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25
The New Year’s party was an ordeal. I felt miserable. I had a migraine and the worst of it all, Hugo wasn’t here. Patty was hosting this year, and she had turned the entire ground floor of her house into a Venetian ballroom. She had dancers, an orchestra, people that were painted in gold and silver and played human statues. It was an extravaganza, and usually, I would have enjoyed it but not tonight.
I was excited for Hugo to see my dress, and it was a bummer that he didn’t show at all. The dress came from Milan, and it was a black and gold limited-edition Versace that took me forever to find. I liked how the bodice pushed my boobs up, making them seem fuller. The skirt was a baby-doll cut made out of many layers of tulle, almost like a ballerina tutu. It would have made my monster lose his mind. But he wasn’t here. Fuck!
When midnight rolled around, we were invited up on the rooftop to watch the fireworks. Frank Sr. went all out this year, gilding the sky with bright colors. The clocks struck twelve, Uncle Pepe yelled ‘1997!’ and the entire city roared in excitement. Gino pulled Muse into a kiss; mom hugged her sister, Vincenzo kissed Lola, Patty jumped into her husband’s arms, and Bianca was cuddling with the twins. Me, on the other hand, I turned to look at the Manhattan skyline over Central Park, wondering where the hell my Monster was.
Ever since Gino came home from his trip to Italy, I lived in a constant state of need. Not being able to be with Hugo was taking a toll on me, and today, the pain was more pungent. I hadn’t heard a word from him since Christmas, and I had no idea if Lola finding out about us spooked him or if we were still solid. On top of that, my Christmas vacation had not been a relaxing one. I ate so much, I got food poisoning, spending two days in bed feeling dizzy and nauseous, and mom insisted on us having some activity every day, especially since Aunt Di came back to the city. It was exhausting.
After the fireworks ended, everyone went back inside, and when I got to our table, I saw Gino helping Muse into her coat.
“Where are you going?” I said to Gino over the music.
“We need to make it to one of my clubs. I have to show face.”
“What? Does mom know about this?”
He laughed and pinched my cheek before kissing it.
“Unlike you, kitty Cat, I don’t need permission. Go kiss Muse goodbye.”
I did as he told me and hugged Muse tightly before kissing her on both cheeks.
“Muse, I know we live together, and we see each other every day, but I wish you would stay.”
She smiled, her sweet face contrasting with the killer red dress that was all hotness.
“I would, but Gino and Vincenzo are eager to go back and drink with the guys.”
“What? Cenzo is going too?”
“Yeah, he and Lola went to find their coats.”
“What guys?” My curiosity kicked in.
“Ignazio organized a party in one of Gino’s clubs. Hugo and Roman are there, Vito too, I think.”
Oh really.
I went back to Gino who was just saying goodbye to mom and our aunt.
“Take me with you,” I yelled in his ear, and he flinched.
“No.”
“Why not?” I wanted to see Hugo.
“It’s not your type of party, Cat. Stay with your family.”
What the hell was he talking about? He was my family too and so was Hugo. With the New Year and the holidays and everything that was happening, I was feeling fragile, and I just wanted my Monster to hold me for five fucking minutes.
“Gino, I want to come with you.”
“It’s not going to happen, Catherinelle. Drop it. I can’t look after you all night. I have guests I need to see to. Business.”
“Then make Hugo watch me.” Not that I needed to be watched, but this could work in my favor.
“Absolutely not. Give him a fucking break, Cat; you have made his life miserable enough.” I would have been offended if I didn’t know better. “He’s already tipsy, trying to score with a waitress. I won’t let you cock block him tonight; the man needs a break. You’re staying here.”
