“You did well.” I chuckle. “Not only beautiful, but friendly too. Though I’m a little shocked that Benito the heartbreaker is actually married and with kids.”
He laughs a low, gravelly laugh as he extends his arm behind me, leading me into the living room. I sit down on a plush charcoal armchair as he pours me a Scotch. I smile, the moment reminding me of us sneaking a bottle of expensive Scotch from my father’s prized liquor cabinet when we were only fourteen. We got so drunk, and we got grounded for a month—but it was worth it.
“To friendship,” he says, handing me a glass. I nod and take a sip. “So, tell me everything. What are you doing in New York? Last I heard you were in Chicago with the Spontagios?”
“Right. I’m here on business. Just a few errands that needed doing, and I wanted a change in scenery.”
“Good choice, my friend. And how is Giovanni these days?”
“He’s the same old Giovanni.” I laugh, noting the slight edge in Benito’s voice when he mentions his name. “Enough about me. Tell me about you. I still can’t believe you’ve ended up”—I wave my arm around—“here.”
“Not much to tell.” He laughs. “I work hard to provide for my family, and this is the reward. I couldn’t imagine my life any other way.”
I want to ask more about his business, but I refrain. As close as we once were, I can’t kid myself that the eight years apart and the different paths our lives have taken haven’t made an impact. Our conversation feels forced, and that upsets me. I had so many questions about my family that I was hoping he could answer.
His father and mine were close. They were both heavily involved in the Mafia, and I’m positive he would have some idea of what happened that afternoon. Benito would know something, especially now that he’s involved in the family business.
I’m all for fine Italian produce, but you don’t make this kind of money from owning a deli.
Carrie calls us to dinner, cutting our conversation short. In a way, I’m glad for the interruption because it allows me to observe the two of them together. We walk into the dining room where the table has been perfectly set up with the finest china and silverware. I examine photos hanging on the wall. Their children. A boy and a girl, they’re smiling or laughing in every image.
“Federico and Carolina.” Carrie smiles at me.
“They’re adorable,” I reply. “How old are they?”
“Just turned two, and they may look adorable, but I can assure you they are both little terrors.” She motions for me to sit as she finishes bringing the food over to the table. “Benito insists we hire a nanny to help with them, but I prefer to do it myself. It’s the best and worst part of motherhood. Why would I want to miss out on that?”
“So you can spend more time socializing with your friends and painting your nails,” Benito cuts in with a laugh.
“I see my friends enough, and since when do I care about my nails?” she asks, rolling her eyes. “Nails and toddlers are two words that should never be spoken together.”
We sit down to eat, and I listen to the two of them argue. I chuckle, because it’s obvious how in love they are. After we finish, I start helping to clear the table, when Benito asks me to join him for a drink.
We go back into the living room. I sit down as he pours me a
nother drink.
“So, do you work for Giovanni these days?” he asks me, handing me my drink.
“Yes and no. Not as much as I’d like to. I’m actually doing my master’s in economics.” I laugh at his surprised expression. “I know, it sounds like a weird choice, but I want to make sure I have my future secured.”
“And you don’t think Giovanni will do that for you?”
“I don’t rely on anyone but myself,” I reply.
“That’s a good thing.” He hesitates before adding, “You need to be careful who you trust in this world, Pietro. Sometimes those we think are our allies turn out to be the ones that hurt us the most.”
I want to ask him what he means, but he quickly changes the topic. I only half listen, my mind still stuck on the previous conversation.
Does he know something about Giovanni that I don’t?
Finishing my drink, I get to my feet. It’s getting late and I’m keen to get home and unwind.
“Well, I think it’s time for me to go. Thank you for a wonderful meal, Carrie. It was lovely to meet you,” I say, turning my attention to her. She smiles as I kiss her on the cheek.
“You’re welcome here anytime.”
Benito walks me to the door. I embrace him, then slip on my jacket.