I was fighting a nervous stomach when the car turned the corner, and the familiar restaurant came into view. Michael, one of my father's drivers, opened my door and I climbed out, feeling nauseous. Even though he sounded very calm on the phone, I still could not get an accurate read on my father's emotions. There was instant relief when he came out of the restaurant to greet me, usually he waits at our table, but this should be a good sign, right?
"Alessandra." He smiled with his arms opened wide for a hug. "Come. Give your dad a hug." As he crushed me in his arms as if he hadn't seen me in years, I started to get a little worried. He usually isn't this affectionate, especially in public. "You look beautiful, my girl, come inside let us get a drink and talk."
I felt like a nervous wreck.
