Crown of confessions, p.14
Crown of Confessions, page 14
“The hell you will,” she fired back. “No one touches my gun. Only me and Mama. You got that?”
“I’ll do whatever’s necessary to keep you and my family healthy and safe. That’s my job. Always has been. That’s what I was hired to do.”
She looked back at the phone again.
“Go ahead. Call Sofia. I’ll tell her how you’re going around here with your gun, threatening to shoot people. I don’t think she’ll like that, do you?” I pulled my shoulders back.
Ms. G. glowered at me. “You know, you can be a real pain in the ass.”
“I learned from the best,” I said with a smile.
Ms. G. threw her hands in the air and started cussing in Italian. Then she grabbed the remote and turned on Judge Judy.
I sat next to her. “Can we watch something else?”
“No.”
I took a deep breath and crossed my arms over my chest.
“You got hormones or somethin’?” she asked. “Why you being so sassy today?”
“I’m fine. Actually, no, I’m not fine. I have a son who’s getting involved with the wrong people. I’m praying that he’s not going to turn out like his father, and, well . . .” I touched the edge of my scar. “I think your godson, Alessandro, is coming over here later. He wants to take me out, but I can’t leave you right now with everything that’s going on.”
“Sure you can. I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not,” I said. Guilt flooded me.
“Yes, I am, damn it.”
“After what happened yesterday? No, you’re not,” I said firmly.
“What happened yesterday?”
I made sure not to bring it up again. I didn’t want her to relive it. “Nothing, it was a long day. You were exhausted.”
Ms. G. got quiet and ignored my words. “Look honey, Darnell’s gonna be fine. You can’t blame him. He’s seen a lot. You guys might need to go to one of those head shrinkers or somethin’. As for that scar you keep touching, I have scars too.” She placed her fingers under the hair behind her ear, revealing a thick mass about three inches long from the top of her ear to the back of her skull.
I’d seen it when I’d bathed her, but never asked about it. I didn’t know if it was Frank’s handiwork.
“See, kid, things happen. We both have scars to remind us of our pasts. But that is exactly it—the past. We can’t change who we were, but we can change who we become.”
“How did it happen?”
“Frank did it during one of his drunken tirades. He hit me and banged my head on the bathroom vanity. A few stitches later, and this is all that remains. When Frank took me to the hospital, he threatened he’d do worse if I told the doctor what happened. So, I lied, as most survivors do. I told the nurse that I’d slipped on the bathroom floor. They bought it. I had a massive headache for days, and Frank was in the clear—again. That stronzo piece of shit.”
When she said his name, I wondered if it jarred some kind of memory from yesterday, possibly jolting her back into a whirlwind of feelings. With little sleep, I had no energy to probe. But there was no flicker of remembrance. She continued to watch TV.
“So, you say my godson is coming over? When?” she asked with wide eyes.
“I don’t even know if he is coming. If I’m honest, I’m not sure I want him to. I didn’t get much sleep,” I huffed, then looked out the window. “Hey, instead of watching Judge Judy, let’s go outside for some fresh air. It would be good for you.”
“Sounds good, kid. I want to check on Mama’s roses,” she said, and I helped her outside. I glanced at the gate for any signs of an intruder or the sight of a man who took my breath away in an instant. Both weighed heavily on my mind.
After a day of gardening, Ms. G. was tired. To get out of the sun, we retreated inside. I sat her down and gave her something cold to drink when I heard a knock at the door.
My chest tightened.
“If it’s a solicitor, tell them to go away.”
My blood pressure rose. “I don’t think it’s a solicitor.” I walked slowly to the front door and peered out the peephole. It was Leticia. Surprised, I opened the door.
“Hey baby, you all right? You need something?”
“I’m fine. I’m here to relieve you.”
“What do you mean, relieve me? Where am I going?”
“Out.”
“Huh?”
Within seconds, a sleek black Mercedes sedan with tinted windows pulled up. Leticia walked past me with a smile on her face.
“Hello, Violetta,” Leticia yelled down the hallway. “Tonight, you’re gonna teach me how to play five-card stud.”
