Page 89 of Fought and Freed

Sal said something to the guy in Italian, who then turned and left.

“So, what do the rest of you guys do?” Sal used a knife to point at the guys.

“I flip houses and go to school,” Cody said. “Right now, I’m taking general classes.”

“I work for Jace’s dad,” Skylar said. “He’s training me to take over as the superintendent.”

“I’m like Cody.” Ryder shrugged. “I’m not sure what I want to do just yet. So, I’m also taking general classes, and I work at a bar right now.”

Sal stared at Cody for a bit. “I saw you fight at some of Greg’s underground matches.”

Cody nodded. “I used to fight there.”

“You were good.” Sal leaned forward with interest. “Did you ever consider going pro?”

“Yeah, I did, but it takes money I don’t have.” Cody shrugged.

His eyes roamed Cody. “Do you still work out?”

“Yes, every day,” Maddy said without thinking.

Sal chuckled. “Does that bother you, nipotina?”

Maddy blushed. “Only when he’s late for dinner.”

“And how about you?” Sal looked at Ryder.

“I don’t know. I don’t have any hidden talents like everyone else does.” Ryder stared at his plate. “Since I was little, I’ve been told I’m only good for one thing, and I won’t be doing that anymore.”

“Just because you don’t know what you want to do doesn’t mean you won’t find something you’re good at,” Sal stated with wisdom.

The rest of the dinner was small talk, Sal getting acquainted with everyone. He told funny stories about Lucca and himself.

Maddy really enjoyed dinner, and by the way the guys laughed and opened up to her uncle, they had fun, too.

When the waitress cleared their plates and brought out the dessert, Maddy didn’t think another bite would fit until she saw what they were serving.

Tiramisu and cannolis.

Maddy groaned. “I’m not sure I have enough room.”

Sal smiled. “Your nonna always said you never need room for tiramisu. It just fills in the cracks.”

They chuckled and took some.

They sat around the table, laughing and talking, until it was time for Sal to leave. “I wish I could stay in town longer. Next time I come, I’ll make sure I can stay longer than a few hours.”

They stood, and the guys shook Sal’s hand and said goodbye.

“I’ll talk to my father about working with you,” Jace added.

Skylar touched Maddy’s arm. “We’ll wait for you out by the car.”

Sal watched them leave. “You’ve got some good people in your life, even though the Andersons come from cops.” Sal laughed. “Just joking. You’re everything Lucca said you were and more.”

He kissed both her cheeks and pulled out a business card. “This is my number, and on the back, I wrote my personal number. Call me if you need anything, nipotina.”

“Thank you, Uncle Sal.” Maddy tucked the card into her pocket. “I enjoyed this, and I can’t wait to see you again.”

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