“Because she’s my friend.”
“I want to read it.”
My head snapped back, and I tried to understand where that tone was coming from. “Elio, is there something you want to ask me?”
“I just did.”
“No, you demanded.”
He shook his head like there was too much going on inside it. “Let’s talk tonight, our place, eight p.m.”
“Okay.” I tried to follow his spinny head then gave up and slid my letter from his hold. He left, and I waited a beat then approached Mariano, who was looking in the other direction as he lowered his phone. I came up behind him.
“Hey, Mariano. Sorry, but I can’t make it tonight.”
“Where is the car?” He looked at the driveway.
“I was walking.”
“Sienna, do you just not want to be alone with me?”
“Like I’ve said countless times, I’m not looking to date. Honestly, Mariano, I think given recent events, going out for anything at all just isn’t appealing.”
“You know I’ll protect you.”
I internally rolled my eyes. “I know, but I need to pass.”
His hands were in his hair pulling roughly. “You’re a God damn tease, Sienna.”
“What? How? I’ve been honest with you from the very start.”
“Have you?” His eyes searched mine, and I took a step back. “Do you have the notebook?”
“What?”
“Don’t play games with me!” he nearly yelled, and Francesco appeared at the top of the steps and cleared his throat. “Sorry.” His face smoothed out, and the scary, intense lines that had just creased his forehead disappeared. “That’s not what I meant to ask.” He rubbed his face with both hands like he was coming down from a high. “I think I need some sleep.”
“Agreed.”
“I’m sorry.” He took my hand and gave it a squeeze. “We can do dinner another night.”
“That would be best.” I stepped back and watched him get back into his car and peel out of the driveway.
“Are you okay?” Francesco asked as he joined me.
“Yes, thanks. Dealing with Mariano is always such fun.” I grimaced.
“He’s getting worse.” He watched as Mariano took the corner hard. “We have someone tailing him, and I hope it’s only a matter of time before he leads us to something worth all this. It’s so frustrating.”
“I think I want to see my mother. Can you take me?”
“Yeah,” he smiled, “I can do that.”
As we drove, I sat quietly. Francesco seemed to understand I needed that and did not break into my thoughts. There was so much racing through my mind I wasn’t sure where to start.
“Again,” I started to speak in the middle of a thought, “you’re not blood related to the Capri family, correct?”
“No, just very good friends with Piero. He trusted me, and I became his right-hand man.”