AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"It's not rigged." Constantine is also snappish this morning. It must run in the family. "I'm a master at technical analysis and the averages are about to turn in my favor any minute."
I let out a sigh. "Daddy, your brother needs to go to Gamblers Anonymous." I kick a rock on the ground. "He's in denial."
"De Nile is a river in Egypt," Benedetto's father drawls. "Yes, my son is in denial. Thank you for that astute observation."
I shoot Constantine's father a knowing nod. "My pleasure. I can be smart when I want to be, so there's plenty more where that came from."
Constantine growls at me. "Stay out of this. You don't know the first thing about trading stocks."
Benedetto wraps his arms around me protectively. "At least my boy doesn't delude himself into thinking he's a genius investor. He's lost five million dollars less than you. That's a win in my book."
"My book, too," I add, kissing Benedetto's cheek.
Gianluca pinches the bridge of his nose. "I’m here for shooting practice. We can have Constantine's intervention over drinks later."
I gulp. "I'm not old enough to drink, Daddy," I whisper in his ear. Nerves wrack my voice. "Will I go with? Or will we head back to your house?"
"You can have apple juice with fizzy water." Benedetto kisses my cheek. "Does that sound good?"
I rub my belly. "Yes, Daddy. I'll pretend it's a big beer."
"You're all jealous I'm learning how to invest on my own terms." Constantine protests too much, but I keep mum about it. "I don't need to attend fancy business schools or rely on money managers like you. I'm taking control of my own destiny."
Nana marches over to Constantine. "If you don't listen to your family, we’re calling your broker and telling them to cut you off. You’ve pissed away too much on worthless options."
"It's a self-taught education in the school of life," Benedetto's mother drawls. "Don't forget that, Nana."
Benedetto's father turns to me. "All right, everyone." He grips his gun. "It's time to teach Benedetto’s boy to shoot. What do you say?"
"I agree." Gianluca flashes me a thumbs up. "You're part of the family now. It's your duty to learn how to fire a gun."
I gulp and lean into Benedetto's body. "Oh gosh, Daddy. I don't want to make a fool of myself."
Benedetto pats my bum. "You'll do great, boy." He kisses my cheek. "Keep your eyes on my father and you’ll pick up what you need in no time."
"You never answered my question about what style of learner you are," Nana drawls. "I need that information before we proceed."
"It's junk science. Don't answer." Gianluca isn't amused.
I bite my lower lip. "I'm not sure. I guess I learn by watching people do things first."
"Kinesthetic." Nana shoots Gianluca a look. "You're probably an INTP, too. They’re frequently kinesthetic learners."
"What's next?" Gianluca demands. "You'll ask for his astrological sign?"
"I'm done with all of you." Benedetto's father hands me a gun. "I'm teaching this boy to shoot whether you like it or not."
Benedetto's father beckons me forward. He raises his gun and fires a bullet into a glass bottle.
Bang.
The bottle explodes into a million pieces. It soars across the grass and reflects the glistening rays of the sun.
I bring my palms to my cheeks. "Holy shit."
Benedetto's father tips me a nod. "There you go, boy. See? It's easy once you get the hang of it. Why don't you try?"
I take the gun and aim it like Benedetto's father did. I pull the trigger, but my first attempt is awful.
