Renato, p.7
Renato, page 7
She sighed. “To who?”
“To my child’s father.”
“Sonya, what are you thinking?”
“It’s only business.”
“Business? Are you prostituting yourself?”
“What? No. We have an arrangement,” I answered.
“This doesn’t sound good.”
“Listen, I stole from him. I owe him, and he promised to take care of my child. I can’t fault him. He could have killed me. But we talked.”
“You’re gonna what? Get married? Have more kids in a loveless marriage?”
“It’s not like that, Mom. He’s not all bad. I know he can be a little rough sometimes—”
“Rough? He’s a killer. I’ve heard of this family. I’ve seen them in the newspapers. They kill people. Why would you be around that? Why would you have your son around that?”
She rambled on with question after question.
“We’re protected, Mom. Just listen to me. I want you to meet them at the wedding.”
“Oh, Sonya. You’re making a huge mistake.”
“It’s for the best. Are you going to come?”
“I love you, of course I’ll come. But I don’t agree with your choices.”
“Great, thanks, Mom. I’ll have Mrs. Calabresi send you an invitation.”
“What about school? Are you still planning on going?”
“No, I’m still going to work on enrolling again. But it’s just mostly online with the baby and then this job. I want to make sure I’m able to balance everything.”
“You scare me, Sonya.”
“I promise I’m doing okay. I’m safe,” I answered.
“All right, keep me updated. Call me later and come for dinner with the man.”
“I love you.”
“Love you more.” Hanging up the phone, I heard a throat clear behind me and jumped in surprise. Holding a hand to my chest, I tried to calm my breaths.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” Vincenzo said.
“Oh no. Sorry. I didn’t mean to take a personal call while working.”
“No, you’re fine. We do it all the time.”
I snorted. He was cute and reminded me of the guys at the club that would come in for the first time and be shy.
“How’s the little guy?”
“Your nephew is fine. He’s with your brother right now.”
“Renato with a baby.” He laughed.
“Surprisingly he’s good with the baby. I was shocked.”
“What are you doing for your wedding?”
“We’re just going to have something small in your parents’ house.”
“Nice. Listen, I know a lot of people have a lot to say about Renato. But he’s a good guy,” his brother said.
I nodded at his comment.
“Renato told me you met at the club.”
“I was a dancer.”
“I know it may seem like my family can be a little overprotective. But they mean well.”
“Are you in the ‘family business,’ too?” I put up air quotes.
Vincenzo copied the air quotes and cracked up. “No, I only work in the office business as the baby boy of the family. They don’t want me anywhere near that stuff. But I do have plenty of practice with a gun.” He put up two fingers, pretending to shoot.
He and I roared.
“Listen, don’t worry about the craziness of Renato’s world. And your mom will understand in time.”
“You heard that?”
“I did. And I get it; everyone has this perception of us thinking we’re killers. Evil. But we’re just protective. We wouldn’t do anything to hurt you or my nephew. You’re safe with us.”
“Thanks, Mr. Calabresi.”
He waved me off and shook his head. “Please call me Vincenzo. I’m too young for Mr. Calabresi. And you’re welcome.”
“Do I need to order your lunch, or will you leave for the day?”
He checked the time on his watch. “Heading to the local burger joint down the street, what about you?”
“Meeting McKayla for lunch and dress shopping.”
“I’ll pass on girl stuff,” he teased me.
“You sound like Renato.”
Later in the afternoon, McKayla decided to go dress shopping at a private designer that Rena recommended.
“Have you decided what you’re going to do for the wedding?” McKayla picked through dresses on the rack.
“I’m not really sure; I hadn’t thought about it. I invited Brilynn.”
“Sonya, with that silver hair you should do something fiery, ballsy for the party,” Rena said.
“I don’t know. Renato doesn’t seem like the type that likes over-the-top stuff.”
“He doesn’t like anything. Unless he’s controlling it. Mom’s situation I haven’t come to grips with yet.”
“Are you okay?” Rena asked.
“Yeah. Nothing. I’m fine.”
“What do you have in mind for your dress? What are we all wearing?”
“Um, I mean, it’s going to be outside in the garden. So maybe something simple, chic. I don’t know.”
“Yeah, that could work. Maybe like a light cream dress. Something with the shoulders out and boobs popped out. You should flaunt them. Like hey, we’re here.” Rena pushed her breasts up and sauntered like a model. McKayla giggled.
“Can I ask you guys something?”
They focused on me.
“Have you ever met anyone that Renato dated?”
The room went quiet.
“Why do you ask?”
“No reason, I’m just curious what type of marriage it’s going to be. The fake one, we both get to have our own side relationship behind closed doors.”
“Calabresi men aren’t the type that would allow you to have a man on the side. Remember that time he messed with Sante and said you two slept together,” McKayla mentioned, and I felt jealousy at Renato and Rena dating.
“I see the look in your eyes. It was a joke, but listen, it doesn’t matter. He doesn’t bring anyone around. We’ve seen women, you know, flirt with him. But you don’t have anything to worry about.”
“He kissed me the other night.”
