"Mmhm."
Inside, I was holding back my laughter as she tried to work it out. Immy was a sucker for sushi, but we rarely had it because there weren't many great ones around us, and well, I was a sushi snob. So, if I was offering, she assumed it was a good one but wouldn't want to get her hopes up.
"I guess I could eat."
Nonchalance was not her strong suit, but I let her believe she'd pulled it off. I didn't get to indulge her often, so I couldn't miss the opportunity when it presented itself, even if only under the guise of something else. Quite frankly, I was just as excited about lunch as her.
A few minutes later, we pulled around back to the entrance. As the car rolled to a stop, the doors were immediately opened by some of our guards from outside. There were some odd perks to being the boss.
Nodding at the one holding my door, I stepped out and offered Immy my hand. She stepped out like the princess she was and placed her arm in mine. We might not always like our titles, but we knew when to wear them. Heading toward the back entrance, I saw the owner waiting there as we approached.
"Mr. Mascro, we're so happy to have you. Please, follow me to the private dining booth we have for you."
Nodding was my only response. My boss mask was firmly back in place, so I didn't offer him anything else. He hadn't earned it yet. The man shuffled on his feet, clearly feeling some of the tension I was intentionally building. After a moment, the owner turned and led us to the private booth.
The restaurant had a unique setup where it was mostly VIP booths with private curtains, some private rooms, and the main customer area had small tables with intimate lighting, so no matter where you sat, you felt as if you were alone. It was a profitable business and marketing concept, which was how it'd landed on my radar.
Nodding again as I passed him, I slid into the booth after Immy. Ignoring the owner even more, I turned to Immy to see what she was in the mood for today.
"What do you want to try today?"
She rolled her eyes at me, knowing what I was doing, but went along with it. She knew the score.
"Not sure. I want to see what the specials are."
"Hmph," I answered, still ignoring the man. With a huff, he turned and walked away and a tiny smirk lifted at the corners of my mouth.
A waitress arrived just then, bringing with her some menus and appetizers. So far, I was impressed with the place despite my disinterested facial expression. We both perused the menu, and I saw the different combinations offered. It looked like it would be a wise investment if the food tasted as good as the atmosphere promised.
After we ordered, the curtains were drawn closed, offering us privacy—or some semblance of it. I knew Sax was outside the booth, and being privy to everything in my life meant I could talk openly with Immy. It was the only comfort I had some days.
"Thoughts?"
I was curious about her interpretation of things, both because I valued her opinion but also to see how she weighed things in a business sense as part of her training. Everything was a business decision in the mafia. Everything.
"I like it. It has a good vibe, private, and seems to have a good business plan. If the food tastes good, then I think it would be a good investment."
"Agreed." Sitting back, I placed my hands in my lap, relaxing. "Now, how are your studies with your tutor going? Have you picked up your language more?" Another eye roll. It must be a two-for-one deal today.
"Ugh, it's fine. Mr. Wheeler is so boring, though. He's the absolute worst," Immy whined. Chuckling at her reaction, I nudged her with my elbow.
"That's the point. He's a tutor. He's not supposed to make it easy on you. I know I asked you earlier, but I just wanted to check in again. Are you feeling okay after opening up about it?"
Immy started to fidget, and I knew it was hard for her to talk about this, but I needed her to know she could. I wanted things to be different with us. It could be better between us now and not how our father had ruled.
"It's never fun remembering it, but it does seem to get a little easier each time. As much as I don't want to admit it, I think it is best for me. Thank you for going with me."
"Of course, I'm here for you, squirt. I want things to be different in the family, and that means that you're a priority to me."
Her nose scrunched up at her childhood nickname, but her blush showed me she was at least pleased, if not embarrassed, at my statement. A knock on the wood alerted us to someone returning, Sax's way of giving us a heads up so no eavesdroppers heard our conversation. We both straightened for the waitress to deliver our food.
Once it was plated in front of us, we devoured it and tried several of the dishes. I was glad Immy seemed to be healing and enjoying the lunch we shared. As we were leaving, she nodded, indicating she approved of the place.
The owner shuffled on his feet as we drew close. Sax led Immy out the door back toward the car, leaving a few other guards behind with me. Stopping in front of the nervous owner, I slid my hands into my pockets as I assessed him with a domineering stance.
"Mr. Sanu, I'm impressed. I would like to offer you a business arrangement. I will have my financial manager send over the paperwork."
He looked like he might pass out, and I wasn't sure if it was from happiness or nerves, but either way, he was no longer on my radar as I exited the restaurant. The day was still early, and there were still more meetings to attend as we headed back to our downtown condo.
I ignored the fact that Mrs. Carter's touch was still on my mind. Romantic entanglements weren't a reality I had. Besides, it wasn't like I had free time to date, even if I could.
As I said, the mafia never slept. Unless you were dead.