Earlier, I’d contacted Sergio. He confirmed that the Magarellis, Romanos, Espositos, and Pituccos were watching my back.
I mentioned my preference to avoid Pitucco bodyguards. He reassured me those men were borrowed from Nickulas Sr., which eased my worries. Sergio also noted the Bertozzis were causing trouble right now, so they weren’t involved.
I expressed my gratitude for his discretion.
Three days later, I find myself standing at the back of the auditorium. A wide-brimmed tan hat sits on my head, and dark sunglasses shield my eyes. My vibrant red dress hugs my thick curves, while red ballet flats gently embrace my feet. If I need to make a quick escape, I’m ready.
“Don’t you look beautiful?” I turn to the voice.
“Thank you.”
She pulls me into her arms. “Does he know you’re here?”
We step apart.
“Probably. He has a man or men watching me at all times. I had someone watching him, too. It was a little game we played while in college.”
“But you believe he still has someone watching you?”
I chuckle. “Yes, your son likes to be in control of every situation.”
She laughs. “He does. He’s been like that since he was a little boy.”
I laugh too. “I’m not surprised.”
Reaching into my purse, I retrieve a black box. A big green bow is tied around it.
“I have to go. Can you give him this present?”
“No, you should give it to him.”
I don’t argue. The letter p’s are about to take the stage.
“Okay. It was good to see you, Mrs. Pitucco.”
“Likewise, sweetheart.” She struts down the aisle toward her seat.
She would’ve been the perfect mother-in-law.
“Nicola Pitucco Jr.,” the announcer calls.
I watch as the man I still love walks across the stage.
Clapping, I yell, “Nico!”
My heart flutters in my chest. His medium-length dark hair is styled to perfection under the graduation cap.
I need to leave. Maybe I should leave the gift at his house with one of his guards. Actually, I could hand it to one of them right now. My eyes scan the auditorium. I see Nico wave to his family, then his gaze locks on me. He doesn’t sit back down. Instead, he strides in my direction. Several people notice as he stops before me.
An attendant steps forward.
“You must return to your seat.”
“Just a minute,” Nico replies.
His bodyguard, Miff, leans in to whisper something to the man.
The attendant’s eyes widen before he steps back.