“Get over here, cutie, and give me a hug,” I heard Ms. G. say. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages. You need to eat. You look like a rail, and it’s no surprise with your mother’s cooking. I’ll make us some ravioli.”
“Don’t even think about it, Ms. G,” I hollered from the front door, still staring at the mysterious Mercedes.
The car door swung open, and Alessandro got out in a dark gray suit. He shut the door and hit a button on his keys. Holding two bouquets in his hand, he walked toward the front door. His mirrored sunglasses obstructed my view of his eyes, but it was him—all of him.
“Hello, gorgeous.” He pulled off his sunglasses and placed them in the inside pocket of his suit. His eyes welcomed me with their magic and were accompanied by a brilliant smile.
“Um, hello.” I pulled my bangs down over my forehead.
“These are for you.” He handed me one of the prettiest bouquets of pink flowers I’d ever seen. “They’re peonies. For you and Zia Vi, only the best.”
“Thank you. My kitchen table looks like a florist shop.” I smiled at his gift.
“May I come in?”
“Yes.” I smelled the fragrant flowers. “Nice car.”
“Yeah, I suppose it’s a big change from the catering van. I don’t always wear a sauce-stained apron,” he teased.
“Clearly.” I admired his well-tailored suit.
“Sofia called me and told me about Zia. How she doin’ today?” His brows drew together as he crossed the threshold.
“Better, I think,” I stammered, mesmerized by his look. His hair was lightly gelled with a slight flick in the front. Light stubble covered his face. His scent filled the air around me. “She doesn’t remember any of it.”
“That’s good.”
“So now you know why I can’t go out with you. She needs medical supervision.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“What do you mean?”
“We have reinforcements.”
“Reinforcements?”
As if to ignore my question, he said, “I hope she hasn’t eaten yet because I have the guys coming over to bring a full-course meal from the deli.”
“She hasn’t eaten dinner yet.”
“Good. So, if you decide you don’t want to go out, I told you I’d bring the date to you.” He walked past me down the hall.
“What do you mean, date?” I closed the door and followed him to the living room where Ms. G. hugged her godson.
“You’re looking good, kid.” She patted his face with her liver-spotted hands.
“So are you, Zia.”
“Ah, bullshit. I’m an old lady.”
“These are for you.” Alessandro handed her the other bouquet.
“I’ll get a vase.” Leticia walked to the kitchen.
“Well, thank you.” Ms. G. smelled the flowers. “See, Barbara? He knows how to treat a lady.” Ms. G. smiled fondly at Alessandro.
“Wait. I’m not sure what’s happening here, but I can’t go on any kind of date with you. I can’t leave her. Not after what happened yesterday.” I looked at Alessandro.
“What happened yesterday?” Leticia interrupted while arranging Ms. G.’s flowers.
“I’ll tell you later,” I said to Leticia.
“Yeah, what happened?” Ms. G. asked.
“Nothing.” I shook my head at Leticia and Alessandro.
“So, you gonna take my Barbara somewhere good tonight? You’d better,” she scolded. “She deserves a fun night out.”
“I’ll take her wherever she wants to go,” he replied to his aunt. “Or we can stay here and play a game of poker.” He looked at the deck of cards on the table. “I’ve heard I have a pretty good poker face.” He flashed a flirtatious smile.
“In this family, I’m sure you do,” I replied, not caring if he caught on to my accusation.
“No way. You need to take her out,” Ms. G. chimed in.
“Yes, Mama. It’ll be fine. Show me where her pills are before you go.”
“Wait a minute, how did you know he was coming here?” I asked Leticia as she shuffled the cards.
“I think I should answer that,” Alessandro interrupted.
This ought to be good.
A coy smile edged at the corners of his mouth. “I wanted to get permission from your children before I whisk you away. So, I found out where Leticia works and went to the hospital. We had a good conversation, didn’t we, Leticia?” Alessandro said, then turned back to me.
“Yes, we did, and you so have my approval,” Leticia said behind Alessandro’s back with two thumbs up, then dealt the cards.