They looked shocked.
“What happened?” Rena asked.
“Honestly, I don’t remember. It was just out of the blue. We were arguing and then it happened. And I got a little jealous when I thought he was going out to sleep with someone. I don’t know what made me think that. I mean, he can do whatever he wants. He’s an adult. I’m an adult. We don’t have any ties.”
The dress coordinator returned with two gowns for me to try on. I took one out of her hands and went to change. It had embellishment pearls that ran down each of my arms and a long split in the middle.
“Oh my gosh. Have you talked to your mom?” McKayla smiled.
“Briefly. We used to so close.”
“You have to trust that your mom will come around,” Rena explained.
“Renato doesn’t like the Costa family. If Tulio makes another move, Brilynn needs to be careful,” McKayla said.
“Try the other on and let’s see how it looks.” Rena took a photo of me in the dress.
“I know it’s gonna be beautiful and that baby’s gonna be handsome in his tuxedo.” McKayla grinned. I stepped down off the stool and strolled in to change gowns.
I switched into a shorter, silky, thin-strapped white dress, then came out and turned around with a jacket over my shoulders.
“Do you like him?” McKayla probed.
“I mean, he’s all right. Tell you the truth, I’m not sure what we’re doing. It’s just weird. How we are like, where we cross each other but we don’t talk about our feelings. I don’t know how I feel.”
“I think you like him. What is it? You’re afraid to admit it?” Rena asked.
I groaned, planting my hands on my hips.
“He’s an asshole. You even said you guys used to play around when you used to dance at the club. Have you been back to the club at all?” Rena reminded me that I needed to go grab my things.
“No. I mean we only had sex once.”
He refused to let me drive on my own, I recalled.
Ding!
“Brilynn.” I was shocked to see her at the dress shop. We hadn’t spoken in a few days.
She waved, came to me, and I gave her a hug.
“Sorry I haven’t gotten back to you sooner.”
“Where have you been?”
“Crazy busy with work.”
“You remember McKayla ,and this is Rena.” I motioned between them.
Brilynn seemed off and ignored Rena’s hand.
“You look beautiful,” Brilynn said.
“Thanks, picking up a dress. Then we have lunch afterwards. Do you want to come?”
“I don’t know. I hate to intrude with your friends.”
“You’re my friend too, Brilynn.”
She sat and grabbed a champagne glass, and I continued to look through dresses. McKayla took another photo, and I told her to send them to me so I could text them to Renato.
Rena joked, and the tension went away as I changed for the fourth time. It was a long gown that went up to my neck, and I felt like a princess.
Buzz!
“That’s your phone vibrating,” Brilynn said.
“Can you check who it is?”
Brilynn grabbed my phone, and her expression seemed off.
“Who is it?”
“The club.”
“I’ll check it later. Can we go eat?”
“Sure. I need to return some shoes on our way to the mall,” McKayla responded.
A few minutes later, I came out of the dressing room in my regular clothes and told the coordinator which one I wanted for my wedding. I went to pay, but she stated it was already covered by the Calabresi account, and I thanked her. Then all four of us got in the car and headed through traffic to lunch.
Chapter 10
Renato
The car ride to the neutral warehouse was silent while I got my mind right before I stepped inside with my brothers. As the third oldest and in the middle, I often felt like my voice didn’t get heard; they only needed me to go by their rules and forget that I have opinions. Today I’d make sure it was clear that neither Tulio nor anyone else would run my life. Reno got off the freeway, turned at the stop sign, and pulled into the grassy driveway, then turned the car off. I climbed out of the car and marched into the warehouse to see Sante, Savio, and EJ seated around the conference table like it was a science club.
“What is this meeting about?” I decided not to sit and stood behind the chair.
“Let’s see, you’ve been making some moves without us.”
“You haven’t done enough for me. That motherfucker is fucking with me. He needs to be handled.”
“You made your point, but we’re not to push in on the Costa area,” EJ explained.
“What do you want me to do? Just sit back while he fucks with us? You know me, you know I can’t do that.”
“Emers wants to meet with us. He’s coming here now to our warehouse,” Savio said.
“This is bullshit, what do we do? Tulio Costa isn’t running shit; they’re trying to take over.”
“We know your wedding is about to happen. Maybe the stress is too much.”
“EJ, don’t talk to me like I need a therapy session.”
“Emers would be stupid to make that move.” Sante tried to plead their case.
“Tulio is probably not doing this under Emers’s charge. Wouldn’t have his permission if Emers knew, I bet.”
“What do you think the mayor is up to, Savio?” Sante started to see things my way.
“Listen, I think they’re all working together to make a hit. The mayor gets what he wants. In Chicago with Tulio to help, they’re going to expand.”
“I hear you, but we can’t step in unless they directly hit us. They just hit his club,” EJ said.
“Savio, what are they talking about?” Sante waited for his answer.
“After you fucked with him,” Savio said.
“We’re supposed to sit here doing nothing now?”
Emers and his men showed up with Tulio. Remo motioned them in.
Tulio and his man strode inside. Preparing for gunplay, my hand went straight to my hip; I was itching to shoot Tulio.
