“I’m just saying he did his time.”
“I bet Grandpa would have a very different view.”
“Well, it’s not up to Grandpa anymore. Nico’s dad allowed Rocco to come back. It was his call.”
“It was a bad fucking call. The guy is a thief and a liar. He sees something he wants and then takes it without thinking about anyone else.” He rubs the back of his neck, his eyes darting around the room.
“Max, I know you’re still pissed off at him, but I really think you need to focus on the future now. Forget the past. It’s over.”
He narrows his eyes at me. “That jackass crushed my gambling business. He saw all the money I was making working with deVincenzo and decided he wanted to become a bookie, too. Then he went after our clients. If it wasn’t for that bastard, I’d still be collecting shit tons of cash every week. Instead, I’m stuck being Nico’s peon.”
“Nico helped you get back on your feet after everything happened.” My eyes flit back toward Nico and his harem, and a pang stabbed my heart like an ice pick.
“Yeah, great.” He rolls his eyes. “Did you see where Mom and Dad went?”
I shake my head, but I knew they’d been swallowed up by the crowd as soon as we walked into the funeral home. Always presenting a united front even in the face of despair.
“Rocco’s a scumbag,” Max seethes as he pulls me to the front of the viewing room, closer to the very person I don’t want to be near with every step we take. “I don’t want you around him.”
I sigh. “You say that about every guy.”
“That’s because guys are all the same.”
“That include you? Be careful of throwing stones and all. Besides, I think you forget I’m in college now. And I’m more than capable of handling myself.”
“I know. And when one of those jackoffs steps outta line, don’t worry, I’ll show up with my trusty bat.”
“Is it any wonder why I ended up at the University of Miami?”
He turns to me and winks. “You’re just a flight away. I can hop on a plane and beat the shit out of any one of those tools within three hours of leaving my house if I need to.”
“You’re impossible.”
“I’m just trying to protect you.”
“That’s what you all say. I’m a big girl.” Chills slither down my spine when I realize how close we are now to Nico and his harem. I wipe my clammy palms on my skirt. I don’t want to go up to him. My eyes zip around in every possible direction but his as we approach the casket from the right. Breaths come fast and furious, and my heart thuds harder and harder with each step. I’m so focused on the flowers that I slam right into Max’s back when he stops short to grasp the hand of Joe Salesi, Nico’s dad.
I gasp and jump back, now directly in Nico’s line of sight. And his deep, dark eyes sear through me, slicing away my anger and exposing what’s been festering for so long. I can’t break the spell; no matter how hard I try to yank back my heart, his grip is too powerful. Just like his gaze, the one that has me rooted to the spot, making everything around me fade to white noise. I can’t breathe, I can’t think, I can’t speak. I can only feel. And it hurts like a motherfucker. Rejection. Loss. A broken heart. Just a few things I’ve been battling while navigating my new life in south Florida.
But four months later, I’m still caught in the past.
I swallow past the lump in my throat and turn to Joe, breaking the connection, both physical and emotional, that sizzles between us. “I’m so sorry about Grandpa.”
He pulls me into his arms for a quick hug, thanking me for making the visit. “You know how much he loved you, Shaye. He would always reminisce about your marathon games of Scrabble and say how much he missed them once you left.”
“I loved him, too. And he was a good contender.” I manage a watery smile and swipe at a stray tear. “But you know he’s happy with Grandma Lou now.”
Joe nods. His face is stoic, but his eyes are vacant. Not something I’d expect from him. He is always on his game, no matter what the circumstances. The whole thing about people sensing weakness and all that. I’d expect nothing different now since he’s just taken control over the family in the wake of his father’s death. But I guess sometimes you just need to let it go and let the sorrow overtake, if only for a little while. We all need time to grieve. “I know. Thank you again for being here.”
“If you need any help with Lily while I’m home, just let me know. I don’t have any big plans, and I bet she can use some cheering up.”
Joe smiles and squeezes my hand. “I’d appreciate that. She’d love to see you.”
I take that as my cue to move toward the coffin, but not before I toss a quick glance over my shoulder to confirm there are not two, but four bimbos crawling all over Nico’s black Armani suit. I grit my teeth, carefully kneel before Grandpa and pray not only for his soul, but for the soul of his only grandson. It appears he needs it right now more than ever with the flock surrounding him, not even able to control themselves long enough to let Grandpa’s body turn cold.
But really, is it that surprising? Hadn’t I always known he’d have never chosen love over his livelihood? If it’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that Nico Salesi doesn’t make rash decisions. He’s probably the most calculating person I know, and he evaluates all of the risks before taking action. It’s one of the reasons why he and Max connect so well and have maintained their friendship despite our family’s feud. Max is the exact opposite of Nico, and somehow they balance each other out. My hotheaded brother could probably use a little more of that balance, but hey, hope springs eternal.
For some people, anyway.