Mafia men—master manipulators. He was good. Very good. “So, how’d you find out where she works?” I asked.
“I have my ways.”
I remembered hearing those words from Sofia’s mouth the day she offered me the job. “Your ways, huh? I’ve heard that before.”
“If it makes you feel better, I’ll have the guys stick around for a while to help keep an eye on her. Just in case. I want you to feel safe. But if you’d rather stay here, I’m fine with that too. Even with your daughter’s and Zia’s supervision if you want. I’m at your disposal. Whatever you want, the sky’s the limit,” he said as the light in his eyes shined straight through my heart.
I licked my lips and took a breath. “I don’t know.”
“What’s one date, Mama? Violetta’s in good hands. I’m gonna be a doctor, remember? Stop worrying.”
“Maronn, what else do we have to say to get you movin’? Go get dressed already,” Ms. G. prodded, staring at the cards in her hands.
I clutched the flowers. “I guess. If you have the guys stick around, that would be good,” I said, thinking about the prank caller. I was pretty sure anyone who worked for Alessandro would kill anyone who tried to get in here. That’s what Mafia guys did. I looked down at my clothes. “I’ll need to shower.”
“Take all the time you need. I’ll be over here playing cards. If you’re up for it, I’d like to take you to the city for dinner. I know a great spot.”
“Daylight’s wasting,” Ms. G. yelled from her recliner.
“Go get ready, and I’ll be by in an hour,” Alessandro said.
I nodded and looked at Ms. G. and Leticia. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, damn it. She’s sure. Now go.” Ms. G. slammed down her cards. “Full house. Read ’em and weep.”
First Dates
While Alessandro played cards with his aunt, I pulled Leticia aside and explained what had happened to Ms. G. the previous night and where her pills were. I told her to try and keep her calm and, most importantly, not to let Darnell leave under any circumstances. I informed her of the prank call and to hang up if she didn’t recognize the voice.
With a bottle of aspirin on his bedside table, Darnell continued to sleep it off. Thankfully, Alessandro’s crew would be here to keep watch while we were gone. And with the newly installed security fence and cameras, Darnell was safer here than anywhere else. I shut his door and turned on the shower.
After five dress changes, I settled on a teal dress that was hidden in the back of the closet. Luckily it still fit. I liked it because it wrapped around my shoulders, but mostly because the color reminded me of his eyes.
I’d found the dress in one of those fancy shops in the mall when I’d gone to buy more makeup to cover up my bruised cheeks. It stuck out in memory because it was one of the few dresses I’d bought myself when I was with Marcus. I felt strange in a dress. For years, my only attire was medical scrubs and sweatsuits that I’d found at a secondhand store by my old house. Money was always tight with Marcus, and the kids had to eat, so I usually went without nice things.
I stared at myself in the mirror. For the first time in a long time, I felt sexy. A small smile crept its way across my face until I saw my scar. I fell back onto the bed with my hands over my face. What am I even doing? Maybe I should tell him to wait a few weeks, until after the first surgery. Then maybe I wouldn’t be so self-conscious.
Stop it. If he’s interested in me, he’ll like me—scars and all.
I grabbed for my compact and continued to apply generous amounts of makeup to my face, then scrunched my curls so they dangled over my forehead. For the final touches, I sprayed on some perfume and added a layer of lip gloss. I slid on my heels, then heard a knock at the door.
Showtime.
I smacked my lips together and gave myself one last look. Forget about the scar and all the makeup. How about the fact that you’re going on a date with a Mafia boss? The minute I walked out of this house, I’d be taking my first real step into this life. There would be no turning back. Butterflies swarmed my stomach.
“Coming,” I yelled. I walked down the hall to the living room.
“Mom,” Darnell yelled. “Mr. Sunseri’s here for you.”
I walked in and listened to the two of them talk.
“Sorry I haven’t answered you about the job. I still haven’t talked to Mom about it. I’m kind of in trouble,” Darnell said with a froggy voice.
“Trouble, huh?” Alessandro said.
“I thought you were sleeping.” I bent over and kissed Darnell’s head. “Yeah, he’s in big trouble.”
