the marina.”
“Ah, you got a new boat. Didn’t you just buy one last year?”
“Yes, and she’ll always be precious to me, but I’ve got a new love. The latest way to entertain clients is on private yachts so I decided to make an investment. Though it is a great investment, she’s really just an overpriced toy,” he admitted.
“Ooh, Rafe, I can’t wait. Are we going out today?” Lia asked as her eyes lit up.
“I’ve cleared my schedule and called the crew. We can take her for a spin – have dinner on the water.”
“Have I told you lately that you’re the absolute best brother ever?” Rachel said as she snuggled up to his side.
“Only every time you want something from me,” he responded with a chuckle.
“Big brothers are supposed to spoil their sisters. It’s in the rule book.”
“Yeah, the rule book that you wrote when you were five.”
The family climbed into Rafe’s escalade and he quickly managed to cut through traffic, eager to see his family’s reaction to his newest pride and joy.
He worked incredibly hard, and therefore rewarded himself with the things in life that made him happy. A frown marred his forehead as that thought brought up Ari. The longer it took for her to realize their inevitable affair would happen, the more irritated he became. When he wanted something, he wanted it immediately. He couldn’t stand to wait on anything or anyone.
It had been a week since Mario had taken her home. He hadn’t spoken to her since. He was allowing some time to pass for her to see reason, or for his interest to wan. Neither was happening, which meant it was about time for him to hunt her down.
They pulled into the exclusive marina, and he moved around the back where his vessel was parked at a huge dock. The gleaming white vessel was two-hundred feet long and put every other liner in the marina to shame.
Rafe took pride in owning only the best. Yes, there were other boats out there bigger and more luxurious, but this baby was exactly what he wanted. He didn’t want it so large he was too restricted in where he could take an afternoon cruise, but it needed to be comfortable enough that he could sail across the ocean with all the comforts of home.
“Is that it?” Lia asked in awe.
“Yes. That’s my girl,” he answered with pride.
“You sure you couldn’t have gotten one a bit bigger,” his father asked with sarcasm. The smile on his face eliminated the sting of his words.
“Ha, Father, I think that’s a little like calling the kettle black. Your personal jet puts my own to shame. Who do you think taught me to like only the best?” His father winked at him before returning his attention to the boat.
Rafe’s father had been a very wealthy man, but his mother had insisted on not spoiling the children too badly. When they’d spent their time in Italy, they’d lived in a modest home, very comfortable, but not over the top. In the States, however, they’d had a mansion.
His father had owned it before the marriage, inheriting it from his parents. It was the only reason Rafe’s mother had allowed them to live in such luxury. She felt a wealthy man was a conceited man – she just made an exception for Martin and his generous heart, as he gave so much to the poor.
Rafe truly wouldn’t want to see the disappointed look on his mother’s face if she knew some of the things he did with his life. He knew it would break her heart. Before guilt was allowed to make its way inside, Rafe pushed the thought aside. His parents were good people, but his mother was naïve to the way the world worked. He’d kept much from her after his divorce – he continue keeping his private life separate from his family.
“Rafe, I think it’s time you come home for a while. All of this money you have is making you too egocentric. You need to remember your roots,” his mother scolded, confirming his thoughts.
“Mom, I will always appreciate our home in Italy. It’s where I go when the world starts closing in on me. However, don’t you pretend we were peasants. Dad came in and swept you off your feet, then flew you around the world. I wouldn’t say I grew up impoverished,” he responded as he bent down and kissed her cheek.
“You watch your tongue, Raffaello Palazzo,” his mother warned.
“I’m sorry, Mother.”
“All is forgiven. Now, give us a tour of your new toy.”
“Is that a helicopter?” Rachel asked as she looked to the back of the vessel.
“Yes. If I’m out and there’s an emergency, I need to be able to get back to the offices quickly.”
“Ooh, can we go for a ride in that?” Lia asked. She loved flying more than any of the rest of them.
“Next time I’ll have my pilot take you for a spin. I only can take today off though, so I’d rather hear all about what you’ve been up to lately than send you up into the clouds.”
Though Rafe often called home, he cherished his visits with his family. Whether his mother knew it or not, being with them did, indeed, humble him.
He was so used to always getting everything he wanted, it was good for his family to come around and remind him he was a part of a close unit. The feelings he felt when in their presence were easily forgotten once the visit was over, though. His best friend told him often that was a real shame.
“As I was saying, she’s two-hundred feet long, has a twin engine format, over three-thousand HP’s of power, and can travel up to sixteen knots an hour. I know, I know, that stuff is boring, so you’ll be happy to hear that she has seven comfortable guest cabins, each with their own private bath, a game room that will make you very happy, Lia, a swimming pool, patio bar, along with conference rooms, and a formal dining area.”
“What about a spa?” Rachel asked mockingly.
“Actually, I did include a small spa with fulltime staff so you can get your hands and feet done, and then finish off with a massage.”
“Oh Rafe, I may never leave this ship,” Lia said as she jogged ahead of him up the plank.
“I may just leave her with you.”
“My heart couldn’t take it, Mother,” he said as he clutched his chest.
“It would serve you right,” his dad added.
“I thought I was always a good son,” Rafe said as he trailed after his sisters.
“You were a wonderful boy. Now, as a man, I have concerns. If only you would settle down, I could stop worrying,” his mother quickly interrupted.