Chapter 19
While driving back to my place, my phone rings. When I see it, it is Luca, my body tenses.
“Get to my house. Now.”
His demand made me nervous.
“Sure,” I reply, “You sound on edge.”
“Just get here, Bethany.”
My brother only said my full name when he was angry, and although he didn’t allude to anything specific, I couldn’t help but feel like I got caught.
The entire ride, my stomach was in knots.
While pulling into his driveway, I see Emilio’s car.
My heart started pounding. Seeing his car here was never surprising, but I was concerned this time.
“Ms. DeCarlo,” the butler addressed me. “Your brother is in his office waiting for you.”
I walk away before remembering Luca scolding me for my lack of sympathy toward the house's staff. I didn’t want him to add this to the list if he was upset with me.
“Thanks,” I reply, wishing I could remember his name.
I could hear my brother speaking as I walked toward the wing of the house that was forbidden to be in unless Luca asked for you.
“Go down there and remind her whose city she is in,” Luca demanded.
“Will do.”
“And next time, Emilio, I should get calls with resolutions, not problems.”
“I’ll make sure of it,” Emilio assured him. “I suggest we do something about Alfie.”
I listened closely to hear what they were talking about. What could Emilio mean by doing something about Alfie?
“I’m not getting rid of him.”
Emilio huffed, “Luca, I’m not sure why you have this attachment to this kid. He owes you nothing.”
“It’s none of your concern, E.”
They only addressed themselves this casually behind closed doors. Over the years, they have grown close. I’d even go as far as to say they were friends.
“It is my concern,” Emilio replied. “You take this orphan under your wing, and then you have me look after him like he’s one of our own.”
“He is.”
“He was initiated into the family after a damn week of knowing him, Luca.”
“I don’t need to explain anything to you. You work for me, and if I tell you to do something, I expect it done without pushback.”
Even though I wasn’t in the room, I felt the tension. I knock before walking in.
“Hi,” I smile, and I enter the room.
I find Luca and Emilio standing facing each other with a drink in hand.
“A bit early to drink,” I commented.
“It’s been a rough morning,” Luca stated.
I shot Emilio a questioning look, but he turned away and poured more liquor into his cup. He was avoiding me.
Luca went on. “Bethany, Gabe Appollo wants a wedding within the week.”
My stomach dropped. “That’s extremely last minute.”
“It’s not ideal, but I can’t push it off.”
I laugh, “Yes, you can. You’re Luca DeCarlo.”
Walking toward the liquor stand, Luca hands his glass to Emilio for a refill. “Something has come up.”
“Like what?” I huffed.
“Nothing for you to be concerned about.”
“Nothing to be concerned about?!” I cross my arms at my chest. “You’re so quick to marry me off. What could be so important to override that?”
Just as I finished saying that, there was a knock at the door.
“Come in,” Luca shouted.
Alfie steps in. “You wanted to see me?”
“Yes,” Luca replied. “You’re going to California.”
The news took back both Alfie and me.
“Have I done something wrong?” Alfie asked.
“No,” Luca replied, “Emilio told me you’ve become quite the asset.”
Emilio poured a drink into a glass and gave it to Alfie as he joined our circle. Alfie seemed skeptical initially taking it but took the cup and waited to hear more.
Luca continued, “My uncle Neil is looking to retire. His position will be open for the taking. I think you would be a good fit.”
“I prefer being in Chicago,” Alfie replied.
“You’ll learn a lot from Neil. Give it a shot; we can revisit the conversation if you still don’t like it after the year ends.”
As though there were no other answers, Alfie replied, "Whatever you want, Luca.”
“You’ll catch a flight with Aria,” Emilio added. “You leave in an hour.”
“Go pack a few things; anything else you need, you can get while you are there,” Luca said.
Alfie gulped his drink and smiled before walking out.
I ask my brother, “You’re sending Alfie to look after Aria?”
“No,” Luca replied, “Like I said, Neil will be showing him the ropes out there.”
“I’m sure the redhead will love that,” I comment.
“The redhead stays in Chicago.”
The confusion was written on my face. Luca shot Emilio a look to let him fill in the blanks.
Emilio cleared his throat, “The redhead is keeping tabs on Aria and on us to report it back to her brother in New York. Keeping her here will let them think they still have an upper hand.”
I nod my head even though none of this makes sense to me.
“Wear something nice tonight,” Luca said.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“You have dinner with your fiancé.”