Page 9 of Crimson Fate

We both turn our heads toward the toaster, now emitting an ominous plume of smoke. Panic surges as I rush over, yanking the blackened toast from its fiery grave. “Shit! It’s ruined.” I shout as I pull it out and toss it in the sink, running water over the smoking charred squares.

Eva bursts into laughter, the sound contagious and joyful. “Like I said, you don’t cook.”

“Real cute,” I huff.

“Here, let me put a couple of new slices in,” she offers, still giggling.

With one crisis averted, I return to the stove, only to find another disaster waiting for me. “Fuck!” I exclaim, annoyed with myself. “The eggs are overdone.” Frustrated, I toss them into the sink as well.

“Vincent.” Amusement dances in Eva’s eyes. “Will you please sit down before you burn the kitchen to the ground? I’ll finish making breakfast.”

I oblige, grumbling as I sit at the kitchen island. I watch Eva effortlessly crack fresh eggs into the pan before checking on the new slices of bread in the toaster. She moves with the grace and skill of a seasoned chef, making me wonder how many other talents she’s hiding.

“Promise me you’ll stay close tonight,” I state as I watch her work, my concern for her safety outweighing my embarrassment over my cooking mishap. “Even if it’s not a trap, you never know what might happen, and I need to know you’re safe.”

“Aw, that’s kind of sweet,” she chimes before looking at me. “I promise.”

She flips the eggs with practiced ease and glances over at me.

“There was actually another reason for my visit,” she admits, her voice soft and hesitant.

“Uh-oh,” I tease. “That usually means trouble with you.”

A smile peels across her face as she removes the toast from the toaster and places a slice on each plate on the island. She smears the avocado on each slice, glancing up at me briefly before she continues. “I’ve been thinking about your issue with being seen as the new boss of the family, and I had an idea.”

I laugh, unable to help myself. “Eva, you may know more about cooking than I do, but you know nothing about my business.”

“Maybe not,” she concedes, “but hear me out.” She gauges my reaction before continuing. “What if you hosted a party? You could invite all the family associates and create a visual representation of you being in charge.”

For a moment, I’m taken aback by her suggestion. I’ve struggled with gaining some capos’ respect in the organization.

“And what exactly would be a visual representation of me being in charge?” I ask, not wanting to admit right away that a party could be the perfect opportunity to showcase myself as a leader.

Eva turns back to the stove, pulls over the frying pan, and settles a perfectly cooked, over-easy egg on top of each slice of avocado toast. I watch as she cranks some salt on top of each piece and then slides one of the plates in front of me.

“Well, obviously, you would be stationed at the head of the table,” she says. “The food, the atmosphere, all of it will speak that you are your father’s son. It will be a coordinated dance of perfection, and at the end of the night, you gift each of your men something that says you appreciate them sticking by you after your dad’s death.”

“A gift? Like what?”

She shrugs. “I can’t figure everything out for you. You have to do some of this work yourself. That or make me the boss.” She winks at me playfully.

I study Eva’s face, searching for any sign of doubt or hesitation. But all I see is her unwavering determination and confidence in her idea. Dammit, she’s right. This party could be the perfect opportunity to establish myself as the new boss. “As tempting as passing the reins to you might be, I think I’m good,” I reply. “But I love the idea.”

“Really?”

I nod. “Absolutely, but I’ll need your help to pull it off. Will you help me plan it?”

“Of course,” she replies without hesitation, her eyes sparkling excitedly. “I’d be more than happy to help.”

“Thank you,” I say sincerely, my eyes meeting hers. “I really appreciate your help. Not just with the party... with everything.”

She smiles warmly. “You know how much I miss Amelia since she’s been so busy with her new life. I’m happy to have something to occupy my time and help out a friend.”

There aren’t many people I can be vulnerable with and show a softness to. As the son of one of the most powerful Mafia bosses in New York, I know it’s dangerous to show weakness. Eva isn’t part of this world, though. I have been able to be the man I wish I could be with others but don’t dare.

As we eat, we discuss plans for the party, brainstorming ideas. I find a certain comfort in the easiness of our conversation.

“Let’s make sure this party leaves no doubt that I’m the exact man who should be leading this family,” I say, taking another bite of her delicious breakfast.

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