Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
S ix Months later
Bianca
“What’s going on with you?” Joanna asks.
I shrug. “I didn’t get much sleep. I was excited you were coming back to Vegas for Christmas?—”
“Shut up, quit turning it around to me. I feel like a shitty friend for not picking up on it sooner. Here I was worried you were tired of me not getting back to you sooner. Except that’s not what’s wrong. What is happening with you?”
“I… I don’t know.” I haven’t told her anything. Not about Gaetano or the embarrassing addiction thing. It all felt so frivolous and stupid compared to what she’s going through to become a doctor.
“Start talking. You’re making me feel like a bad friend. I call you up at all hours of the day and rant and moan, and you let me, and I haven’t done any of that for you.”
Sighing, I give in. “I told Sandro how I wanted to work for the hotel on the strip when I graduate. He got upset and said it’s not happening. I’m not sure what the hell I’m supposed to do. It’s the plan. In fact, it’s the only plan I have. If I don’t work for the hotel on the strip, I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do.”
Joanna is studying me like a bug under a microscope.
“What?”
She shakes her head. “Nope, that’s not all. Keep talking.”
Oh god, I don’t know where they come from, but tears I had no idea I was holding in come pouring out of me. And with them, everything that’s happened.
A long time later, Joanna is handing me more tissues. “Jesus, I can’t believe you didn’t tell me. Now I really feel like a bad friend.”
“Whatever, it’s not like it changes anything. Because there is no way around any of it. Not Sandro killing Gaetano or Gaetano thinking I’m worth a bullet to the head.”
Running a hand over her face, she nods. “Yeah, I can’t… I don’t see a way around any of it. Other than you skipping out where Sandro can’t find you. It doesn’t sound like Gaetano is the skipping out type.”
“Exactly. It’s another reason why I didn’t want to talk about it. Talking about it makes it feel real. If I don’t think of it, it’s not happening. The only good thing is that I hardly see him. That’s why I, very stupidly, am going to the Outfit event at the main hotel. And I’m super nervous about it.”
“Why would you do that?” She gasps.
“I had too much eggnog with rum, and it bit me on the ass. Luca reached out directly to me to ensure I was aware he wanted me to come.”
“God, well, you know you can’t drink with him there. The last thing you need is to say something else.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” I snark at her.
The stare she gives me tells me I have no right being snarky. She’s not wrong. “Maybe it’s time to…you know.”
“What?” I’m confused.
“You know, hook up with someone else. Someone to get your mind off him. Move on.”
I flinch from the suggestion. The idea of another man touching me is gross. Shrugging, “I’m busy with school. I haven’t changed my plan. No guys until I have my degrees and a job. I don’t need to add a pain in the ass man to the mix.”
“Yes, you do. I’m not saying find the man of your dreams. They say you get over one man by getting under another. Maybe a golden retriever, cinnamon-roll kind of guy.”
I roll my eyes. “A golden retriever is still a dog.”
“Come on, it’s not like he’s sitting at home moping over you.”
“I know he’s not. He’s paying for some chick at the brothel. And what he’s paying for is someone who looks like me.” The words are out without thought.
“He pays for hookers?” Her eyes are wide. “How do you know they look like you?”
“Because he told me. Apparently, he has a thing for fat chicks. If nothing else, he helped boost my confidence.” I laugh when she smacks my arm.
“I can’t believe he said that to you.”
“He said he preferred women with curves, and it’s what he paid for. I wish I’d known that. The whole reason I left was because I was jealous when the chick called him to come save her, and he jumped to do it. She couldn’t be a girlfriend the way I thought, though, if he’s paying for it.”
More than a year later, I still ache with jealousy and hurt over the woman who called him. I’d wanted to scream from the pain of anyone else having a claim to Gaetano. How dare she call him? How dare he leave me for her? Then I remembered I wasn’t supposed to be there, and it was time for me to go before I forgot again.
“Maybe she was more important than a girlfriend. Like the one who got away. What if she’s the one who left him?”
“I don’t want to think about it.” The idea is making me nauseous. “I need you to help me pick out something to make him wish he was brave enough to go against Sandro.”
“I can do that. And before I go back to school, we’ll find you a guy who would be brother-approved.”
I force a laugh I’m far from feeling.
