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Important, powerful mafia leader.
Then they’d avoided me altogether.
I knew who and what my father was even though my parents had attempted to shield me from business. While Isabella had gotten the looks, I’d gotten the brains and the musical talent, as well as continuous curiosity. But she had the boys. Lots of boys. I only wished I was turning eighteen instead of thirteen.
I made another face then turned away from the mirror. At least I didn’t rip the pretty pink dress into ribbons. Our mother wouldn’t like that. She’d begged me for once to wear a dress. It wasn’t that I didn’t like dresses as much as it reminded me how ugly I was.
“Don’t give me that look, Giada. You’re going to have a great time today. Daddy pulled out all the stops.”
“I won’t know anyone.”
“I think he invited some of your friends.”
“How many friends do you think I have? Be honest with me.” When she didn’t answer right away, I rolled my eyes.
Izzie patted me on the shoulder. “Just remember that every life needs a celebration. Enjoy your day.”
“I’ll try.”
“Besides, most friends are bitches anyway.” She pulled a face, holding in her laughter.
She could always make me laugh, this time no exception.
I walked toward the window, staring out at the huge tent my mother had insisted on. It was springtime. The flowers were blooming. I didn’t want to be stuck inside a nasty tent.
“Did Valentin arrive?” I asked, studying the waiters who really did remind me of penguins. Guests had already started to arrive. I bet they were drinking champagne, which I couldn’t have. Although I’d snuck a glass last night without my parents finding out.
“I think so. Niccolo and Salvatore are already here. Only Dominik hasn’t arrived from school.”
My brothers. They were all super protective, far too much so. I could take care of myself, but no one had allowed me to try. Valentin was my favorite. He treated me like a small adult instead of a tiny baby. While I was close enough to all of them, only Dominik and I didn’t really get along. He’d changed since being sent to the university. He’d become dark, angry, and more like my father.
“Let’s get this over with,” I said, running my fingers through my hair one last time.
“Don’t! You’re going to mess it up.”
I raked my fingers through my hair on purpose, walking by her and tossing my head.
“You are such a brat, Giada Vincheti.”
While I tried to keep my head held high, I was still cringing inside. All the pomp and circumstance over one little birthday seemed ridiculous. I moved through the kitchen, swiping one of the ham rolls.
I noticed my grandmama out of the corner of my eye. For a tiny woman, she managed to round the corner of the kitchen island in a flash, the look on her face stern.
“Quelli sono per gli ospiti!” she scolded, shooing both Isabella and me away from the kitchen.
“Grandmama. Did you really tell the birthday girl that those are for the guests?” Isabella asked, pretending shock. She knew exactly how our grandmother was. A total perfectionist. With the recent opening of the family restaurant, La Travitorria, she’d become even more that way, checking up on every detail.
Her stern look shifted immediately, opening her arms and pulling me into a hug. “Happy birthday, our baby girl. Soon, you’ll be all grown up, married with children.”
“Married? Children? I don’t think so.” Ugh. It’s not that I didn’t like boys. I had my eyes on a guy at school, but he was considered a real bad boy. I believed marriage was a useless, ancient custom that had no place in modern society. I planned on having multiple boyfriends, tossing them away when I got bored. The thought made me smile.
While I hated the words, I adored my grandmother.
“Now, go. Go!” She shooed us away in order to finish the preparations.
“Psst. You’re on your own, sis. I see a juicy boy I think I’ll introduce myself to.” Isabella was painted, poised, and perfect. As she headed off, I realized I’d never felt so alone.
“Hey, birthday girl,” Niccolo said, tousling my hair just like he’d done for years before walking away. Since he’d gotten a girlfriend, he rarely came over.