“You look amazing.” Alessandro teased a tantalizing grin.
My cheeks warmed.
“We’re going out for a bit. Your sister is next door sitting with Ms. G. I’ll be home later. There’s food in the fridge. Don’t even think about leaving this house after last night. You’re grounded until further notice. Alessandro’s going to have some of his crew deliver food here tonight. They may stick around a bit, so I’ll know if you try and sneak out. And your sister’s watching the cameras just in case you thought you were slick. At some point, we’ll need to talk about what happened. I’ll need the keys to your car.”
Alessandro gave me a strange look.
“I’m not going anywhere. I still feel like crap.” Darnell rubbed his stomach.
“That’s what happens when you drink too much, son.”
“Before we go, I’d like to talk to Darnell, if you don’t mind,” Alessandro asked.
“Why?” Darnell’s brows drew together.
“Don’t worry, you’re not in trouble with me,” Alessandro joked. “I wanted to make sure you were okay with me taking your mom out tonight. Since you’re the man of this house, I want you to know that my intentions are honorable. I like your mom, and I want to get to know her better. If you’re not okay with it, then I’d like to talk about it.”
“I don’t have a problem with you. I only have a problem with my mom grounding me. I’m too old to get grounded, don’t you think?” Darnell asked, then glared at me.
“I can’t get involved. She’s your mom, and she makes the rules. I’d do what she says. But I’ll talk to her,” Alessandro said. “I can be pretty persuasive when I want to be.” He shot me a gorgeous grin.
He wasn’t lying. Here I was, about to go on a date with him. “I forgot my purse. I’ll be right back, and then we can leave.”
“Sure,” Alessandro said.
When I returned, I grabbed Darnell’s keys from the kitchen and put them in my purse. Darnell and Alessandro laughed and talked about sports. It felt nice to see my son smile again. In the short time I’d known him, Alessandro had that same effect on me.
“Ready,” I said.
“Darnell, it was nice talking to you. Maybe one day soon we can catch a game sometime. I have season tickets for the Niners.”
“That’d be cool,” Darnell answered with a smile.
“Sounds good. We’ll plan it. But I can’t take you if you’re grounded, so you gotta keep your nose clean.”
“Yeah, I know. I only had a few beers.” Darnell looked back at me.
“A few beers? You reeked of pot and threw up half the night,” I said in a reprimanding tone.
“He’s a good kid. He knows better now. Don’t you, Darnell? Remember what I told you. Two aspirin every two hours. Believe it or not, a greasy cheeseburger has been known to cure many hangovers. I bet you’re hungry since you don’t have anything in your stomach.”
“Greasy cheeseburger?” Darnell wrinkled his nose.
“I’ll have the boys bring one over when they come. The bread soaks up all the booze. You’ll be all right, kid. And don’t worry about the job. It’ll be there if you decide you want it.”
Darnell nodded.
“Be good, son.” I pressed a kiss to his forehead and grabbed my sweater. “If anything happens, call 911 immediately. You hear me?”
“Yes, Mom, nothing’s gonna happen. It was someone messin’ around.”
“We’ll talk about it tomorrow,” I said and walked to the front door.
With his hand on my lower back, Alessandro escorted me from the house. “Everything okay?” Alessandro turned to ask.
“Someone called the house saying things . . . I don’t know. For all I know, it might have been a prank call, but there was something about the man’s voice that I can’t shake.”
“What did he say?” Alessandro asked as we walked through the yard.
“He said Darnell owed him money and that if he didn’t pay, he’d . . .”
“He’d what?” Alessandro grabbed my arm so that I’d face him.
“Kill us.”
His jaw tightened. He took a deep breath and said, “I’ll never let that happen,” then ushered me through the gate.
We walked to his car and he opened the passenger door. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” I sat on the black leather seat. I waited for him to get in the car, but he stood at the driver’s side window, his cell phone to his ear. I couldn’t hear what he said, but he looked mad and shook his head a lot. He caught me staring at him and flipped his phone shut. He opened the car door. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.” He unbuttoned his jacket and placed it on the back seat. “I had to make a quick business call.”
