Chapter 34 #2
“That’s the way you took it. You know you meant more to me than that. Listen to how you say it.
“Like I planned to treat you like a filthy whore. I was in love with you. You ripped my heart out and started sleeping with my best friend,” Uncle Emilio says angrily.
“Fuck you, Emilio. I fell in love with your best friend. Who didn’t have to hide me and was willing to take me home to his family, where I was welcomed at their dinner table.”
“Enough,” Oni barks and slams her hand down on the table.
Everyone at the table and those nearby have their gaze on her. She sits like a queen, commanding everything around her. The shock of it all seems to have cleared.
“Stop making my life about you, the both of you. Mom, you should know I work for Emilio.
“He paid for my schooling and has made sure I’ve wanted for nothing. I know who’s behind Daddy’s death and it wasn’t Emilio. I’m nineteen and I will decide who I plan to marry.
“Rico is right, I would love your approval, but I will not be torn from him again. If you can’t get over your lover’s quarrel with his uncle, that’s on the two of you. I’m engaged and will become Mrs. Rico Gallo,” Oni says confidently.
“I only want what’s best for you. Nothing good has ever come from being involved with this man,” Brenda says.
“Nothing?” Uncle Emilio snorts.
“Eww.” Oni scoffs.
“I see why my son has fallen for you. That fire matches his own. It’s nice to finally put a name to the face. Hello Oni, I’m Carlotta Gallo, Rico’s mother.”
“Oni is right, this isn’t about us. You and I can talk later. I came to celebrate the two of them,” Uncle Emilio says.
“Uninvited,” I growl.
“Marone, why is it the two people I love most in this world only see me as some monster?”
“Because you promised me I would pay for my betrayal, and you’ve never broken a promise since I’ve known you.”
“We have suffered enough. I’m not here to hurt you.”
“Then why are you here?”
“Because Jack can’t be and I thought … never mind.”
“Oh my God, that’s it. You think you can replace her father?” Brenda chokes out.
“No, she reminds me so much of him. He would be so proud of her. I’m proud of her, but I know I’m not him.”
“You two still aren’t getting it,” Oni huffs. “Whatever this is going on between you, figure it out before the engagement party. As a matter of fact, neither of you are welcome at our wedding if you can’t at least be civil. Rico, I need some air.”
With that, Oni stands and marches out of the restaurant. I groan and close my eyes. Could this have gone any worse?
“Does your wife know about this?” Brenda hisses at my uncle.
“I’ve been a widow for seventeen years, Brenda. I raised my daughter on my own. I don’t need to take Jack’s little girl from you. My princess comes with enough headaches.”
“Never stopped you from having your cake and eating it too in the past.” Brenda looks at my father as he sighs. Her shoulders slump. “I’m sorry. It’s good to see you, Fredrico, Carlotta. I’m sorry for your loss, Emilio. I know just how that can feel.”
“Which is why I tried to save you from that hurt. I’m sorry I was too late. Jack was like a brother.
“I let my ego and pride get in the way. Don’t punish my nephew for that. He isn’t like me. He’s a better version of me and Fred.”
“Emilio,” she says as her voice cracks. “If I allow this … If I choose not to fight it with every ounce of blood in my body, know that I will take down every don, capo, minion and all their crews over my baby girl with that same strength I reserved. Your world doesn’t get to steal from me again.”
“I would rise from my grave to help you because they will touch her over my dead body. That I promise.”
Oni
“Are you all right, cara?”
I look up from my phone as I stand outside the restaurant angry texting with Emilia about her dad and my mom. Staring back at me is Rico’s mom. She’s a gorgeous woman. Tall with dark hair and big gray eyes.
“I’ll be okay. I just wasn’t prepared for any of that.”
She moves closer and points to the little bench in front of the restaurant. I nod and follow her to take a seat. I don’t realize how much my feet are aching until I get off them.
I’m too angry to feel anything else. Emilio and my mother made tonight about whatever it is they used to have going on. I know he said he knew my mother, but I didn’t realize he knew my mother.
I could have lived a happy life never knowing those details. Now I can’t help cringing at the thought. Emilio was once in love with my mother. Eww.
“Ah, yes. Emilio blindsided us all. If I had known he was planning to come, I would have advised against it.
“Not that he would have listened. He never does when it comes to your mother. I warned him she wasn’t going to go for his plan.”
“You knew about them?”
“Oh, yes. Brenda was the love of Emilio’s life. He was devastated when his father arranged for him to marry Patrica.
“For months, he tried to figure out a way to get out of it. The man was obsessed with your mom. He treated her like a queen,” she answers.
I think I could see that. Emilio has been spoiling me since I saved Emilia’s life. Not to mention Emilia wants for nothing.
“What happened? He doesn’t seem like the type to fold because his father tells him to.”
“Back then, he was a different man, but he hadn’t planned to give in. He was going to allow Fred to take it all over. In those days, there was Emilio, Jack, Fredrico, and Gino.
“Gino and Jack were Emilio’s right hands. They did everything together. I think you know Mario, yes?”
I nod.
“Emilio was so proud when Gino asked him to be Mario’s godfather. Isabella and I were pregnant at the same time with Rico and Mario. We were all happy.
“Then one night, Gino was found slaughtered in the Irish territory. I’ve never heard or seen Emilio sob like that. The two were made together; they came up through the ranks together.
“Emilio wanted revenge. The only way to get that was to stay in the family. Finn Sullivan became his new obsession.
“I’ve always believed your father didn’t betray Emilio when he went to work for Sullivan; he gave his life for Emilio’s same obsession—their revenge for their friend. However, something along the line went wrong.”
I work my jaw. Nowadays, when I hear the name Sullivan, I see red. Why does that name keep coming up alongside the pain suffered by the people I love?
“You know a lot, don’t you?”
“We women learn to listen and not speak. Your role is unique. Not only are you honoring soldiers like your father, who were loyal and should have been made, but never could be.
“You’re honoring us women who have whispered in the shadows to keep our men happy, safe, and rising. My son is a lucky man. This change is good, and I think the two of you are perfect for it.”
“I’m the lucky one. I know Rico loves me no matter what. In this world and the next, he will always have my back.” I smile.
Carlotta’s eyes light up. “And the grandbabies, they’re going to be so cute. You were adorable when you were born.”
“You knew me as a baby?”
“I did. Brenda and I met up a few times before she fully pulled away. Want to know a secret?”
“Yes.”
“Rico was obsessed with you then. He would sit and just stare. ‘Pretty baby.’ That’s what he kept calling you.”
“Does he know this?”
She shakes her head sadly. “I had been forbidden from going to see your mother. Emilio was so angry and didn’t allow any of us to communicate with her or your father.
“I bribed Rico with ice cream not to tell where we had been,” she chortles. “He asked after you maybe once when he was five. I think after that he forgot.”
“Oh, wow,” I breathe.
“You see it too? You and Rico were destined to be together. Promise me you won’t let the past get in the way.”
“I won’t. Do you mind if I give you a hug?”
“Oh, of course. I wanted to pull you into my arms from the time I saw you.”
I laugh and lean in to pull her into my embrace. She smells nice. Giving me a tight squeeze, she then kisses my cheek.
“Now to get your mother to calm down enough for us to plan a wedding. You’re going to make such a beautiful bride.”
“Good luck with that.”
“You leave Brenda to me,” she says with a warm smile.