Page 67 of Lorenzo

LORENZO

“Know what this ‘surprise lunch’ is all about?” Dante says, squinting as we push through the casino’s door and step out into the hard afternoon light.

He checks his watch, then fixes me with those black eyes of his.

Like a vampire, Dante doesn’t do daylight. He doesn’t do lunches. Or anything else that pulls him more than fifty feet from the floor.

But there’s little he wouldn’t do to please Gina, especially when she’s carrying his child.

And I guess us brothers resemble one another in looks and actions, because I’m the same way with Emily.

It’s been three days since that pillow wall came down.

Since then, I’ve found myself looking forward to coming home to her.

Even though, getting intimate with my fake wife hadn’t been in my plans.

Mainly because our union raises all kinds of questions about the future I’m not prepared to answer.

As soon as Dante pulls open the restaurant door, the appetizing scent of seared dough and oregano greets my nostrils. My stomach rumbles.

Entering, I see that the girls have been busy the last three days.

A gorgeous table with a white cloth and flowers sits in the center of the otherwise empty restaurant.

Gina’s murals dazzle beneath the dimmed lights.

Our cousin Angie sashays toward us. “Gentlemen,” she says. “Welcome to Salvatore’s.”

Dante and I glance at each other.

“Salvatore’s restaurant?” Dante says.

“Yes. Our great-great-grandfather.” She nods her head at the sketch of him propped on an easel.

I resist the urge to laugh at the way she says that. Yet it’s true. Angie is our cousin and we all share his genes.

Gina and Emily come toward us with big smiles.

“Enjoy your wine, gentlemen,” Emily says. “We wanted to make a proper introduction to the new restaurant theme.”

“Why didn’t you tell us anything about this?” Dante demands.

Gina puts a defensive hand on her belly, as if the tone of his voice would offend the baby.

“We wanted it to be a surprise. Are you upset?”

“Of course not,” says Dante.

He’s not one for physical intimacy in front of others. But given Gina’s condition and her tone, he pulls her toward him.

“Please explain what this lunch is about,” Dante says. “I don’t like surprises.”

Gina looks at Emily as if to encourage her to speak.

“Gina asked me to check out ‘The Rod’ Rodriguez. He’s been written up in all the top publications. Once I saw him in action, I realized he was talented … but not right for us.”

“Why not?” says Dante.