“I’ll do whatever’s necessary to keep you and my family healthy and safe. That’s my job. Always has been. That’s what I was hired to do.”
She looked back at the phone again.
“Go ahead. Call Sofia. I’ll tell her how you’re going around here with your gun, threatening to shoot people. I don’t think she’ll like that, do you?” I pulled my shoulders back.
Ms. G. glowered at me. “You know, you can be a real pain in the ass.”
“I learned from the best,” I said with a smile.
Ms. G. threw her hands in the air and started cussing in Italian. Then she grabbed the remote and turned on Judge Judy.
I sat next to her. “Can we watch something else?”
“No.”
I took a deep breath and crossed my arms over my chest.
“You got hormones or somethin’?” she asked. “Why you being so sassy today?”
“I’m fine. Actually, no, I’m not fine. I have a son who’s getting involved with the wrong people. I’m praying that he’s not going to turn out like his father, and, well . . .” I touched the edge of my scar. “I think your godson, Alessandro, is coming over here later. He wants to take me out, but I can’t leave you right now with everything that’s going on.”
“Sure you can. I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not,” I said. Guilt flooded me.
“Yes, I am, damn it.”
“After what happened yesterday? No, you’re not,” I said firmly.
“What happened yesterday?”
I made sure not to bring it up again. I didn’t want her to relive it. “Nothing, it was a long day. You were exhausted.”
Ms. G. got quiet and ignored my words. “Look honey, Darnell’s gonna be fine. You can’t blame him. He’s seen a lot. You guys might need to go to one of those head shrinkers or somethin’. As for that scar you keep touching, I have scars too.” She placed her fingers under the hair behind her ear, revealing a thick mass about three inches long from the top of her ear to the back of her skull.
I’d seen it when I’d bathed her, but never asked about it. I didn’t know if it was Frank’s handiwork.
“See, kid, things happen. We both have scars to remind us of our pasts. But that is exactly it—the past. We can’t change who we were, but we can change who we become.”
“How did it happen?”
“Frank did it during one of his drunken tirades. He hit me and banged my head on the bathroom vanity. A few stitches later, and this is all that remains. When Frank took me to the hospital, he threatened he’d do worse if I told the doctor what happened. So, I lied, as most survivors do. I told the nurse that I’d slipped on the bathroom floor. They bought it. I had a massive headache for days, and Frank was in the clear—again. That stronzo piece of shit.”
When she said his name, I wondered if it jarred some kind of memory from yesterday, possibly jolting her back into a whirlwind of feelings. With little sleep, I had no energy to probe. But there was no flicker of remembrance. She continued to watch TV.
“So, you say my godson is coming over? When?” she asked with wide eyes.
“I don’t even know if he is coming. If I’m honest, I’m not sure I want him to. I didn’t get much sleep,” I huffed, then looked out the window. “Hey, instead of watching Judge Judy, let’s go outside for some fresh air. It would be good for you.”
“Sounds good, kid. I want to check on Mama’s roses,” she said, and I helped her outside. I glanced at the gate for any signs of an intruder or the sight of a man who took my breath away in an instant. Both weighed heavily on my mind.
After a day of gardening, Ms. G. was tired. To get out of the sun, we retreated inside. I sat her down and gave her something cold to drink when I heard a knock at the door.
My chest tightened.
“If it’s a solicitor, tell them to go away.”
My blood pressure rose. “I don’t think it’s a solicitor.” I walked slowly to the front door and peered out the peephole. It was Leticia. Surprised, I opened the door.
“Hey baby, you all right? You need something?”
“I’m fine. I’m here to relieve you.”
“What do you mean, relieve me? Where am I going?”
“Out.”
“Huh?”
Within seconds, a sleek black Mercedes sedan with tinted windows pulled up. Leticia walked past me with a smile on her face.
“Hello, Violetta,” Leticia yelled down the hallway. “Tonight, you’re gonna teach me how to play five-card stud.”
