Page 45 of Surprise Baby for the Mafia Boss

I purse my lips and rub a finger over my temple, trying to sort out the contradictory ideas mulling around my brain.

“Do you love her?” Grazia asks, making a gagging sound right after that makes me laugh.

“I…uhm, I might. Is that okay?” I smile at her and tilt my head. She may be grossed out by this thought, but I have no doubt that my sister would put my happiness above her feelings of betrayal. It’s one of the things I admire about Grazia and the way she lives her life.

“Mmm, it’s not ideal. But maybe it’s not the end of the world.” She winks at me.

“Look, Nonna and Em did get really close, and I was super grateful that she was here to help with things, especially as Nonna got worse. It was hard to see Nonna like that, but Emelia brought some sunshine into the house. And we would often have movie nights, where Nonna would make us promise a bunch of things for the future. One of those things was that we make sure you don’t hole yourself up in this office, alone forever. And Emelia gave Nonna an extravagant plan of exactly how she was going to make sure you got out once a week.”

Grazia laughs, remembering the moment. “Nonna was pretty happy after that, fully believing you were being left in good hands.”

Every time I think about Nonna and Emelia, my feelings get even more confused. There was no one whose opinions I respected more than my grandmother’s so why would she have trusted Emelia if she truly was someone who was just trying to manipulate us all? There was no way she would have been able to con Nonna.

“I just can’t be sure that all of that wasn’t just pretending, though,” I say, tapping the envelope in front of me. “Look at how good she was at acting like my girlfriend last night.” Emelia’s acting seemed too good sometimes.

“It could have been part of a grand plan. But, Luca, Em isn’t that good of an actress. And I think she has a bunch of flaws, but she’s not a terrible person. I never would have been friends with her if she was.”

Grazia’s defense of her friend is not unlike her. She’s a fiercely loyal person, but I am surprised at her thoughts after the huge fight that she and Emelia had.

I nod, about to agree with her, but my phone ringing interrupts our conversation. “Sorry, I have to take this.”

Grazia gives me thumbs up and leaves the office.

***

“Sonny, give me good news, my main man!” I answer my cell phone as I’m entering the mansion for the first time in a week.

I’ve spent most nights at my apartment, alone, since it’s closer to the warehouse and I could get more work done and meet with my distributors.

I also haven’t wanted to be too close to where Emelia might be lurking. I need to clear my head before I see her again, and I didn’t want to have any distractions taking me away from the deal.

Once I have the drugs stateside, I’ll have more time to think about the other things going on in my life.

“Boss, we got it! The shipment came in late last night. It’s in the warehouse, but we’ve already sent out the pre-approved orders and payments are all made.” This wasn’t just good news, this was great news.

A smooth delivery was all we were hoping for. Now the product will basically sell itself.

“That’s good to hear. Keep me updated, but I will need to make payment over to the Mexicans so I might be away for a couple of days.” I’ve promised Carlos that I will deliver his money in person, and this time I’ll be going back to his home in Mexico.

“All right, will do, boss.”

I put the phone down and bump into Enzo coming out of the office.

“You’re smiling.” He says it like he’s surprised, but he probably is. I save my smiles for good days, like this one.

“I am. My big shipment came in. It’s safe in the warehouse, and we have our first lot out on the streets already. Now I just need to take payment to Mexico.” I brag to him, hoping he sees that this has all been my work.

“Well done, Brother.” He slaps my shoulder and his phone rings. “Don?” He answers.

I watch him listen to the person on the other end of the call. It's one of his guys, and from the look on his face, he’s not getting any good news.

“Shit,” is all he says when he finally does reply. He listens a bit longer and then gives instructions. “Get everyone back to base, and send a message to the chief of police about what’s happened. He got his payment yesterday, and he needs to do his job today.” Enzo’s business voice is always so much more serious than his usual voice, and I wonder if my tone changes as well in moments like these.

“What happened?” I ask as he puts the phone down. Something is clearly wrong, that's obvious, and my good mood is almost immediately dampened.

“Another hit. They got into the club this time, and took off Tim’s left hand. This has to be a rival family trying to fuck with us. I’d put your guys on high alert too,” Enzo answers, already walking towards the door to leave.

“I will. Be careful!” I shout after him.

---