I wish I didn’t care, but fuck me, I do. This is why I’ve avoided this kind of shit my entire life. You can’t get hurt if you don’t let people in. But as much as I’ve fought these emotions where Emily is concerned, it’s useless.
I wish I could turn back the clock and stay on my fucking recliner when she entered the room. I took the best day I’ve had in a long time, and ruined it because I couldn’t keep my hands to myself.
Maybe if I’d had some self-control, she’d be sitting withus now, and not out, God knows where, doing who knows what. Is she even coming back, or have I fucked things up for good?
Just as I bring the slice of pizza in my hand back to my mouth to take a second bite, I hear a key in the front door. I instantly abandon my food, tossing it back into the box and rise to my feet.
She came back.
The relief I feel is short-lived when I hear muffled voices and giggling in the foyer. She’s not alone. By the time I reach the hallway, I don’t see Emily, only Lucia.
“Where’s Em?” I ask, frowning.
“Hello to you too, big boy,” Lucia replies, slapping my chest as she passes. I can tell by the stumble in her steps and the goofy look on her face that she’s drunk.
“Where are you going? And you didn’t answer my question,” I growl, turning to watch her move down the hallway.
“I’m going to find Lil’ Peach. I miss my girl.”
“And Emily?” Where the fuck is Emily?
“She’s getting changed.”
“Changed? Why is she getting changed?”
Lucia glances back at me, smirking, but stumbles again as she reaches for the wall to steady herself.
“We’re going back out,” she deadpans, like it should’ve been obvious.
The fuck they are, is my initial thought, but do I really want to stop Emily from going? I don’t want to be accused of being anything like her ex. More importantly, would she even listen to me if I tried?
Lucia keeps walking, and I stand here for a moment, rolling my shoulders and cracking my neck from side to side, trying to shake the tension coiling in my muscles. If I blow my lid now, there’ll be no coming back from this.
“You’ve been out all afternoon,” I say, taking a few steps towards her.
She lifts one shoulder. “So?”
A growl bubbles in my throat, but I tamp it down.
I glance back towards Emily’s room, wondering if she’s had too much to drink—and if she’s okay—but I can’t even check. I’m probably the last person she wants to see, and with the mood I’m in, I’m liable to say something that’ll make this whole mess worse.
“Can I ask where the two of you are going?”
“Crimson Lounge.”
They’re going clubbing.
At least it’s one of theFamiglia’sclubs, so they’ll be looked after. It’s where I used to work, so I know the place well. It may be one of the classier spots in town, but it’s still a pick-up joint. I know Lucia would never cheat on her husband, but Emily? She’s a free agent. Is she going to find someone to give her the things she thinks I can’t?
I shove my hand into my pocket and pull out my phone as a slight panic settles in the pit of my gut. I search my contacts for Romeo’s number, then shoot him a quick message.
Me: Did you know your wife and Emily are going to Crimson Lounge tonight?
Romeo: And?
Me: And you’re not bothered by that?
Romeo: Why would I be?
