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I’m so shocked I don’t notice Jace until he’s standing in front of me with his arms folded over his chest. I look into his gray eyes and take a step back. Jace nods and closes the door, cutting me off from the sight of my brother and a woman I didn’t know he knew.
I pull a hand down my face. Gio sounds like he’s going through the same thing I’m going through. Can the women in our lives ever truly come first?
I rub at my chest. Gio has always made sacrifices for me and my twin. I feel guilty for not wanting to make this one for him. Maybe I should allow this distance Carleen has created. At least until after I go to Italy and gain a full understanding of what is required of me.
I blow out a breath as my thoughts turn to Gio and Nyla. How do they know each other? Since when has Gio been interested in anyone other than his dolls and—?
Fuck. What does this all mean?
Again, I have a million questions and no answers.
“Well, fuck me.”
Carleen
I sit on a crate off to myself as I watch Dario and his brothers horse around. I bounce my leg and lift my thumb to my lips to chew on my nail. I should tell him.
I’ve wanted to all day, but something else has grabbed my attention and caused me to pause. It happens again right as I have the thought.
Apollo moves to Dario’s side and whispers something in his ear. It’s like the millionth time tonight. Sure Apollo is our sous-chef. However, there’s something else about the interactions that pull my focus, I’ve noticed it a few times.
My stomach turns as reality sets in. I don’t think I know my best friend as much as I thought I did. Dario turns from Apollo to murmur into Gio’s ear, and I know I’ve been ignoring some huge things about the Di Lorenzo family all these years.
“What have I done?” I whisper and cover my stomach with my hand.
Suddenly, Dario’s words from a few weeks back come flooding to mind and I feel so stupid.
It’s a blood thing. Our children wouldn’t be considered for a lot because you’re not Italian. Your family can’t be traced back to the other side.
“Holy shit. He is a made man.”
The words are whispered but as if hearing me, Jace appears at my side. I look up at him and stand. “Hey,” I say as I come out of my thoughts.
“You all right?”
I shake my head to clear it. “Have you ever felt like you’ve been intentionally ignorant?”
Jace scoffs. “Story of my life.” He winks at me. I note his eyes are gray tonight. “We all play fools for love every once in a while.”
“Yeah, but when’s the right time to stop being the fool?”
“When it hurts or threatens to strip us of what we deserve. Never sacrifice more than you’re willing to lose, Carleen.”
I suck in a deep breath as his words punch through my heart. Have I been sacrificing me for my love for Dario? Even now, I’m avoiding this conversation I know we need to have because I don’t want to add pressure to his already loaded plate.
I look up at Jace with tears in my eyes. “I…I didn’t realize what I was doing. He’s always been there to take the lead and make sure I’m okay. The least I could do is make sure he’s happy.”
“But at what cost? I’ve known you a long time, Carleen. You’re right, he’s always been there for you. However, I’ve watched something change in you every time things change for him. For each of his promotions, you seem to lose a part of you. It’s like you compensate for his…something, I can’t explain it.”
Promotions?
He holds up his hands as a commotion starts behind him. “It’s none of my business but maybe you need to start looking deeper. Find out what you’re a part of. That goes for diving into everything around you. I’m always here if you need me.”
With that, he turns and heads for the small crowd that has gathered around Dante and Lizzy. I push his words to the back of my mind as Bethany starts one of her scenes. I watch Dario as he looks like he’s going to lunge at her. My hackles go up and I want to slap her for him and Dante. However, when Lizzy’s sister grabs Bethany by the back of her hair, I can do nothing but smile.
One of these days that woman is going to get what she deserves. If she keeps playing with my man, it may come from me.
Chapter 18
Distractions
Carleen
I watch Dario from my seat at the kitchen island. He’s full of tension. That scene Bethany pulled changed the entire night.
He’s been on the phone since we arrived home from the turkey drive. I narrow my gaze as if I can see through him. I feel like I’m dissecting a body. Jace’s words are playing in my head on repeat as I pull them apart as well.