“Get over here, cutie, and give me a hug,” I heard Ms. G. say. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages. You need to eat. You look like a rail, and it’s no surprise with your mother’s cooking. I’ll make us some ravioli.”
“Don’t even think about it, Ms. G,” I hollered from the front door, still staring at the mysterious Mercedes.
The car door swung open, and Alessandro got out in a dark gray suit. He shut the door and hit a button on his keys. Holding two bouquets in his hand, he walked toward the front door. His mirrored sunglasses obstructed my view of his eyes, but it was him—all of him.
“Hello, gorgeous.” He pulled off his sunglasses and placed them in the inside pocket of his suit. His eyes welcomed me with their magic and were accompanied by a brilliant smile.
“Um, hello.” I pulled my bangs down over my forehead.
“These are for you.” He handed me one of the prettiest bouquets of pink flowers I’d ever seen. “They’re peonies. For you and Zia Vi, only the best.”
“Thank you. My kitchen table looks like a florist shop.” I smiled at his gift.
“May I come in?”
“Yes.” I smelled the fragrant flowers. “Nice car.”
“Yeah, I suppose it’s a big change from the catering van. I don’t always wear a sauce-stained apron,” he teased.
“Clearly.” I admired his well-tailored suit.
“Sofia called me and told me about Zia. How she doin’ today?” His brows drew together as he crossed the threshold.
“Better, I think,” I stammered, mesmerized by his look. His hair was lightly gelled with a slight flick in the front. Light stubble covered his face. His scent filled the air around me. “She doesn’t remember any of it.”
“That’s good.”
“So now you know why I can’t go out with you. She needs medical supervision.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“What do you mean?”
“We have reinforcements.”
“Reinforcements?”
As if to ignore my question, he said, “I hope she hasn’t eaten yet because I have the guys coming over to bring a full-course meal from the deli.”
“She hasn’t eaten dinner yet.”
“Good. So, if you decide you don’t want to go out, I told you I’d bring the date to you.” He walked past me down the hall.
“What do you mean, date?” I closed the door and followed him to the living room where Ms. G. hugged her godson.
“You’re looking good, kid.” She patted his face with her liver-spotted hands.
“So are you, Zia.”
“Ah, bullshit. I’m an old lady.”
“These are for you.” Alessandro handed her the other bouquet.
“I’ll get a vase.” Leticia walked to the kitchen.
“Well, thank you.” Ms. G. smelled the flowers. “See, Barbara? He knows how to treat a lady.” Ms. G. smiled fondly at Alessandro.
“Wait. I’m not sure what’s happening here, but I can’t go on any kind of date with you. I can’t leave her. Not after what happened yesterday.” I looked at Alessandro.
“What happened yesterday?” Leticia interrupted while arranging Ms. G.’s flowers.
“I’ll tell you later,” I said to Leticia.
“Yeah, what happened?” Ms. G. asked.
“Nothing.” I shook my head at Leticia and Alessandro.
“So, you gonna take my Barbara somewhere good tonight? You’d better,” she scolded. “She deserves a fun night out.”
“I’ll take her wherever she wants to go,” he replied to his aunt. “Or we can stay here and play a game of poker.” He looked at the deck of cards on the table. “I’ve heard I have a pretty good poker face.” He flashed a flirtatious smile.
“In this family, I’m sure you do,” I replied, not caring if he caught on to my accusation.
“No way. You need to take her out,” Ms. G. chimed in.
“Yes, Mama. It’ll be fine. Show me where her pills are before you go.”
“Wait a minute, how did you know he was coming here?” I asked Leticia as she shuffled the cards.
“I think I should answer that,” Alessandro interrupted.
This ought to be good.
A coy smile edged at the corners of his mouth. “I wanted to get permission from your children before I whisk you away. So, I found out where Leticia works and went to the hospital. We had a good conversation, didn’t we, Leticia?” Alessandro said, then turned back to me.
“Yes, we did, and you so have my approval,” Leticia said behind Alessandro’s back with two thumbs up, then dealt the cards.
Mafia men—master manipulators. He was good. Very good. “So, how’d you find out where she works?” I asked.
