Page 160 of Forced Vows

I start from the oldest and make my way up. They are all from the same person. Giovanna Ricci, Communication Specialist with Oscuro Public Relations.

She uses the entire title with every voicemail she leaves. The texts are basic and all say the same thing.

AR: This is Giovanna Ricci with the PR division of Oscuro Enterprises. Miceli De Luca gave me your name. Please return my call immediately.

Immediately. Not at your earliest convenience or when you get a chance.

Her peremptory tone puts my back up and when I watch the video message I dislike her even more. She's gorgeous with a perfect figure and perfect hair.

I'm assuming about the figure because I can only see her torso, shoulders and head, but she's got the phone camera set far enough away, I also get to see part of her desk and what I'm sure is supposed to be an impressive office.

She cinches her place in my list of least favorite people when she mentions that she and Miceli are old friends.

Why do I need to know that?

And by friends does she mean fuck buddies? Because I'm not putting anything past this pushy woman.

I don't think Miceli will be happy when I tell him how difficult I'm finding it to get ahold of you, Róise.

Did I give her permission to call me by my first name? No, I did not.

And also, is that supposed to be a threat? I play the video for my friends while we slurp down caffeinated beverages to sustain us for the final study session of the day.

At least this one is for the class we're all taking so we'll be in it together.

"That's definitely a threat." Goodwin sips her iced mocha. "What a bitch."

Carrie winces at the b-word. "Maybe she's just frustrated. I bet he forgot to tell her it's finals week for you."

Did I mention that it's finals week to Miceli? Allessio probably did, right? "Regardless, I have a life that does not revolve around the mafia."

"Pretty sure they all think that's what your life is now," Traci quips.

I contemplate my Cherry Dr. Pepper morosely. "I have to call her back, don't I?"

They unanimously agree on the answer to that question. Yes. I have to call her back.

"Be the bigger person," Aleks advises.

Carrie nods in agreement.

"Fuck that. Tell her where she can put her stalker behavior." Traci slams back her five-shot espresso.

"I'm on Team Traci with this one," Goodwin says, making the rest of us laugh.

We call her Goodwin because her first name is Tracy and it's confusing in conversation. She's used to being called Goodwin from her time in amateur theater, which she started at the tender age of ten.

I text my stalker.

Róise: I will call you in two hours, after my study session.

Maybe if I give her some info on why I'm busy, she'll back off a little.

No such luck. My phone starts ringing about two seconds after I send the text. Same number. Yes, I check.

If I'm hoping Miceli will call, that's my business.

Annoyed at myself for hoping he'll call and the PR lady for being so impatient, I turn my phone all the way off. Which is not as easy as it used to be.

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