“No, I believe in true love, Chi.”
“Really?!” I move closer to her, intrigued by her admission.
“Yes. I just don't think there is anyone for me.” I want to ask her why she feels this way, but I know her enough to know she has shared all she is willing to.
“Martina, Gaia is looking for you. Seems your informant on money laundering needs a little… incentive. She is waiting by the car.” My sister walks in cool and calm issuing orders like it is second nature to her and I guess in a way it is. She was the oldest and with no son, my father often took her with him to meetings and such. She had an up close and personal look at the operation, even the shit she wished she didn't see. She walks over to me and puts her hand on my shoulder before sitting down beside me. “How are you, sopresa?” Ugh seriously.
“Really? Are you ever going to stop calling me that?” I ask her, elbowing her slightly.
“Well, not now. Because once again you have surprised me. I would never have thought you would have fallen in love with someone who kidnapped you.” Huh, that makes two of us.
“I fought it, Giulia. I really did, but everything about him fits, for me. But now, all I keep thinking is what if I am pregnant and he gets killed?” I expect something smart from her like a snide remark about it being fate or something, but she looks at me wistfully for a second before she responds.
“A man in love won't allow himself to die.” The way she says it makes me think she has loved and lost. Add it to the many things about my sister she keeps close to the vest. “But no matter what, we would be here for you and my niece or nephew.” I lean into her and kiss her cheek.
“I never doubted that for a second, big sis. Have you talked to the uncles?”
“Yes. They are not too… amenable to my stance. You know the whole good old boy’s thing. No woman should be in charge. I told them if they step foot here in my city, I will kill them all.” With her clenching jaw, she balls her fist and I know we need to change the subject.
“Where is Lily?”
“With Dario Lassiter. He was one of the only men dad had an affiliation with that had morals. I heard last year that he married and had a kid. I felt like she would be safe there.”
“I spoke with her the same day I talked to you. There was a man in the background and if her giggles were anything to go by, there has been more than watching going on.”
“Really? Do you think so? I have called and checked on her speaking with both her and Dario. Neither of them have mentioned anything to me. Interesting.”
We talk for a few more minutes before she leaves to go to a meeting. Finally exhausted, I lay down, pillow in my arms, holding it like Jak used to hold me. “Where are you?”
Oh my God, I am so tired. My mind hasn’t stopped racing and there is nothing I can do about it. After I fell asleep yesterday, apparently, I stayed asleep. When I woke up this morning, Isha, our house manager, was standing over me smiling. I stretched and smiled back, but I was actually really creeped out. “You missed breakfast sleepy head. Time for lunch.” I sprang up like a coil, shocked that I had slept half the day away.
Apparently, everyone had something to do today so here I am alone, with nothing but my thoughts to keep me company. Bzzz. My phone rings. I answer it without looking, hoping it was Jakub. “Hey sissy.”
“Lily, hi. How are you?” I try to put some excitement in my voice. I don’t want her to feel like I don’t miss her because I really do, but right now, my body misses him.
“I am great.” She says and then stops for a second before she starts breathing really hard. That is her tell for when she is overly excited, and she is waiting on someone to ask her why.
“Lily, what’s going on?” I ask her to put her out of her misery.
“OMG. I am so happy you asked. I am about to burst. I have a secret. I am not supposed to say anything right now but, I can’t keep anything from you for too long. I am in love.” She squeals on the phone. I pull it back from my ear and frown. What is wrong with me? Lily and I used to feed off of one another. When she was excited so was I, but I literally cannot muster an ounce of excitement. Am I selfish? “Hello. Chiara. Are you still there?” Shit.