"I want you to meet my father," Romano suddenly announced unexpectedly, and Eliza froze before turning her head slowly to meet Romano’s brooding eyes.

"What?"

"My father," Romano repeated, and Eliza bit her lip before clearing her throat uncertainly.

"I don't know if that's..." Eliza began, but Romano interrupted her before she could finish.

"His condition is deteriorating rapidly," Romano said abruptly. His voice broke slightly as he said the words and his jaw clenched.

"Oh, Romano, I'm so ...