Page 161 of Forced Vows

But I am determined.

After the study session I turn it back on, telling myself that I am not hoping there will be a missed call or text from my mafia lover. Good thing, because if I had been hoping, I would be disappointed.

There are however, several more from Giovanna Ricci.

I don't bother listening to the voicemails or reading the texts this time, but find a quiet place to sit down. Settling onto the prop sofa in the back of one of the improv classrooms, I call her.

She picks up on the fourth ring. Mind games? Really?

"Hello, Róise, it's good of you to finally return my many messages and phone calls."

"I prefer Miss Shaughnessy since we are strangers, Ms. Ricci." I may not play the part of mob princess often, but I know my lines. "As to your aggressively excessive phone calls and texts, I would suggest seeing a therapist for your compulsive behavior, but my guess is that you're just rude."

Along with her anxiety, social and agoraphobias, Fiona has a mild case of OCD. She would never hound someone the way this woman has been doing to me all day.

"Not returning my phone calls makes you the rude one and that's what I told Miceli when I finally called him practically in tears of frustration."

If this woman ever cries with genuine emotion, I'll drink the next noxious protein smoothie Aleks suggests.

Miceli had time to talk to my stalker, but not me?

"I'm sure the underboss was impressed by your inability to deal with the job he gave you without any handholding. Oh, wait…you called him. My bad."

Her silence tells me that maybe my fiancé wasn't all that excited to receive her phone call. Question is, would he even pick up for me?

"We've gotten off on the wrong foot, Ro—Miss Shaughnessy," she stresses my name. "My name is—"

"Giovanna Ricci," I cut her off. "I got that from your epic number of texts and messages."

"You do realize you are marrying into the Genovese Family? I am one of the capo's daughters. You should be cultivating my friendship, but maybe you are too young to realize that."

Wow. This woman reminds me of the popular girls in high school and she's making comments about my age?

"I'm marrying into the don's family. I'm pretty sure Catalina and Aria will smooth my way better than you ever could."

Her laughter is ugly. "If Aria De Luca didn't hate the Irish, maybe."

Okay, I've had enough. "If you've got something to say or ask about my upcoming wedding, say or ask it."

"I have several questions."

What follows is a barrage of inane inquiries, like What is your favorite color? Who's your favorite singer? Please don't tell me Taylor Swift.

Of course, I tell her I'm a Swiftie. And I'm not even lying to get on Ms. Ricci's nerves. That it succeeds in doing that, I take as a win. Go me.

"What do you like to do in your spare time? We'll definitely leave any reference to RPGs out of it."

Is she proud of herself for knowing the acronym for role playing games? I'm an actor, of course I've played some. Almost all of my friends have created at least one character for a Dungeons and Dragons session.

However, I prefer scripted acting and since starting college, I haven't had time for playing any games.

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