“Let’s start there. You’ve called your sister every day since I’ve been here. I wouldn’t say you’ve abandoned her. Ava told me what happened between you and the boys. I say good for you.
“Your type of relationship doesn’t work without honest and clear communication and goals. It’s not wrong of you to want a clear time line. Unfortunately, as a woman, you do have a clock that we as men take for granted.
“I don’t think Gio meant to be insensitive to any of that. My son’s main goal is to secure a safe environment for you and his family—outside of you, mainly his mother.”
“I know, that’s why I feel so selfish. He has so much on his shoulders. I thought I could do this with him, but now I’m asking myself at what cost. Can I afford my love for Gio?”
“That is a question that rests within you.” He chuckles.
“What’s so funny?”
“You do know my son is coming for you? One way or another.”
“Yeah, I know. A part of me wants to know what’s taking so long and the other part is telling me to run.”
“It’s been a year. I do believe your time is almost up. Ava will miss you.”
“I’m going to miss her too.”
“What made you bring Holly along?”
“She reminds me of the good I do back home. I thought I’d find answers with her here with me.”
“I like her. Ava does too. She’s a real friend. Hold on to that.”
“I’m sending her back. She’s one of our best. I need her with him, not me.”
“There you go putting him first. Marone, it won’t be long before you’re right behind her. Remember, clear communication and goals, Nyla. That’s how you make it work.”
He gets up and heads back toward the house. I sit and think about our talk. I was clear about what I want. Gio’s the one who needs to communicate with me.
But you don’t answer his calls.
Fair point, but I know my strengths and weaknesses. I talk to Gio. I’m going back and I’m not ready.
CHAPTER 55
In Need of Friends
Gio
I’m annoyed. If my phone rings one more time with some bullshit, I’m going to explode. I didn’t think I could loath Bethany any more than I already did.
She’s proven me wrong. The cunt doesn’t even want to take care of her own child. Dante needs a new wife, not a spoiled brat.
Bethany’s days are numbered, I can promise you that. The more unhappy he sounds, the more I want to blow her brains out. I wish Ny were around to handle her for me.
Speaking of Ny. I know where she is now. She’s been hiding out on the farm with Ma. I know this because my mother can’t help herself when it comes to meddling. I’ve been called selfish, insensitive, and closed minded.
All in one conversation. It’s like she’s been waiting for a year to say all those things. A year, she’s known where Ny has been for a year and didn’t tell me until today.
“Ow,” Jace says and winces. “That had to hurt.”
“I shouldn’t have put money up on this. I’m losing my face and shirt.”
“What’s twenty grand to you?”
“Stugots, if that was all I bet. I’m down forty.”
He turns to glare at me. I palm my face and shake my head. “Ming suckered me into a side bet.”
Jace laughs so hard, I want to punch him in his throat. I roll my eyes and focus back on the reason I’m here. Lizzy is adorable.
She’s a much fuller version of Ny. She’s shy but has this drive and focus during the matches. She’s the main one kicking my team’s ass.
She runs her arm across her forehead and smiles at one of the other girls. The light bulb goes off as I watch that smile light up her face.
All that ass and those cute tits. She’s Dante’s walking dream, and if she’s anything like her sister, she’s his perfect match. The wheels start to turn.
I’m going to make this happen. I just need time and the perfect opportunity. Two birds, one stone.
Lizzy gains a new friend and Dante is going to get his wish. I’m almost positive that once I get to know Lizzy, she will check off all the boxes. I feel it in my gut.
“I don’t like that look in your eyes. What are you thinking?” Jace says.
“Stugots. At least, nothing that concerns you.”
He groans and shakes his head. Wanting to make my presence known, I stand and saunter over to Lizzy. She has her head down over a book as I approach her.
“You owe me twenty grand,” I lean to whisper in her ear.
She turns to me with those big brown eyes, and they widen as her cheeks start to glow. My heart aches a bit as I look at her up close. If Ny and I had little girls they’d probably look like this.