“Savio.” Emers raised his hands up to show he was clear of guns.
“Have a seat.” Savio pointed at both chairs at the end of the table.
“I’m not sitting next to that asshole.”
“What are you doing here?” Tulio growled at me.
“Emers, we’ve had a truce between us for years. We need to know why you fucked with our place of business.”
Tulio’s left eye twitched.
“How’s little Sonya? Bitch tried to steal from me, but I’ve missed her lately.”
I tried to charge at him. Sante jumped up, grabbed me around the shoulder, and a guard stepped in between Tulio and me.
“Did you know your brother’s working with the mayor?” Savio asked.
“That’s a lie!” Tulio shouted.
“It’s time to go.” Emers patted Tulio on the back.
I dipped my right brow, slamming my hand on the table.
“You don’t want war with us, Emers,” Savio commanded.
“Do what you think is best,” Emers replied.
“If we need to, I will make an example out of you.” I pointed at Tulio.
“The mayor is too stupid to fuck with us. So I suggest you get on board,” Sante called out to their backs.
Tulio paused, shifting his arms across his chest. “Take a hooker for a wife, make us think of you as an American family, maybe I’ll get you a gift since I had to skip the wedding. I mean I already had her, and most of my men said she’s really sweet and tight.”
I responded by drawing my gun. Everyone around me froze.
“You’re not stupid,” Tulio taunted.
“You wouldn’t even walk out of here alive if I didn’t want to have my men clean up your remains when we have plans already.”
“Shoot me then,” Tulio egged me on.
I tightened my grip on the gun.
“Watch your mouth, Tulio.”
The standoff lasted another few minutes before they finally decided to leave.
All of us looked at each other.
“What do you think? Think Emers is fucking with us?”
“He knows us and doesn’t care. He’s playing clueless. But he was backing his brother,” Sante muttered.
“You need to make sure all the women are covered,” Savio said.
“We have a charity dinner coming up soon,” EJ recalled.
“Maybe the mayor will show his face.” Savio removed his cell phone from his pocket.
“You have a wedding, and we need to get the rings.” Sante stood. I hugged EJ and Savio, then strolled from the limo to our car and rode in the backseat with Sante.
“I need to run by and talk to Father after this,” I said after I checked my phone to see a message from him.
Sante pulled out a cigar and passed me one.
Forty minutes later, we made it to the jewelry store and parked in front. Our driver, Alfred, shut the door after we climbed out. Sante wrapped his arm around my shoulder and guided me into the store. Bill, the store owner, opened his hands and clapped as we marched through the front door.
“I’m here with my brother. He needs to get a ring.” Sante patted my chest.
“Well, welcome to our store, Renato. Sante bought a ring here. Your father, your brother, now you.” He rubbed his hands together.
“Are you looking to get something classy, not gaudy?” Sante asked.
“Let’s take a look.”
“All right, wedding rings are over here.”
He pulled out a tray.
Crash! Popppp!
All three of us dropped to the ground.
Buzz!
I crawled around to the side of the register, removed my gun, and looked out to the side of the table. I saw a car with an arm out of the window.
Popppp! Popppp!
Sante and I sent shots back. Bill ran to the employee area and opened the door, calling for us to head out the back.
“Shit! Alfred,” I called out.
“We can’t, Renato. Need backup,” Sante said, slogging me back.
“Remo should be on the way.” I pulled my phone out and hit the emergency number.
“Fuck! Who’s behind this bullshit?” Sante looked through the camera and saw the shooter all over the store. Bill had installed a bulletproof hatch that locked with his handprint.
“Tulio’s name is all over it.” I started to go back out, but Sante jumped in front of me.
“Savio is on his way.”
Popppp! Rattata!
“Look, they’re leaving.” Bill waved at the monitors.
Remo was outside with Savio.
Leaving the security room, I headed outside and ran to the limo. Alfred was gone.
“Where’s Alfred?” I looked from Savio to Remo.
“He’s headed to the hospital,” Remo said.
“Did you see who shot at us?” Sante meandered around the limo.
Bullet holes splayed from the windows to the tires.
“How bad is he?”
“Not sure. They wouldn’t let me near him,” Remo recalled.
“Need to call his wife.” I watched a thick, fluffy cloud float across the sky.
“Let’s go. The police will be here soon.” Savio removed his business card from his pocket and slid it to Bill.
“Mr. Calabresi, you don’t have to do that. I have insurance.” Bill pushed the card away.
“I insist. This is on us.” Savio looked him in the eye.
“Alfred will be fine. The bullets didn’t hit a major artery,” Father said.
“Glad to hear that.” I stood in front of his desk, pacing back and forth. I wanted to wring Tulio’s neck.
“Have you spoken with Sonya about what happened?”
“Not yet.”
“The wedding is coming up soon. You need to explain to her what’s to be expected.”
“Expected?” I stopped pacing.
“She’s expected to marry you, but she needs to understand that if she doesn’t stay in the marriage after things are cleared with Tulio, she needs to sign over her rights.”
