Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 616(@200wpm)___ 493(@250wpm)___ 411(@300wpm)
I wanted to cook for the Di Lorenzos, not spy on them. The more pressure my grandfather applies, the more I question what he has going on. I know I don’t know the entire story and I’m starting to get frustrated.
I pick up and head out to the dining room instead of going out back like I planned. “Hey, Pop, what’s up?”
“Have you met with Dario yet?”
“No, he’s on his way. Our meeting is today.”
“I need to know what his mood is like.”
“I don’t know this guy. How am I supposed to know what his mood is like? Pop, what’s this all about? This is a great opportunity for me. I don’t want to ruin it,” I reply, becoming more frustrated.
“Listen to me,” he seethes. “Do what I say, and you’ll be running that place. I need to know why the fuck he’s not answering my calls. How hard is it to read someone’s mood?”
Pretty damn hard when you don’t know them, I think to myself. I can feel myself becoming hot under the collar. Maybe Dad is right, I don’t know if getting wrapped up in my grandfather’s mess is the best idea.
“Listen, I should prepare for his arrival. I have work to do.”
“You just do what the fuck I’ve told you to do. This is what my son gives me,” he mutters the last part under his breath.
The words fuck you are right on the tip of my tongue. However, I turn and see Dario walking toward me.
“I have to go,” I murmur and rush to hang up.
I don’t have time for this bullshit. If I play my cards right, this could be big for my career. My grandfather can play his games on his own. Fuck, I actually like Lizzy and I’m not too sure I want to mess that up for Pop either.
I shake it off and move to shake my new mentor’s hand. Fuck it, I’m going to make the best of this. I’m not ruining a great job for some old-world shit. Jeez, I’m glad Ma’s side of the family isn’t as crazy. On second thought. That’s some bullshit too.
Riccardo
These boys have no respect for me. Frances didn’t raise them right. If he would have allowed me to raise them, I wouldn’t be going through this shit now.
“I need to know Dario and Giuseppe’s next move,” I say to myself.
The families are still unstable. Now is the time Dario should be promoted. He would be able to make a power move to take over and then I could move in. Promoting him would be my next move.
If I were still Giuseppe’s consigliere, it’s what I would advise. I don’t know what my next move should be because Giuseppe hasn’t made a move. He’s too silent.
“Why is that?”
What the fuck am I missing? I’m losing confidence as I feel my control slipping. I’ve had Dario’s ear for years. Him not taking my calls is a problem. It’s time I find answers.
I purse my lips and go to dial Lou. His phone rings a few times before he picks it up.
“Hello.”
“When was the last time you saw that mulignon?”
He sighs into the phone. “Listen, Pop. I’m in the middle of a showing.”
“I don’t give a fuck if you’re in the middle of taking a shit with no toilet paper in sight. Answer my question.”
“We haven’t seen each other in weeks. We’re taking a break.”
“Fuck your break. I want you to make sure she’s not involved with Dario. She better not be the reason he’s not answering me.”
“God knows there couldn’t be any other reason not to talk to you,” he mutters.
“What did you say?”
“Nothing. I have to go.” He hangs up in my ear.
“Pussy,” I growl. “Shit.”
Chapter 34
P.Y.T.
Nyla
I’m sitting in the living room looking up information about the clinic as Gio and Jace finish getting ready. Today is my first appointment. Music starts to fill the room, bringing a smile to my face. Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T.” plays.
I lift my head and find Gio rocking his hips and watching me with a smoldering look on his face. I burst into laughter as he dances his way closer. I remember when we were fourteen and fifteen, Gio swore he was Michael Jackson, which makes this all the more hilarious. I love this side of Gio. He looks younger and happier today. This is the guy I grew up with.
“Come here,” he says and beckons me with two fingers as he stands about a foot away.
I place the laptop aside and stand. He tugs me into him and holds me close as he rocks us both to the music. I laugh more as I’m thrown back in time to a memory of Gio dancing to this song with my mom, we had to be about six and seven. Uncle Emil was still alive and wouldn’t dance with Mom, so she grabbed Gio’s hand.