My stomach twists at the idea of going inside. Sandro isn’t happy I’m here. Whether Luca made sure I knew I was invited or not. He would prefer it if I were with Joanna in California—the same way I spent last Christmas and Thanksgiving. Except Joanna almost had a breakdown a few weeks ago when she came close to failing a class, so she’s here in Vegas for the holiday.
Christmas is in three days, and tomorrow, Luca leaves Vegas to spend a week in Chicago with his family. That meant the Outfit party to celebrate the holiday was tonight.
This event is in the ballroom of the main hotel. Bobby picked me up from the hotel in Old Vegas because Sandro is already here. I’m a horrible sister for wishing he weren’t, so I could see Gaetano without worrying that Sandro could tell how happy I was because of Gaetano.
The last six months have felt like years, and I’m dreaming of him almost nightly—a part of me is afraid I’ll forget what he looks like.
Bobby opens the door for me and urges me toward the front of the ballroom, where I see Sandro is sitting with Luca and Gaetano.
My heart is in my throat as I realize I’ll be sitting between Sandro and Gaetano. Sandro stands and pulls out my chair for me.
“I thought you were going with the blue dress.” Sandro grits out at me.
Shaking my head, I sit down. “You wanted me to go with the blue dress. I liked this one.”
My dress is a white cashmere sweater dress with a hem made of faux white fur. I’ll admit the hem is a little shorter, stopping at mid-thigh when I’m standing.
“You look beautiful, Bianca. That’s why your brother is in such a bad mood.” Luca chuckles.
“Thank you, Luca.” I take out the small box from my slightly too-large purse, the only reason I’m carrying it is for the gifts in it.
“You didn’t have to get me a gift.” Luca’s eyes are wide.
“Yes, I did. Sandro mentioned you have problems getting back on your sleep schedule after visiting your family in Chicago. This is an alarm clock that slowly changes the light in the room to wake you up gently. I was having the hardest time thinking of a gift for Sandro. This popped up as a suggestion, and I thought of you.” I explain.
Luca opens it and studies it. “I’ve heard of this. Thank you. Hopefully, it works.”
I don’t dare let my eyes linger on Gaetano as I take the other small box out of my bag. “I didn’t want you feeling left out. Here’s something for you. I hope you can use it.”
One eyebrow goes up as he takes it from me. “Thanks.” Is nothing more than a grunt as he sets it beside his plate, without opening it.
“Come on,” Luca chuckles. “Be nice.”
“That’s okay. I’m used to him being a dick. It’s his default setting.” I force a shrug.
Sandro and Luca laugh.
Sighing, I watch from the corner of my eye as he opens the box. They’re steel whiskey balls that cooled whiskey without diluting it. I’d noticed he had stones the day I was in his library. I’ve heard stones weren’t great, and it was better to use the stainless-steel balls.
“Thanks.” His eyes meet mine for two seconds. I wonder if I’m imagining the flare of heat in the black ice.
“You’re welcome. Sandro asked me to buy you the bottle of Macallan for Christmas because he can’t be bothered with shopping. I saw them in the store. Since you’re a whiskey drinker, I’m sure you have stones or other balls. I figured they’re like lip gloss—you can never have too many.” It’s a lie. If anyone looks too closely at them, they’ll know it because the balls are personalized with his initials.
Sandro laughs. “Thanks for telling on me.”
“Like anyone believes you go shopping.” I tease him.
“Thank you. I tell Luca this all the time. There is no such thing as too much lip gloss.” Luca’s girlfriend leans over him to talk to me.
“I’m forever losing my favorite one, too.” I commiserate with her.
A woman stops in front of me. “Has anyone gotten your order?”
I shake my head. “I only got here five minutes ago.”
“Okay, here’s the menu for tonight. I’ll give you a few minutes to look it over, and I’ll be back for your order.” She smiles as she asks if anyone needs a refill for their drink.
The menu is super small. There are only three possible entrées with five different sides. However, the dessert menu has more than five options.
By the time she’s back with a new glass of champagne for Luca’s girlfriend, I’m ready to order.
“In fifteen minutes, the kitchen should start serving everyone. You got here right in time.” Luca smiles at me.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t get the actual time this started. It’s my fault for not asking more questions and letting Sandro plan that part. I should have asked and gotten myself here on my own.”
