Page 28 of Wild Ace

“You’ve helped me my entire life, nonno. Now it’s my turn to help you.”

“You shouldn’t have to.”

“If dad was still here, he’d do anything to help you. But it’s me here. So, I’m going to do whatever it takes. You need the money and I have the ability to get it for you. It’s as simple as that.” I give him my best serious stare and he sighs again.

“I don’t like this.”

“You don’t have to like it. But either way, I’m going to keep winning you money and using it to give my favorite place a little facelift.”

“What kind of facelift?” he grumbles, and I smile.

“I was thinking a new sign and awning out front. New floors, tables, chairs, and a fresh coat of paint. No drastic changes. Just a newer version of what everyone knows and loves. Maybe even a couple benches outside so people can sit and enjoy coffee and a pastry.”

“Fine,” he says after a long moment. “As long as you don’t make my place some hip joint where everyone who comes in has their phones out instead of talking to one another.”

A short laugh bubbles out of me. “I wouldn’t dream of it, nonno.”

“Good.” He nods. “Fine then. Now, go ask those hard-working gentlemen if they’d like anything to eat or drink while I finish opening up.”

“I think they’re fine,” I say automatically, not wanting to feed the lackeys Vinny sent to do his bidding.

“And I think you were raised to be polite.”

“Yes, nonno. Let me start the coffee first.”

“Thank you, honey. Do you want your favorite sandwich?”

“Yes, please.” He knows I’ll do just about anything for a pork roll, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel. Especially when it’s a bagel from the bakery that delivers fresh every morning. I love getting one within the first couple hours of delivery.

After I press brew on the large coffee makers, I head outside. “So, I didn’t catch your name earlier,” I say to the guy leaning against his car supervising the workers.

He grins. “Jimmy.”

“Well, Jimmy, when you’re done out here, you and the guys can order anything you’d like. Coffee is brewing right now, too.”

“Thank you.”

“You can thank me by telling Vinny to stop all of this.” Not waiting for him to respond, I walk back into the deli and pour myself a strong cup of coffee.

Chapter 10

Lexi

Déjà vu.

I’m having déjà vu.

I pull up to the deli on Wednesday, and Jimmy and the crew is back on the sidewalk, this time taking down the awning and the Manzato’s Delicatessen sign.

There’s a new sign leaning against the exterior to be put up, and I hate that I like it.

I park out front again and walk straight up to Jimmy. “So, he decided not to listen to me?”

“Looks that way.” He smirks, the arrogant bastard. “But I have this for you today. From him.” Jimmy hands me an envelope and I take it and turn away from him before opening it.

Lexi,

I’m going to keep being an inconvenience until

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