Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 49968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
“Now there’s a story I have to hear.”
He sat up, picking up his coffee and taking a drink. “We had dinner last night with some business associates.”
“This business or that business?”
“Both,” Roman replied. “They’re legit, but they have ties to the syndicate as well. They’re part of my generation.”
Roman and Luca had changed a lot of things since their father died, including who they dealt with.
“So Mason asked a favor. His sister, Justine, is coming to town for a visit. Surprisingly, she has never been to Toronto. He’s worried about her and wants me to keep an eye on her. Take her out and show her Toronto.”
“You said no, and Luca punched you on his behalf?”
“I said no and volunteered Luca.”
I chuckled. I understood the punch now. Luca hated blind dates—even more so than Roman. Neither man liked relationships of any sort.
“I said I was here too much, and Luca already lived in Toronto and it made more sense. And I might have made all the arrangements without consulting Luca. When he arrived, it was all set.” Roman grinned. “He showed his displeasure afterward. I am, apparently, footing the bill for him playing tourist guide.”
We both laughed. Roman ran his hand through his chestnut-colored hair, and his green eyes were amused. “It was worth it. He couldn’t say shit while Mason was sitting at the table. I knew he wasn’t pleased, although he accepted it graciously in front of Mason. Once we were in my suite, however…”
“He drilled you.”
“Basically. But he is still taking her out. Better him than me. The last thing I need is a syndicate princess around, wanting to be taken places. The list Mason had was long and boring as hell. Spare me.”
“How old is she?”
“Late twenties, which seems a bit old for needing an escort, but Mason is incredibly protective of her, which, frankly, bodes badly for Luca.”
“Knowing Luca, it’s gonna cost you.”
“It’ll be worth it not to have to dance to her tune. Whatever it is. She sent him a text last night with more of her demands. Luca already despises her. He got the feeling she felt the same way. She called him her jailer. He called her a spoiled princess.” Roman flashed his teeth. “Maybe they’ll bond over it.”
I laughed with him again. It was nice to see him in a good mood for a change.
“Anyway, it was a long meeting, and then Nonna wanted me to have breakfast with her.”
“How is she?”
He smiled fondly. “A tyrant as usual. She was getting ready to go inspect the grapes with the foreman. In other words, tell him what to do.”
I chuckled. Nonna V was a powerhouse. She had more energy in her seventies than I had on my best day. Roman had a large winery and house in the Niagara region. She lived with him and ran the estate. He went back and forth between the house and his suite here, always busy. But he adored her and refused to let her live on her own. She was equally fierce in her love for her daughter’s youngest child. He looked like his mother and always said that was the reason his father disliked him so much. Looking at Roman had been too painful.
“She wants you to come to lunch on Sunday. Says she hasn’t seen you in forever.”
“Two weeks, you mean.”
He shrugged. “You argue semantics with her.”
I adored Nonna V as well, and I never turned down a lunch invitation.
“I’ll be there.”
“Anything concerning here?”
“No. Everything is smooth. I have some final applicants for the waitress jobs to look over. We hired the new dealers and the front of house for the hotel. You need to be there tomorrow for the meet-and-greet.”
Roman and I had a policy that we met every new employee. Shook their hand. Let them see who they were working for. Roman owned everything. I was his right hand. We worked as a team, and one of us was usually on hand if needed. If not, we were never far away and always reachable. We had a handpicked group of managers, assistants, security, and staff. Each manager was responsible for their division. Hard work and loyalty were rewarded. Mediocre effort was not acceptable. Each and every problem was solved immediately. The Maple was the best of the best. Roman accepted nothing less. His second casino in Toronto, Maple II, was the same.
He finished his coffee. “I’ll let you get on, then. I have some money to move and some contracts to go over. I’ll grab some sleep and do the late shift.”
I nodded and he left, shutting the door behind him. I wondered if he would sleep. He got only a few hours at a time, always too restless and on edge to relax. As his friend, I worried about him, but he refused to listen or alter his ways.