“Or stayed home, the way I hoped you would,” Sandro mutters under his breath.
Forcing a grin, I tilt my head to study him. “Santa came already and gave me no reason to be good.”
Sandro and Luca share a look, then both start laughing.
Over the next hour, I wonder if I’m a masochist or simply stupid to want to be here. Despite being inches from Gaetano, I might as well be on the other side of the world from him. He looks through me—if he looks at me at all.
When Sandro asks me if I’m all right, I realize I’m not hiding my misery well enough. “Yeah, I’m just tired. I think I’m ready to go home. Too much shopping and I was up late with Joanna last night.”
“Okay, I’ll take you.”
I shake my head. “No, stay. I’ll get a ride on the app. I’m going to use the restroom, then go.”
“No need for either a cab or Sandro to take you. I’ll call a driver from the hotel.” Luca pulls my chair out for me.
“Thanks, Luca.”
“I’ll go with you, Bianca.” Luca’s girlfriend is up and beside me.
Struggling to hide my surprise, I give her a small smile. The woman intimidates the hell out of me. It’s not simply that she’s at least six foot and one percent body fat, she looks like a freaking model with blonde hair and green eyes. I wasn’t even sure she knew my name.
Beside her, I feel like a troll as we walk into the restroom. “I wanted to tell you that I love your dress and those boots. I’m forever in awe of how you don’t feel pressured to wear heels.”
I’m not sure if it’s an actual compliment or if it’s backhanded.
“Seriously, I hate these heels, but I don’t have the confidence to go without them.” She motions to the four-inch black, red-bottom heels. “I’ve never seen you in anything more than two inches stacked. Totally jealous.”
I shrug. “I tried heels, and I hate them. Since I’m so tall already, I’ve never been comfortable adding to my height.”
She rolls her eyes. “I got the teasing also in school, to the point I didn’t even try heels. Then men loved how tall I was, so I started wearing them.”
Once I finish and am washing my hands, I watch her exit the stall with a hesitant smile behind me. “I wanted to say, that like, I appreciate you not going after Luca.”
Shock has me blinking so many times my eyes go dry. “What?”
“I wondered. I mean, some women can’t help themselves. Tonight, I finally could see you weren’t interested in him.”
“No, I’m not, and my brother…”
“Well, your brother loves you. I mean, he says he would kill a guy, but if you love him, then your brother is going to make sure you have whatever makes you happy.” She wipes her hands on the linen hand towels.
I turn her words over and over in my head as I go back into the ballroom. Sandro sees me and is up from the table with my purse in his hands. Handing it to me. “Hey, Gaetano wants to leave, so he’s taking you home. Are you okay with that?”
Swallowing my desire to jump up and down, screaming with happiness, I nod. “Okay, I can manage not to kick him in the balls for as long as it takes for him to take me home.”
“I’d love to see you try, princess.” Gaetano chuckles from behind Sandro. “Let’s go.” He turns and walks away, leaving me to almost run to catch up with him.
It would be less annoying if Sandro weren’t laughing.
Gaetano is so far ahead of me that I’m pissed all over again. And think fuck it, as I give up on rushing after him. His eyes are narrowed on me as he held open the door to his car for almost a solid five minutes, since he was so far ahead of me.
“Thank you.” I flash him a saccharine-sweet smile as I get in.
Shaking his head, he nearly slams the door closed on me. The moment he’s in the car, he’s on me. “What did Tracy say to you?”
Remembering it, I laugh because of how crazy it sounds. “She wanted to thank me for not trying to go after Luca.”
“What?” He presses the button to start the car.
“I thought the same thing. I guess she thinks Luca’s all that, and women can’t help themselves going after him.” I watch him pull out his cell phone from his inner pocket and start typing. “Are you telling Sandro?”
“Yeah, he and Luca were worried Tracy was being a mean girl and trying to intimidate you. They asked me to take you home to find out what she said.”
I deflate, sad I was wrong. How stupid of me to think he volunteered to drive me home so he could spend time alone with me. Even Luca was worried…wait. “Luca was worried she was a mean girl, too?”
After reading a text, he sends back a short reply and nods. “She’s been different since he refused her request to go with him to Chicago to spend Christmas with his family. Put your seatbelt on.”
