| 111 | Ties That Bind

[ S E R A P H I N E ]

“Really sorry, guys. Forgot to cut the meeting short.”

I kiss my father on the cheek while he gives me a hug. “It's fine, Dad. We just got here, like, twenty minutes ago.”

Daddy Raffy scratches the side of his head, ruffling the gray hairs above his ears. Wearing an old polo shirt and khaki pants, he smiles at us as Dom shakes his hand.

I put on a big smile for him and my mom who's now putting rice on Daddy's plate. “Told Dom not to drive too fast.”

“You left Boniventura around nine?”

“Opo, Tito.” [Yes, Uncle.] Dom steps away from Dad. “Sephie said you called for a staff meeting.”

“Yes. Took longer than I expected. Our new accountants are fastidious, to say the least.” Daddy Raffy chuckles and takes the empty seat beside my mom. “Good that you didn't get stuck in the rush hour traffic.”

“Not really.” I give Dominico a small smile when our gazes meet. I'm still nervous and not too excited about this late dinner with my parents, but I'm relieved that th