Chapter 32
The Crew
Rico
We’re all sitting in a chop shop I took over about a year ago. I had it converted into a little bar and lounge. This is where my crew and I meet up the most.
The guys tend to hang out here when not out working. I had a meeting tonight with the fellas, so Oni came along. We’ve been hanging out with our original crew to catch up since things finished up.
I look Oni over in her jeans, ankle boots, and black T-shirt. She looks right at home as she sips a beer and kicks it with my cousins. A smile comes to my face to know and see she’s safe and happy.
“You finally look happy,” Mario says as he comes to my side.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
I turn to him as he takes a seat on the stool beside me. He looks back at me with a smile. That scar a reminder of how far he’s willing to go to have my back.
“Come on. You have to know it hasn’t been easy for anyone to work for you in the last two years. But as your friend, it’s been hard to watch you fall apart and not know what to do for you.
“I’m happy she’s alive and back. You need her. This feels like it always should have been.”
I sigh and pull a hand down my face. I know I was fucked up, but I never thought about how it affected everyone else. To be honest, I didn’t have it in me to give a fuck.
“Have I been that bad?”
“Are you fucking kidding?” He laughs and shakes his head. “You’ve been mean for no reason. I’m talking beyond the ruthless shit. You’ve become cruel outside of all of that. It wasn’t hard to tell you were always angry.”
“And yet, you’re still here,” I murmur.
“Where the fuck else would I be? You’re my best friend. I’m here until the end.”
Turning to face him, I then grasp the back of his neck and press my forehead to his. I couldn’t have asked for a better best friend. If not for Mario, I wouldn’t have made it through the last three years.
“You’re my brother. This wouldn’t be if not for you by my side.”
“Now you have us both. She’s going to make one hell of a donna.”
“I think you’re right, but I still want to keep an eye on my uncle. I don’t trust him. In fact, I trust no one outside the people in this room. I need you to have her back like you have mine.”
“Without question. You already know this.”
I watch as Oni throws her head back with her laughter. She’s full of so much life. That smile on her face pulls me in every time.
“Yo, Rico, have you heard her Italian? She makes me sound like a stunad,” Eduardo calls out as everyone else laughs at him.
“Bro, that’s not hard to do,” Aldo laughs.
He and Ed begin to tussle, causing me to laugh and shake my head at them. For all their fussing, the two are as tight as ever. I’m grateful to have them around.
My cousins have stood by me as much as Mario has. In this life, it’s hard to find true loyalty. However, there is something that’s been nagging me. I shrug the thought off, not wanting to ruin the moment.
“She speaks a few languages and several Italian dialects,” Emilia says like a proud big sister.
“All tricks of the trade. The more you know, the further you go. I had to learn fast and gain an understanding of the art culture. I didn’t have time for language barriers.”
“Man, it’s good to have you back. I thought I was going to explode before Rico learned the truth,” Ed says, bringing my nagging thoughts back.
“About that. Who didn’t know?”
As I thought, Mario is the only one who raises his hand. Everyone else drops their heads. I’m not angry with them. I still place all the blame in Uncle Emilio’s lap.
“Let’s talk about something else. The night is young, and we were having a good time,” Al says.
“It’s all good. As long as it never happens again,” I say. “This is our family. I would die for all of you. Nothing comes before all of you.”
“You have my word on that,” Emilia says.
“Me too,” Ed says.
“You don’t even have to say that twice. I wasn’t told until they were on their way back,” Al adds.
Oni looks up into my eyes, and I can see her promise without needing to hear her words. I give her a nod, letting her know I see her. I know she’s still ready to ride for me.
Oni
“I love you too, Mom. I’m glad you’re having such a good time.”
“This island is beautiful. You and I need to take a vacation like this together. I’ve missed you so much.”
“We’ll plan something soon. I promise.”
“I’ll have to save up first, so it might be a while.”
“Mommy, you have nothing to worry about. I’ll take care of it. I have a bonus coming in from work,” I say and frown into the mirror.
It still sours my stomach when I have to lie to her. She thinks Uncle Claude is paying for the trip she’s on. In fact, I’m covering everything for her.
“I don’t want you spending all your money. You’ve been working so hard. Have I told you how proud of you I am?
“Going away was the best thing for you. I’m so happy you were able to turn your life around. You’re such a smart girl.”
“Thanks, Mom. That means a lot. Listen, I should go,” I say as tears burn the backs of my eyes.
She sighs. “I have to run too. I promised Claude I’d go for dinner with him and Monica.”
“Have fun. I love you.”
“I love you too, baby. Be safe and stay away from those Italian men.”
I laugh as she hangs up. She has no idea I’ve returned to New York and fallen right into the arms of an Italian man. In fact, I melt into Rico’s arms as he comes up behind me.
“You all right?” he asks as he kisses the top of my head and looks into my eyes in the mirror.
A smile comes to my lips as I look at our reflection and nod in response. We look good together, me in my bra and panties, him in his sleep pants with his chest bare.
He has way more ink than he had three years ago. I reach behind me to push my hand into his hair. He’s watching my eyes in the mirror.
“It’s just tough lying to my mom,” I choke out.
“You still hiding your involvement in our world from her?”
“What else am I to do?”
“Baby, we’re engaged. You’re going to have to come clean at some point. She has eyes and if she’s as smart as you are, she’s going to figure it out.”
I sigh. “I know. I’ll figure something out before she gets back to the city. For now, I just want her to think I’ve done something with my life she can be proud of.”
“Oni, you have done a ton she can be proud of. No matter how you look at it, you’ve accomplished a shit ton.”
“I know … can you help me get my mind off this?”
He squeezes his arms around me and kisses the side of my neck. “As you wish.”