Annoyed at him and myself, I put on the seatbelt with a click and stare out the window.
Tossing the gift I gave him into the center console, he shakes his head at me. “What the hell with the gift, Bianca?”
“Why are you being an asshole? It felt wrong to get Luca something and not you.” I lie through my teeth. Seeing them, I knew he would use them. I wanted him to use them and think of me. If I’m haunted by his ass, it’s only fair. “I was surprised when she wanted to go to the restroom with me. I didn’t even think she knew my name.”
“She knows who you are. Luca probably got her interested in you by being insistent if you wanted to come tonight, that you could—despite Sandro’s preference that you not attend. When Bobby texted he was on his way with you, she seemed annoyed Luca was glad you were coming.”
“Why was Luca glad I came?”
One shoulder lifts. “I have no idea. But I’m sure once she saw you in that dress—which is too damn short—she wondered why Luca was glad you came too.”
“My dress is not too short.” I roll my eyes, annoyed he can’t see me doing it. The lights from the parking garage don’t reach past the windshield. “Joanna wanted me to wear one that was even shorter. If I wasn’t already annoying Sandro by going, I might have worn it.”
“Why the fuck did Joanna want you to wear a short dress?” He practically spits out the question.
It’s my turn to shrug. “She’s on me to get a boyfriend. If even she has time to have a boyfriend, then she says I should too.”
“Hmm.” Comes out of the dark.
“What does that mean? Even Sandro agreed with her. I didn’t think it was a good idea to remind him in front of her, though, that the last time I tried giving a guy my phone number, he disappeared.”
“It means I thought you were doing double majors and in a hurry to graduate. If you weren’t doing those two things, then maybe you’d have time for a boyfriend. Have you changed your mind?”
“No. Although when I finally told Sandro why I wanted to do the double major in business and marketing, he wasn’t happy. And has already tried to talk me out of it once.” I can’t believe it’s taken until now to realize it. “Where’s your awful music?”
“My awful music is off because I had to answer a call before I got to the hotel. I can turn it on if you want.” His hand goes up to the stereo, and I push it away from the touchscreen.
“No, please. I’m sorry.” There’s that damn electricity all these years later, and it’s still there. “Sorry.”
“Why do you want to get the double major?”
“I’m shocked Sandro didn’t tell you. I want to get a double because I want to work in the main hotel.” I thought Sandro told him everything.
“When did you tell him this?”
“A few weeks ago, when I got stressed about almost failing Spanish. He’s all, don’t worry, chill out. He actually said he’s more worried that I don’t party and go out. I’m aware he means well. But it’s almost worse the way he urges me not to work so hard. As if what I’m working toward isn’t important. It’s important to me.”
“Ah.” Is nothing more than a whisper.
“Okay, now what does that mean?”
“It means I figured out why Luca wanted you to come tonight. If Sandro didn’t talk to me about you wanting to work at the hotel, then he talked to Luca. Probably with the hope Luca would nix it. But Luca didn’t—Sandro would have told you if he had. Which means Luca wants you to work at the hotel.”
My stomach twists, and I’m not sure if it’s good or bad. “He does?”
“The thing about the mafia is it’s a family business in every way. To have someone on the business side who is aware of what we really do is a benefit, which is why he’d welcome you with open arms into the hotel. And why Sandro was so pissed you came tonight. With his desire for you to be out of mafia business, my guess is he thinks it’s too close for you to be in the hotel.”
“What do you think?” The words are out before I can stop them.
Another lift of one wide shoulder. “I think you should stay the fuck out of the Outfit the way your mom wanted. The way your mother made Sandro promise.”
“I’m not in it, though. It’s not like?—”
“You know exactly what you involved in the hotel could mean. It means you’re involved. And you should stay the fuck away.” The words are cold.
Angry and hurt, I fire back at him. “What I do is none of your fucking business.”
“You’re the one who asked. Don’t ask if you’re not prepared to hear the answer.”
“You are such a fucker.” I only now realize we’re stopped, parked behind the hotel.
“That’s me. Run along, princess. I have someone waiting for me. She’s on the clock.”
Jealousy has me slamming out of the car and refusing to look back. I hope he gets the clap.