“I have my ways.”
I remembered hearing those words from Sofia’s mouth the day she offered me the job. “Your ways, huh? I’ve heard that before.”
“If it makes you feel better, I’ll have the guys stick around for a while to help keep an eye on her. Just in case. I want you to feel safe. But if you’d rather stay here, I’m fine with that too. Even with your daughter’s and Zia’s supervision if you want. I’m at your disposal. Whatever you want, the sky’s the limit,” he said as the light in his eyes shined straight through my heart.
I licked my lips and took a breath. “I don’t know.”
“What’s one date, Mama? Violetta’s in good hands. I’m gonna be a doctor, remember? Stop worrying.”
“Maronn, what else do we have to say to get you movin’? Go get dressed already,” Ms. G. prodded, staring at the cards in her hands.
I clutched the flowers. “I guess. If you have the guys stick around, that would be good,” I said, thinking about the prank caller. I was pretty sure anyone who worked for Alessandro would kill anyone who tried to get in here. That’s what Mafia guys did. I looked down at my clothes. “I’ll need to shower.”
“Take all the time you need. I’ll be over here playing cards. If you’re up for it, I’d like to take you to the city for dinner. I know a great spot.”
“Daylight’s wasting,” Ms. G. yelled from her recliner.
“Go get ready, and I’ll be by in an hour,” Alessandro said.
I nodded and looked at Ms. G. and Leticia. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, damn it. She’s sure. Now go.” Ms. G. slammed down her cards. “Full house. Read ’em and weep.”
First Dates
While Alessandro played cards with his aunt, I pulled Leticia aside and explained what had happened to Ms. G. the previous night and where her pills were. I told her to try and keep her calm and, most importantly, not to let Darnell leave under any circumstances. I informed her of the prank call and to hang up if she didn’t recognize the voice.
With a bottle of aspirin on his bedside table, Darnell continued to sleep it off. Thankfully, Alessandro’s crew would be here to keep watch while we were gone. And with the newly installed security fence and cameras, Darnell was safer here than anywhere else. I shut his door and turned on the shower.
After five dress changes, I settled on a teal dress that was hidden in the back of the closet. Luckily it still fit. I liked it because it wrapped around my shoulders, but mostly because the color reminded me of his eyes.
I’d found the dress in one of those fancy shops in the mall when I’d gone to buy more makeup to cover up my bruised cheeks. It stuck out in memory because it was one of the few dresses I’d bought myself when I was with Marcus. I felt strange in a dress. For years, my only attire was medical scrubs and sweatsuits that I’d found at a secondhand store by my old house. Money was always tight with Marcus, and the kids had to eat, so I usually went without nice things.
I stared at myself in the mirror. For the first time in a long time, I felt sexy. A small smile crept its way across my face until I saw my scar. I fell back onto the bed with my hands over my face. What am I even doing? Maybe I should tell him to wait a few weeks, until after the first surgery. Then maybe I wouldn’t be so self-conscious.
Stop it. If he’s interested in me, he’ll like me—scars and all.
I grabbed for my compact and continued to apply generous amounts of makeup to my face, then scrunched my curls so they dangled over my forehead. For the final touches, I sprayed on some perfume and added a layer of lip gloss. I slid on my heels, then heard a knock at the door.
Showtime.
I smacked my lips together and gave myself one last look. Forget about the scar and all the makeup. How about the fact that you’re going on a date with a Mafia boss? The minute I walked out of this house, I’d be taking my first real step into this life. There would be no turning back. Butterflies swarmed my stomach.
“Coming,” I yelled. I walked down the hall to the living room.
“Mom,” Darnell yelled. “Mr. Sunseri’s here for you.”
I walked in and listened to the two of them talk.
“Sorry I haven’t answered you about the job. I still haven’t talked to Mom about it. I’m kind of in trouble,” Darnell said with a froggy voice.
“Trouble, huh?” Alessandro said.
“I thought you were sleeping.” I bent over and kissed Darnell’s head. “Yeah, he’s in big trouble.”
“You look amazing.” Alessandro teased a tantalizing grin.
