AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Nicky makes a cutting motion over and over, mouthing No!
“But I would love to eat?” I say, uncertain.
Nicky gives me a discreet thumbs-up.
We take a seat around the island, and Nonna presents us with a huge bowl of pasta. “Eat,” she declares, taking a seat and watching us.
I’m not even the slightest bit hungry, but not wanting to offend the boss’s grandma, I dig in. “This is so good,” I comment, and Nonna waves away my compliment, but looks happy. That is, until she spots Lily moving pasta around her bowl but not taking a bite.
“You no like my food?” Nonna demands, and it’s like all the air is sucked out of the room.
“Nonna, I love your food,” Lily says gently. “I’m just having a hard time keeping anything down.”
“Mama has a baby in her belly,” Iris announces.
Everyone squeals in delight, taking over each other as we hug Lily. “Baby shower time!” Valentina claps her hands with glee.
“Why does the baby need a shower?” Iris asks, eyeing her mom’s stomach.
“Not that kind of shower, sweetie. It’s like a party,” Lily explains.
“I love parties!” Iris exclaims.
“We’re on the same page, Iris.” Valentina winks at her.
“Nothing more precious than a baby,” Nonna declares, looking pointedly at Nicky.
Nicky grabs her wine glass, taking a huge sip.
My phone buzzes, and I excuse myself from the table as I check the message. Eyes wide, I forward the address Inferno sent me for tonight’s party to Fabio, praying things are going well with his meeting with the boss.
Chapter
Thirty-Eight
Fabio
Να ζ?σετε. I mentally chant the phrase over and over like a prayer as I knock on Romeo’s door. God has always forsaken me, but maybe a Greek god will take pity on me since I worship a Greek woman.
Sam answers the door, placing his finger to his mouth, and I follow him inside and take a seat. “Romeo, my friends and I are becoming extremely concerned. Word is there’s more trouble with Philly,” a voice sounds over speakerphone.
“What word is that, Frank?” Romeo challenges, and it dawns on me who he’s speaking with: Frank “the Gentlemen” Merlo, the capo di tutti capi of New York. “Unless you’re talking about word from your messaggero little Joey?”
“This is a conversation best had in person,” Frank muses.
“Name the time and place. You won’t mind if I bring my emotional support dog with me,” Romeo says, the threat implicit.
Frank laughs boisterously. “I’m sorry, my boy, but I’ve never been much of a canine lover. And unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed inside my restaurant. I’ll see you there Monday at noon.”
“Monday at noon,” Romeo agrees, and they end the call.
“No fucking way you’re going,” Sam spits.
“I’m going,” Romeo says matter-of-factly. “Now Fabio, what did you want to talk to me about?”
All of my mental rehearsal fails me, and I just blurt out, “Katerina and I got married today.”
“I’m sorry, what?” Sam sputters. “Katerina? As in Darius’ cousin?”
