Speak Low (Speak Easy 2)

He grinned. “I liked that it made you jealous.”

“Of course you did. Well, not to worry, I’m sure she’s on to the next sap by now.”

“Swell. She can bring him to our wedding.”

“As long as she keeps her hands off the groom, it’s fine by me.”

“Could be tough. Especially if I wear my nice suit.”

I sighed in disgust as he pulled up in front of Evelyn’s house. “You know, just when I think you’re a nice guy…” I opened the door and started to get out, but he grabbed my arm.

“You know how much I love you, right? How happy we’re gonna be?”

“Beat it, Joey Lupo. You’re a troublemaker, that’s what you are.” I leaned closer and lowered my voice. “And if you didn’t have such perfect lips and hands, or such a nice big”—I glanced down at his crotch—“apartment, I wouldn’t even talk to you.”

He laughed out loud, and I pulled my arm away. “No kiss goodnight?” he asked.

“You’ve had enough kissing. Now go.” I slammed the door.

Grinning, he threw me a kiss and took off down the street.

Chapter Seventeen

Later that night, I walked home, my cheeks sore from smiling and laughing so much with Evelyn. Other parts of me were sore too, but even that made me happy.

At the news of my engagement, Evelyn had been stunned, then ecstatic, then envious, and then thrilled when I asked her to be a bridesmaid. After a lot of squealing and hugging and misty eyes, she got practical, going over all the details I’d have to attend to before the wedding took place.

“You’ll need bridesmaids dresses—you’ll have your sisters, of course—and flowers. You’ll have to plan the menu for the party and have Bridget’s dress altered and get a license and oh! You will let me throw you a bridal shower, won’t you?”

I’d winced and shook my head, telling her I wasn’t really the bridal shower type, and anyway, we were moving into Joey’s apartment, which already had everything we’d need, assuming his mother let us keep it all. Did I really need my own china or silver tea service to sit unused on a shelf like Bridget’s?

Eventually, Evelyn got smug and told me she’d seen it between Joey and me all along, and how even Rosie had admitted that he hadn’t laid a finger on her and in fact he had talked about nothing but me the two nights he’d driven her home. When we imagined her sitting next to him in the car, getting huffier and huffier at his inattention, we laughed out loud.

As I rounded the corner onto my block, I thought about Joey’s meeting with Angelo. Twisting my hands together, I prayed that everything had gone smoothly. Why hadn’t I made him promise to call?

Daddy’s car was still in the driveway. I was surprised that he was taking a night off, although it was a Monday. Perhaps the club was closed. I let myself into the house, which was dark and silent. Everyone must have gone to bed already. I knew I should too, but I was antsy. I wouldn’t be able to sleep worrying about Joey. So when my eye caught Daddy’s keys on the front hall table, I swiped them into my hand and went out again.

I wanted everything settled. No point waiting until

tomorrow.

I’d talk to Enzo tonight.

#

“Floor, miss?”

“Nine, please.” My voice was shaky, and I cleared my throat. “Thank you.”

The operator at the Statler pushed nine and the doors closed. As we ascended, my stomach churned incessantly. What would his reaction be? Had I made the wrong decision to come here tonight? I hadn’t told anyone where I was going. By the time the elevator pinged and the doors open, I was close to nausea.

But I stepped out, nodding at the operator behind me and taking a few deep breaths. Come on. You faced Angel down when you were hundreds short on the ransom. You tricked Raymond into all sorts of things, even when you were at gunpoint. You can end things with Enzo without falling apart.

I put one foot in front of the other and began the walk down the hall to the front apartment. But my knees wobbled. What if Enzo didn’t see it my way? What if he tried to change my mind?

No, impossible. I straightened my shoulders and lengthened my strides, confident I wouldn’t be seduced by him ever again. Maybe I won’t even find him attractive.

Somewhere deep in my brain I heard a peal of laughter.