My cheeks warmed.
“We’re going out for a bit. Your sister is next door sitting with Ms. G. I’ll be home later. There’s food in the fridge. Don’t even think about leaving this house after last night. You’re grounded until further notice. Alessandro’s going to have some of his crew deliver food here tonight. They may stick around a bit, so I’ll know if you try and sneak out. And your sister’s watching the cameras just in case you thought you were slick. At some point, we’ll need to talk about what happened. I’ll need the keys to your car.”
Alessandro gave me a strange look.
“I’m not going anywhere. I still feel like crap.” Darnell rubbed his stomach.
“That’s what happens when you drink too much, son.”
“Before we go, I’d like to talk to Darnell, if you don’t mind,” Alessandro asked.
“Why?” Darnell’s brows drew together.
“Don’t worry, you’re not in trouble with me,” Alessandro joked. “I wanted to make sure you were okay with me taking your mom out tonight. Since you’re the man of this house, I want you to know that my intentions are honorable. I like your mom, and I want to get to know her better. If you’re not okay with it, then I’d like to talk about it.”
“I don’t have a problem with you. I only have a problem with my mom grounding me. I’m too old to get grounded, don’t you think?” Darnell asked, then glared at me.
“I can’t get involved. She’s your mom, and she makes the rules. I’d do what she says. But I’ll talk to her,” Alessandro said. “I can be pretty persuasive when I want to be.” He shot me a gorgeous grin.
He wasn’t lying. Here I was, about to go on a date with him. “I forgot my purse. I’ll be right back, and then we can leave.”
“Sure,” Alessandro said.
When I returned, I grabbed Darnell’s keys from the kitchen and put them in my purse. Darnell and Alessandro laughed and talked about sports. It felt nice to see my son smile again. In the short time I’d known him, Alessandro had that same effect on me.
“Ready,” I said.
“Darnell, it was nice talking to you. Maybe one day soon we can catch a game sometime. I have season tickets for the Niners.”
“That’d be cool,” Darnell answered with a smile.
“Sounds good. We’ll plan it. But I can’t take you if you’re grounded, so you gotta keep your nose clean.”
“Yeah, I know. I only had a few beers.” Darnell looked back at me.
“A few beers? You reeked of pot and threw up half the night,” I said in a reprimanding tone.
“He’s a good kid. He knows better now. Don’t you, Darnell? Remember what I told you. Two aspirin every two hours. Believe it or not, a greasy cheeseburger has been known to cure many hangovers. I bet you’re hungry since you don’t have anything in your stomach.”
“Greasy cheeseburger?” Darnell wrinkled his nose.
“I’ll have the boys bring one over when they come. The bread soaks up all the booze. You’ll be all right, kid. And don’t worry about the job. It’ll be there if you decide you want it.”
Darnell nodded.
“Be good, son.” I pressed a kiss to his forehead and grabbed my sweater. “If anything happens, call 911 immediately. You hear me?”
“Yes, Mom, nothing’s gonna happen. It was someone messin’ around.”
“We’ll talk about it tomorrow,” I said and walked to the front door.
With his hand on my lower back, Alessandro escorted me from the house. “Everything okay?” Alessandro turned to ask.
“Someone called the house saying things . . . I don’t know. For all I know, it might have been a prank call, but there was something about the man’s voice that I can’t shake.”
“What did he say?” Alessandro asked as we walked through the yard.
“He said Darnell owed him money and that if he didn’t pay, he’d . . .”
“He’d what?” Alessandro grabbed my arm so that I’d face him.
“Kill us.”
His jaw tightened. He took a deep breath and said, “I’ll never let that happen,” then ushered me through the gate.
We walked to his car and he opened the passenger door. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” I sat on the black leather seat. I waited for him to get in the car, but he stood at the driver’s side window, his cell phone to his ear. I couldn’t hear what he said, but he looked mad and shook his head a lot. He caught me staring at him and flipped his phone shut. He opened the car door. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.” He unbuttoned his jacket and placed it on the back seat. “I had to make a quick business call.”
