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We joke with each other for the rest of the day, even though there’s a pit growing in my stomach, and I don’t mean my baby. I’ve agreed to something terrifying, not knowing the gravity until it encroaches.
Now, at near midnight, sitting next to him behind a campfire, I confess. “I’m scared, wolf.”
“There’s no need to be. I will protect you with all that I am.”
Chapter 28
Alessia
It’s been years since I’ve been to an event, let alone a wedding at the prestigious Plaza in Manhattan. My God.
I stare at myself draped in a chic black dress with feathers cascading down one shoulder, and a gold-chained Saint Laurent bag to match. I look ridiculous. Not because of my attire, but because I’m twirling in a thousand-dollar dress in an RV. Something just isn’t quite right with such an image.
I’m giddy and terrified for tonight. A part of me hopes Leandro will wait until the wedding is over, and take out the Barone boss in the parking lot, kind of like what he did to that other man at the convention. My stomach is in knots over the whole ordeal. I’m the one who pushed him to take this job, yet guilt is playing tug of war with my conscious. On top of that… what kind of mother am I going to be if I’m intentionally putting myself in harm’s way like this?
No, this is the last time, I remind myself.
Leandro climbs up into the RV in a perfectly tailored suit that makes me nearly swoon on the spot. Tall, handsome, and clean shaven for the first time since I’ve known him. I picture him as a model on one of those motorcycle covers, running a hand through his hair like he just got off a 48-hour bender. Ugh. So hot.
I rush over to him when I see his ink peeking through his collar and wrists. A quick peck on the lips tells him I love him, before I start tugging at his shirt to cover those bad symbols up.
He hoots as I pull. “That’s right, Sia. We’re invisible tonight. Our table is dark and in a corner, Donny assures.”
“Are you going to make a scene?” I give him puppy dog eyes, begging him not to.
He flaps his collar down. “I’ve been studying Carlo Barone since we got off that call with Donny. He has… habits, that may pose as opportunities for us.”
“Like what?” I hang onto his lapels.
“The less you know, the better.”
I nod slowly. He’s right. A big part of me just wants to enjoy the night, and pretend none of this is going down. My baby’s future depends on it. The girls’ freedom hinges on it. I remind myself of that to quell my doubts. No pressure, Leandro, but make your lady proud.
He gives me another hour to get ready, and during that time, I miss my girls downstairs. An impossible part of my brain wishes they would be happy for me – getting to go out in the real world again. It’s like a fantasy, albeit a dark one.
Nervous jitters hit me now and again, bringing back memories of my wedding way back when. ‘You’re getting married too young,’ my mom would say. ‘In our generation, it was different. Don’t rush into things.’
I now realize she was just trying to protect me from scum of the earth. She knew it in her bones, and never said a word, except through her eyes. Miss you, Mom. I choke back tears as I look in the mirror. Maybe one day I’ll be able to see you again.
Positive, Alessia. Stay positive.
I feel pretty again. That’s a plus. Leandro makes sure I hear it every day, whether by words or his actions, I always feel wanted by him. Hearing him kicking sticks around outside gives me an ephemeral blanket of comfort.
Even though my face is a little bloated, and in the next couple months or so I’ll start showing, he doesn’t even bat an eye about it. In fact, I think he likes it in a sick way. What’s the phrase? Barefoot and pregnant? Yeah, that’s me, alright. Most days, anyway.
But not today.
I touch up my foundation, recoat my lashes. I’m supposed to be invisible, I know, but I can’t help myself.
Two knocks on the RV siding jars me back to reality. Is it time already?
“Coming!” I yell, stuffing my make-up back into the bag and strapping my heels closed. “Okay,” I whisper to myself, then breathe a strong inhale. “We’re going to be fine. Leandro is a professional. He’d never let anything happen to me.”
A lion’s exhale summons the courage I need to move. My heels clack across the RV floor and down the steps. I stare at the dirt a few inches below me, then realize Leandro isn’t saying anything, so I gaze up at him.
“You look stunning, Sia.” His hands are in his pockets, tie undone, cufflinks loose.
I blush, before quickly turning it on him. “You undid your tie!”
