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“You can come right in. The mayor has a short break before her next meeting.”
So much for hope.
“Thank you, Florence.”
She grinned. “Not a problem.”
I took a fortifying breath and threw my hair back. It was go time.
“Knock, knock,” I called out as I stuck my head in the doorway.
Beth gave me a confused smile and gestured to the chair in front of her desk. “To what do I owe the pleasure? The last I heard, you wanted me to stay the hell out of your way.”
I settled into the chair, arranging my skirt. “That’s why I’m here. Apparently, we’re having problems with building permits, business licenses, etc., etc. And through the grapevine, I’ve heard you're the one to talk to. So, what’s up?”
Beth pursed her lips. “You know I’ve been on the fence about the casino, and now that you’re pushing up the opening, we’re just trying to make sure The Palace is what’s best for the city.”
“Beth,” I sighed. “The time for this was before we broke ground, not when we’re nearly done with construction.”
“With Luca in jail, the project seems in flux.”
I curled my fingers over the arm of the chair. “That’s bullshit. Joey and Aldo are more than capable of heading the casino renovation.”
“Their CEO is up on murder charges, one of his victims being his own cousin, and you think the city should just welcome his new casino?” She tilted her head, her cheeks reddening. “At this point, the Moretti name is persona non grata.”
I shook my head and stood. “You’re unbelievable.”
“And you’re delusional.”
“The casino is good for the city. It would mean jobs, taxes, tourism, and entertainment.” I jabbed my finger in her direction. “This is personal.”
“Believe it or not, my life doesn’t revolve around you.”
“No, but your shitty choices do.”
Beth scoffed and threw her pen on the desk. “Shitty choices? You’re the one who married a criminal, and now family members are dropping like flies. Don’t even get me started on the gun violence linked to this turf war. And there you are at the center of it.” She stood and rounded the desk, resting her ass on the edge with her arms crossed. “For a smart woman, you certainly make some asinine decisions. What is it, Sash? Does the danger make you feel alive? Does it make you feel good to put all your loved ones in harm’s way? To put yourself in the path of destruction?”
My body shook, and no amount of deep breaths calmed the rage building in my chest. Those pesky tears burned at the back of my eyes, making me blink furiously. Overwhelmed and frankly at my wit’s end, I shouted, “Stop!” Swallowing, I took a step back and lowered my voice. “You have to stop this. I’m exhausted and don’t have the energy to deal with your shit. I thought I could come here, and we’d talk like two professionals. Obviously, I was wrong.”
The first angry tear rolled down my cheek. I wiped at it fiercely, annoyed that I couldn’t get mad without crying. “You can expect a visit from Marco.”
Beth watched me with pity and reached behind her, picking up a business card. “Sasha, you’re not okay.” She tapped the card on her palm before holding it out to me. “Here. My mom’s been pestering me to call her, but I haven’t yet. You might need her more than I do.”
I frowned at the business card, pinching it between my thumb and middle finger. “A psychiatrist. You think I need a shrink?” My voice came out breathy.
The audacity.
This stalking-ass, judgmental bitch thought I needed help?
I spun around and stormed out of the office, not bothering to look at Florence as I flew out the door.
"Are you okay?" Tommy's steely gaze flickered behind me, where the office door quietly clicked closed.
“I’m fine. Let’s go.”
Tommy didn’t argue, but he did hover much closer than he did on the way up. Once we were in the car, I told him to take me to Moretti’s and turned up the radio.
It didn’t take long until I was strolling through the empty restaurant to the bar. “Marco here?”
