“It’s always the treasures that don’t understand their value,” he murmurs.
“Whatever, my world is much more reality based than yours. This is why we’re friends. I anchor you to the real world.”
He rolls his eyes. “You’re a brat.”
My heart warms as he tugs me into a hug. It’s safe and welcoming, like the first time he brought me into his embrace.
I pull away as I sense we’re no longer alone. His younger brother, Dario now stands on his right. Next to Dario is Carleen. I laugh when I note they’re dressed as Bonnie and Clyde.
“Good to see you again, Lizzy,” Dario says, his hazel eyes twinkling as he looks between Gio and me.
“Nice to see you too. How’s the restaurant?”
“No. Not tonight,” Gio says sternly.
I’m not offended. I can be a bit of a workaholic. If I’m not doing my day job, I’m running my own thing.
Jace, Gio’s right hand walks over and whispers something into his ear. I take the time to observe Carleen and Dario. As far as I know the two are best friends and business partners. Although, I’ve seen the way Carleen looks at Dario. Not to mention, he’s hella protective of her.
I can’t help but wonder if there’s more there. The Di Lorenzo brothers have always made me weak in the knees from the sight of them. Nevertheless, even if I didn’t think Carleen has feelings for Dario, he’s out of my league. Gio and I will forevermore be nothing more than good friends—never to cross or blur the lines.
Then there’s Dante, the third and youngest Di Lorenzo brother. Dario’s twin, who’s not only my boss, but he’s also a married man. On top of being out of my league.
Gio reaches to close my mouth for me. “You’re making a puddle, love,” he teases.
I shake my head to clear it. My book is left forgotten on the table as I give the new small crew my full attention. My hands are suddenly sweaty.
I wipe them on my skirts and roll my shoulders. Dario drops his eyes to my cleavage and grins. Carleen looks between the two of us nervously.
“You look very nice, Lizzy. Wow, your corset is so detailed. Are those real book spines?” Carleen says.
“Yes, Vintage books that were going to be thrown out. I was able to turn them into a corset and had a friend treat the pages so I could use them as the fabric for the skirts.”
“That’s impressive.” The hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I’d know that voice anywhere.
I turn to find my boss with his little girl in his arms. She has her tiny hands clenched against her chest with a beaming smile on her face.
“Bella wanted to come meet the Book Queen. I hope you don’t mind.”
I reach to brush my hand over the crown on my head. When I look into Bella’s sparkling hazel eyes, I know I can’t disappoint her. Taking in her cute little Princess Jasmine costume, I smile.
Giving a curtsy, I then say, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Bella.”
“See, Daddy, I told you she’s a real queen,” she says to her father. She then turns to me. “I want to be just like you when I get big. Do the books speak to you? Do you have special powers?”
Bella’s five going on six. I’ve been tasked with scheduling and planning her birthday parties for the last few years. It’s been fun to plan them, although I’m always surprised by how much rein I’m given with the planning.
I remember being her age and believing in all things magical. Meeting a queen would have made my world. One with magic, well, let’s say, I still believe in fairy tales for others. Which is why I smile and deliver.
“Oh, the books show me world after world. They play in my head like movies. Maybe I can show you how to see them too someday.”
Her face lights up even more. “I’d like that,” she says just above a whisper with awe in her eyes.
“That is if it’s okay with you, Mr. Di Lorenzo.” I clasp my hands in front of me and turn my attention to my boss.
He’s dressed as a 1920s gangster. I can’t help but wonder if he and his twin planned the theme. The Di Lorenzos Italian-Sicilian heritage is pronounced by their olive tanned skin, fleshy lips, and thick dark hair. I can’t help drinking Dante in.
All three brothers have lashes so thick and long you would think they all wear mascara and eyeliner. Dante’s hot on a regular day, but tonight I’d follow him in hopes of receiving a treat.
I snort at my thoughts. I’d more than likely get a trick instead. Gio raises a brow at me. I realize I’m letting my thoughts play out loud on my face again.