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They walked down the long row of stairs and across the dimly lit street, and up into the far building on the corner. Another tenement building, just as overcrowded as their own, just as run down. Before long, these old building would only be a memory.
"Maybe so, but you haven't bothered bringing anyone home in a long time."
Nick cast Tina a warning look, then waited until she was safely inside Gloria's apartment. He also made sure Gloria's mother was at home and that the stairs were clear of any bystanders before he took off. It was a precaution.
He sympathized with Tina's impatience, but he knew best. Like his older brothers, Geno and Lon had, Nick carried the burden of responsibility for his family with pride. He figured when he got the garage paid for, moved them into a better neighborhood, he could relax and start thinking of a family of his own. If that ever happened.
"Hey Leonetti!" A raspy voice from the side of the apartment complex brought Nick out of his thoughts. "Babysittin' that sister of yours again?"
"That's right, gotta a problem with it, Calvin?"
The big man with long whiskers and dirty black hair shrugged, hiding the fact that the name Calvin irritated him. "No problem. But it looks to me like she's big enough to take care of herself. A real looker, too."
The hair on the back of Nick's neck rose. He rolled his shoulders, then shot his intruder a quick, decisive glance. "That's exactly why I'm walkin' her, Davinchy."
"Gotta let go of the strings sometime." Davinchy snorted, a gold tooth protruding from the side of his mouth.
Nick felt the toothpick break in his mouth as he bit back a retort. It did no good wasting his breath with thugs like this one. But Calvin Davinchy was harmless—one of the few—all mouth.
"Not as long as mean little hoods like you are around, Calvin." Nick switched his toothpick to the other side of his mouth and nodded at him. Calvin Davinchy was twice Nick's size, but not in Nick's league.
"You'll make plenty of money," Kelsey had promised.
Somehow, he had to get that dame off his mind. Sure he had his troubles, but they were his troubles, and in time he'd solve them. Kelsey O'Sullivan was a nut, he had to remember that.
Wrestling with his priorities, Nick didn't sleep well that night. Late for work the next morning, he grimaced as he drove the kids to school, and dodged the traffic jam. Not that it was his intention to be late. It never was. Naturally, his explanation didn't keep his six foot-nine boss from glaring at him, a half-eaten cigar hanging from one side of his bagel-shaped mouth as he watched Nick clock in a half hour late.
"Sorry, I'm late, boss," Nick managed awaiting instructions with the other men. "I had to take the kids to school and there was this traffic jam. . . ."
"Thought you weren't married," the big man said, drooling his tobacco.
"Nah. It's my kid sister and brother."
"So, can't they walk?"
Nick ignored the jabs like he always did. He always tried explaining about his family. Family first. No one understood, or cared. Why should this boss be different?
~~~
Four hours later, Kelsey O'Sullivan stood watching him as he sat on a concrete slab in the shade, talking garbage to one of his coworkers, munching on a delicious smelling sandwich. Kelsey's mouth watered, she'd forgotten to eat this morning in all the excitement to catch up with Nick. Seeing him again still did things to her heart rate. How could such a drop dead gorgeous guy like him stay singled?
It wasn't just the sight of all that muscle and brawn, nor the sexy twinkle in those secretive black eyes. Maybe it was his magnificently white smile against perfect olive skin? Or the way his lean hips hugged a pair of jeans, or the way his arms bulged from his t-shirt, sending her imagination spiraling in avenues she never dared before. Did he have hair on his chest or was he a solid golden torso? Would his long legs curl about her hips perfectly, protectively? Slow down, she ordered her wayward heart. He wasn't perfect, his nose crooked at the bridge, as though it might have been broken once, and he had a couple of scars by his left ear. His lips were firm, and begged to be stared at when he grinned.
He looked up and frowned instantly. So much for fond greetings, Kelsey surmised, sniffing his sandwich, and trying not to lick her lips. God, she was hungry.
"Mr. Leonetti, you are the devil himself to find."
"Didn't know anyone was lookin' for me." He smirked, until one of the men began whistling. Cat calls.
"Hey Nick? Who's the dame?"
"I'm Kelsey O'Sullivan, good morning." She extended her hand to the man closest to her and shook it firmly.
"That's some piece ya got there, Nick."
"That your old lady Nick?" Someone else called.
Kelsey kept her smile in place, refusing to be intimidated.
