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Chapter 1 - Shirley
I’ve missed New York.
Not enough to move back, but enough to appreciate how much things have changed since I left. Yet, also remained the same.
The West Coast is fabulous and keeps me busy and distracted. Alessandro hasn’t called me back to the city for a long time. Hopefully, he’s happy with how Pierce and I run his operations there.
I briefly wonder how my brother Pierce is getting on with the business while I am out here, but I put the thought out of my head. My playboy brother knows better than to mix business and pleasure, and I trust he’ll keep things in order.
The limousine pulls up to the house, and a guard opens the door for me.
I get out and look up at Carmine standing just outside the door.
“Shirley McCannister,” he declares with arms wide open. “The little sister has returned.”
I smile broadly. “Carmine, I hear you’ve been up to no good with other little sisters while I’ve been away.”
Carmine dutifully inclines his head. “Perhaps, but you know, I love her.”
I leave the guards to bring in my luggage, walking to Carmine and letting him envelop me with a hug. Like Carmine, we are considered family to the Sorvino family. Arianna and I were like twins when we were younger, and Pierce and Francesco were thick as thieves. It’s so good to be back.
“Alessandro is already waiting for you,” he comments. “I’ll take you to his office before I get your stuff to your room.”
I loop my arm through his. “Straight to business, just how I like it.”
“Most importantly, he just wants to see you. It’s been a long time since you’ve been back to New York,” he comments as he walks me through to Alessandro’s office.
He opens the door for me, and I let go of his arm to walk ahead. Alessandro is kneeling, tying Miska’s shoes. Katya is standing with Mattia in her arms, and he is wriggling, trying to get down.
Alessandro groans as he stands up. “Now, next time, you can do it, Miska,” he rubs her head lovingly as he turns to me. “Shirls, you look amazing.”
“And you’re getting seriously old if you’re groaning when you stand up,” I tease.
“Hey, I’m heading to forty faster than I like. You remember Katya?”
“Of course,” I kiss her on both cheeks before kissing Mattia, “Hello, bambino.”
Miska hides behind Katya, and I smile. “Aren’t you going to say hi to Aunty Shirls?”
Miska shakes her head, and Katya smiles at me. “I’ll leave you both to your work. I’m taking the twins out on a play date with the rest of the kids.’
She kisses Alessandro deeply before leaving the room, Carmine following behind her.
“They’re getting so big,” I comment before I hug Alessandro. “It’s good to see you.”
“It’s good to see you, sorella,” he chuckles, holding onto me a little longer than usual before moving away. “Sit. Sit.”
I sit in front of his desk as he returns to his high-backed chair. “I’m so glad you could come up. How’s Pierce?”
“Depends. Are we talking about his professional life or his personal life? Although, according to him, he’s rocking both,” I joke, grinning from ear to ear.
Alessandro shakes his head. “Forever the playboy.”
There’s a brief moment of silence, comfortable, and then Alessandro sighs and leans forward. “I’ve brought you here because I need a massive deal negotiated. Something that has never been done before is going down, and I think you’re perfect for the job.”
I perk up. “Never been done before?”
“Let’s start with what you know. Are you familiar with the Pacheco family?” he asks, standing up to pour us each a drink.
