9. New Year’s Eve #2
“I’m opening the garage door,” Caroline said. “Teddy parked on the street, so you can pull into the garage.”
“See you in a minute.” Halston hung up.
As she continued on, she eyed the holiday-decorated homes, their bright lights illuminating her way. Once in the garage, excitement flitted through her. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been to a dinner party.
Sydney stood in the doorway smiling and waving. Once she cut the engine, Sydney pressed the garage door opener and the garage started closing. After it shut down, Halston stepped out. She pulled her tote and a bottle of wine from the back seat, made her way over.
“Welcome!” Sydney said before she hugged Halston hello.
Halston entered the beautiful home, offered the bottle to Sydney. “Thanks so much for having me.”
Sydney accepted the gift. “Love Santini wine, and we’re thrilled you’re here!”
In the kitchen, the delicious aromas of baked salmon and beef tenderloin reminded her of Sunday dinners with her family. Both ovens were on, there were covered serving bowls on the center island.
A contemporary table and six chairs anchored the kitchen while faux candles flickered as a centerpiece.
“I love how open your kitchen is,” Halston said.
As Sydney brought her into the family room, Caroline and two men stood to greet her.
“This is my fiancé, Tank,” Sydney said.
Built like one, he towered at six-three with long blond hair and a big smile. “I go by Tank or Teddy.”
Tonight, Halston had worn a platinum blonde wig, had in her tinted contacts.
“I’m Barbi. Thanks for having me over.”
Caroline hurried over, enveloped her in a warm hug. “I’m so happy you’re welcoming in the New Year with us. This is my fiancé, Greystone.”
Crap… it’s New Year’s Eve.
Greystone—also super tall with broad shoulders, a military-short haircut and a mustache—extended his hand. Halston shook it as her thoughts spiraled. She was a fifth wheel at a New Year’s Eve celebration.
Ugh.
“What’s wrong?” Caroline asked.
“All good, why?”
“You’re nibbling your lip,” Caroline replied. “When we worked together, you did that when something was off.”
“I completely spaced on it being New Year’s Eve,” Halston admitted. “I’ll stay for a little while.”
“What are you talking about?” Teddy said. “You gotta chill with us.”
Sydney offered a sweet smile. “We’ve invited a few more people. They’re on their way.”
“So, you’re Barbi tonight?” Caroline asked, plucking Halston back to the moment.
Oh, boy.
“That is my name, Caroline,” Halston said.
“You’re with people you can trust,” Caroline said. “Be you… just for tonight.”
Halston peered at the foursome. She hadn’t been herself in a long, long time. “Just me, huh?”
“Hell, yeah,” Teddy said. “Your secret is safe with us, right guys?”
“One hundred percent,” Sydney replied.
Halston had used so many aliases over the years, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d been herself.
It sounded so tempting.
After a beat, she said, “I’m Halston.”
“How ‘bout a drink, Halston?” Teddy asked. “We’ve got a full bar. Or I can make you an espresso. We’ve got non-alcoholic drinks including sparkling water.”
The tension gripping Halston’s shoulders released a little. “I brought a Santini Chianti. I’d love a glass.”
“We just opened a bottle,” Teddy said. “It’s a staple ‘round here.”
“Your home is beautiful. Sydney, I’d love a tour.”
“Absolutely,” Sydney replied.
“I’m coming with,” Caroline said, as Sydney led Halston toward the foyer.
Halston appreciated the layout, she loved Sydney and Teddy’s décor—a blend of transitional pieces mixed with a few modern ones—but more than that, she loved watching the sisters interact. They spoke in a short-talk, finishing each other’s sentences and laughing a lot.
She missed her brother, Wolfie, and she missed her parents too.
As they made their way through the beautiful home, Halston decided she wouldn’t bolt early. When the stroke of midnight came, she would rejoice in being home, in being with friends, and in being her true self.
I have so much to celebrate.
GAbrIEL
Teddy flung open the front door, shot Sin and Evangeline a grin. “Good to see ya. C’mon in!
“We brought a surprise,” Sin said as his wife moved aside.
Waiting behind them, Gabriel shot Teddy a smile.
Teddy broke into a grin. “Fratello!”
The three stepped inside.
To Gabriel’s surprise, Teddy extended his hand. When he clasped it, Teddy pulled him in for a hug. Theodore was the brother always looking to mend family rifts. A true peacemaker.
“Happy New Year!” Teddy shut the front door, flipped the bolt. “The girls are on a house tour if anyone wants to check out the new digs.” Teddy pointed toward the nearby stairs.
“Love that.” Evangeline gave Sin a quick kiss before trotting upstairs.
“Who’s ready to rock New Year’s Eve?” Teddy shifted toward Gabriel and his mouth dropped open. “What the hell happened to you? You’re covered in blood.”
“We had a job,” Sin replied.
“I need to clean up,” Gabriel said.
