The Return of My First Love novel Chapter 100

Emily

In the early morning, we were already heading for Towson. Pilar drove, Gian in the passenger seat, while I sat in the back, wrapped in a blanket. We had all packed a bag, just in case, but the idea was to return the same day.

Luckily, Giulia agreed to watch Naty for me and had planned a spa day with the other mothers and children.

Alessio and I hadn't spoken yet, but according to Gian, he was completely fine with us going out, as long as it would be a short trip. I bet if he knew what it was really for, there wouldn't have been a trip because he would have confronted Levi on the spot. I hadn't closed a single eye because I couldn't stop thinking about that letter. My worries, which were originally about Jason losing his life at the hands of Alessio, had changed into concerns about Levi betraying the family.

None of us knew what we were going to find in Towson, but as of now, going there was our best option.

Every now and then, I caught myself glancing at Gian through the rearview mirror, checking if he was still comfortable, given his condition.

"Are you still doing alright?" I asked once again, trying to make eye contact. His response was quick. "I'm fine."

But was he really?

His wheelchair was in the trunk, and he had managed to get into the car by himself, so the physical therapy was working. Aside from that, I could not forget that he was one of Alessio's brothers, and if there was one thing the Fanuccis loved doing, it was downplaying their pain.

"If you need a minute to stretch your legs, we can stop and get some fresh air."

"I'm fine, really," Gian insisted, then looked over at Pilar. "The only thing making me want to get out of this car is Pilar and her shit taste in music."

We both laughed, even though I didn't agree with him. The music was good, though the volume was a bit too much. "Hey!" Pilar shouted. "Emily, you are supposed to have my back!"

"I do, I'm sorry," I said, trying to keep my smile to myself.

After what felt like an eternity, we had arrived in Towson. We leaned against the car, taking in the sight of the town, clueless about our next step. The street was a blend of old brick buildings and several stores. It was quite busy, with people filling the cafes or having a conversation on the sidewalk. In the center of the square, there was even a street performer.

In short, the streets were so crowded I had no idea where to begin.

"Well," Pilar broke the silence first, chuckling loudly. "Three brains, all book smart—but no one came up with a plan beforehand," I could hear the amusEmilyent in her voice.

"Speak for yourselves. I came with a plan," Gian announced. With his good hand, he fumbled in his pockets, trying to reach for something. He seEmilyed to be having a hard time as his injured arm was restrained by the sling that held his cast.

"Do you need help?" Pilar and I asked at the same time, both aware of his stubbornness.

"No, I don't need your help," he grumbled. First, he insisted on walking with his cane instead of using his wheelchair, and now he was refusing our help. It couldn't get any crazier. After a struggle, Gian eventually pulled out what he had been searching for.

"Got it."

In his hand were pictures of Levi, and he gave one to each of us. It appeared to be group shots where he had been cut out off. "I told you to stop here right in the center of the town because if we're going to find something, it might be here."

"We should spread out, ask around, and come back here in an hour."

I chuckled, impressed by his strategy. "Ha, so you did have a plan?" It was clear he had thought this through more than either Pilar or I had anticipated.

"Don't forget to mention it's your friend you lost contact with, don't give thEmily your real names. We don't want anyone getting suspicious."

Pilar shot me a teasing grin, "Can you do that, Emily? Without Alessio being there to hold your hand?" her voice dripped with fake concern.

I rolled my eyes, deciding to ignore her. She had often called me Alessio's puppet because according to her, I would lick his pee from the floor if he'd ask. Clearly, I wouldn't.

"Gian, I'll grab your wheelchair," I offered.

"No need, I'll be fine," Gian was quick to dismiss the idea. Before any of us could oppose, he had already turned around and begun walking, using his cane for support, although he wasn't really using it.

"One hour!" he rEmilyinded us, looking over his shoulder.