Chapter 27
NIC
TWO WEEKS LATER
“ A re you sure you're up to this?” I ask as she waddles her way toward the elevator.
“Of course, I’m sure. I didn’t waste hours finding something that would fit, to stay at home.” She’s sensitive and irritable, but that's totally understandable. We had a doctor’s appointment today and Dr Walsh told us the baby's head’s now engaged. The baby could come anytime and Lorna’s gone through a range of different emotions since hearing the news. Excitement first, followed by fear, then came some panic and all that in just one afternoon.
“You look great,” I tell her, as she shuffles into the elevator and presses the button.
“I swear, if someone asks me when I’m due or when the wedding is happening, I will punch them in the throat.” She rests her shoulders back against the wall as we descend to the parking lot. “And if anyone tries to touch me–”
“Then I’ll punch them in the throat,” I promise, stealing a kiss from her before the doors open.
“Truck or car?” I ask as we approach my parking bays, I brought both keys with me, just in case.
“I can’t climb into the truck, and I struggle to get out of the car so it doesn’t matter!” She bites my head off again, but I keep smiling as I head toward the car and open the passenger door for her. Taking her hand, I support her back as she slowly sinks into the seat.
“I’m being a bitch, aren’t I?” She pouts when I get behind the wheel.
“You're just being pregnant.” I start the engine and reverse out of my space.
“I’m just so tired, I’m hardly getting any sleep at night, and after what the doctor told us, I’m nervous. The scan he did said the baby already weighs six pounds, what if he stays in here for another four weeks?” She sighs heavily.
“You're not going to go another four weeks, you heard what the doctor said, he’s down and ready to go.” I try sounding positive, although I know from the reading I’ve been doing that first babies' heads can engage way before labor starts.
“So what is this thing we’re going to? Madalina was making it out to be a pretty big deal on the phone.” She shifts uncomfortably in the seat as I pull out onto the street.
“Every year, the Marchetti family organizes a silent auction for charity. Everyone goes and throws their weight around by bidding ridiculous amounts of money.”
“So, it’s a pissing contest?” She laughs.
“It is, but it’s for a good cause. Leandro and his wife usually hire a famous Michelin star chef to do the catering and there’s always an A-list band performing. It’s a good night.”
“Well, I hope we’re on the same table as Dario and Madalina, some of the women I met at my shower were awful.” She shakes her head and strokes her hand over her very impressive bump. It’s looking bigger than ever tonight in the silver, sequin dress she has stretched over it.
“I can already tell you that we won’t be on the same table as them. Mrs Marchetti is very strategic about her table plan, district leaders and their partners are seated together, and in whatever order will suit her husband more profitably.
“I see.” Lorna nods trying not to look disappointed.
“You’ll still be able to hang with Madalina, the sit-down meal only lasts about two hours.”
“ Two hours? ” She looks horrified.
“Yes, it’s eight courses,” I laugh.
“And where do you suppose I’m going to put eight courses? Because there is no room in this dress.” Her big, brown eyes stare back at me.
“I’m sure you’ll manage.” I rest my hand on her tummy and stroke it with my thumb as I drive on, to the Marchetti mansion.
“Who’s the woman with Gio?” I ask Dario as we watch him parade the leggy blonde he brought around the room. He stops to introduce her to the most important men here and, of course, their wives.
“I have no idea, some escort probably.” Dario sips from his champagne flute.
“Her name’s Bianca Caprioli. I believe her uncles run the Queens district.” Madalina proves she’s been learning her husband's business, and both myself and Dario nod our heads, impressed.
“Another good move from Ferrazza,” I point out as I watch the pair of them work the room like they’re celebrities on the red carpet.
“You were brave wearing heels, your feet must be killing you.” Madalina changes the subject, turning everyone's focus onto the very high heels I told Lorna not to wear. We’ve made it this far into her pregnancy without any accidents or mishaps, the last thing we need is for her to fall at the final hurdle. But, apparently, they make her calves look less chunky so I will just have to be on alert all night.
“They’re okay, at the moment.” She leans forward and lowers her voice so no one else but us four can hear. “I’ll slip them off during the two-hour banquet.” She winks.
“Did you tell Madalina what the doctor said?” I pull my girl closer so I can rub my hand over her belly. I want everyone here to notice how she’s flourishing.
“I don’t think here is the place to be discussing head engagement and cervix softness.” Lorna keeps her voice at the same volume as she turns to look at me.
“Is the baby’s head engaged?” Madalina’s eyes light up.
“Apparently so.” Lorna blows out a nervous breath and smiles at the same time.
“Don’t worry about that too much, Isabella’s head engaged way before the twins came, you probably still have plenty of time,” she assures her, though I’m not sure if it’s what Lorna wants to hear while she’s so uncomfortable.
“Company’s heading our way.” Dario clears his throat as he looks over my shoulder and when I turn around and see Gio and his showpiece, I put on a smile for him.
“Dario, Mrs DeMarco, there's someone I’d like to introduce you to.” He presents the overly made-up female on his arm, proudly.
“It’s a pleasure.” She holds out the hand that has a big, shiny diamond on her finger as if she expects Dario to kiss it and he politely twists it on its side, turning it into a handshake. “We met once before, Mr DeMarco, at my uncle’s house. You were there playing poker.” Her eyes glance over him, seductively.
“This is my wife, Madalina.” He dismisses her and places his hand around my sister's waist.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Madalina.” She nods her head respectfully, though the way her eyes are still looking fixed on Dario makes it hard to believe.
“I see you have quite the rock there,” Madalina points out.
“Oh, we were going to wait until after tonight’s event to make the announcement, we didn’t want to steal Marina Marchetti’s thunder. I know the effort she puts into this event. The last thing I want to do is upset a district wife, especially if I’m soon to be one myself.”
“Why wear the ring, then?” Lorna laughs, making everyone's head turn to look at her. Dario and Madalina try to hide their amusement while Bianca looks a little shaken.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know who you are.” I’m sure if it wasn’t for the Botox she’d be frowning as she looks at my girl.
“Oh, me? I’m nobody important so you're probably not interested.” Lorna manages to catch a server as they pass and politely grabs herself a flute of orange juice.
“I…I, erm.” Yes, she’s shaken.
“I was explaining to Bianca about the charity this is all for, she’s keen to help out where she can,” Gio cuts back in to help the girl out.
“I have a degree in finance.” Bianca picks herself back up, keeping her head held high. “That's how I ended up living in New York. What did you study at college, Madalina?” She attempts to make small talk.
“Me?” My sister does what she does best and smiles. “I didn’t go to college. I married a Mafia boss, instead.”
Dario lifts her hand to his lips and smiles adoringly as he kisses it.