“I got you,” Teddy said. “Lemme grab you something to wear. You can use the guest suite downstairs. Go say hi to Greystone. He’s in the kitchen.”
As Teddy jogged up the stairs, Gabriel and Sin headed through the house. Gabriel did not expect the same warm welcome from Greystone.
“That went well,” Sin said. “I thought you said they wouldn’t be happy to see you.”
“Teddy’s easygoing, Greystone not so much,” Gabriel murmured as they entered the spacious and newly-decorated kitchen.
Greystone stood alone near the center island, his attention glued to his phone. He glanced up, shot Sin a smile. “Happy New Year.” When he noticed Gabriel, surprise flashed in his eyes. “Here comes trouble.”
Greystone and Sin shook hands.
“Are you back already?” Greystone asked before awareness lit up his face. “Dammit, G, you never left… did you?”
“No,” Gabriel replied.
Here we go… brace for fuckin’ impact.
“G,” Greystone began. “Why in the hell—”
Gabriel gripped his younger brother’s shoulder. “Take a breath. It’s New Year’s Eve. Sin and I had a thing we had to do—”
As Sin poured himself a Santini Whisky, Greystone moved closer. “Jesus, you’re covered in blood spatter.” Then, he shifted back to Sin. “Should I even ask?”
“I wouldn’t,” Sin replied.
“We took out one of the Bratva that ambushed me,” Gabriel said. “He tried to kill me a few years—”
“For fuck’s sake, Gabriel,” Greystone interjected. “Let it go.”
“I don’t want to get in the middle,” Sin said, “but—”
“Then, don’t,” Greystone warned.
“Don’t shut me up,” Sin warned. “Ever.”
“Greystone, take it down,” Gabriel said.
Silence while the three men eyed each other like wild stallions.
Teddy bounded into the room, holding a black sweater and pair of dress pants. “What the hell is going on? Are you two fighting already? G, what is wrong with you?”
“Before you point fingers,” Gabriel seethed, his hands curling into fists, “I was telling Greystone—who’s panties are in a fucking wad, by the way—that we took out one of the Bratva from the ambush.”
“He was a convicted pedophile who applied for work at my center for runaway children,” Sin said.
Silence.
“Yeah, so chew on that, asshole,” Gabriel bit out. “I’m taking off.”
“No, G,” Teddy said. “Stay. Please.”
Gabriel wanted to clock Greystone in the jaw. “Stop busting my balls, Grey.”
In a seething anger, Gabriel followed Teddy down the stairs and into the guest suite.
“You’re a good brother,” Gabriel said.
Teddy grinned at him. “Elsa tells me I’m a good boy.”
Gabriel smiled, patted his cheek. “I’m not.”
“I love you no matter what,” Teddy said.
“Your kids will be lucky,” Gabriel said. “I hope I don’t fuck mine up.”
“You’ll be a great dad… as long as you don’t act like ours.” After a beat, Teddy asked, “You okay?”
“I’m never okay, but I did what had to be done.”
Teddy set the change of clothes on the bed. “Let’s keep the vibe chill tonight.”
“Tell that to Greystone.”
Teddy left, shutting the bedroom door behind him.
Gabriel wasn’t sure why he was even there, but he’d have a drink, take off before midnight, welcome in the New Year at the hotel.
As he turned on the shower faucet, his thoughts turned to Barbi. Who was the mysterious faux-Russian vixen welcoming in her New Year with?
Of one thing he was certain… She’s got more secrets than I do.
He stripped down, stepped into the expansive shower stall.
As he rinsed his latest sins down the drain, the pooling water turned rosé.
What he did was wrong. He knew that. But this was what he’d been taught, the way he lived.
Ruthlessness and cunning had served him well, and it would continue to do so for as long as he ran Cosa Nostra.
After dressing in the pants and the quarter-zip sweater Teddy had left him, he made his way to the first floor. Rounding the corner, he stopped in the kitchen entryway to check out the group.
I’m not walking into another ambush.
Teddy, Greystone, Sin, and Evangeline had been joined by his cousin Carrera, his brother Luciano, and Luciano’s wife Simone. They stood talking in the family room. He circled back, his attention focused on the women at the kitchen table. And that’s when everything went into slow motion.
The mysterious Barbianna Bogdanova, was seated at the table, Caroline beside her, Sydney at the head. A glass of wine for each while they chatted away.
His lips tugged into a sly smile. Barbi had gotten looped in to the party, and Gabriel’s evening had gotten a lot more… exciting.
“I’m thinking about ditching my disguise,” Barbi said.
“Hell, yes!” Sydney squealed. “One hundred percent.”
“Yes, definitely.” Caroline put her arm around Barbi’s shoulder. “I promise. You’re safe with us.”
After a few beats, Barbi pulled off the blonde wig, tucked it into her tote.
Well… hello.
Pushing out of her chair, Caroline helped Barbi remove the hair pins.