Page 1 of The Mafia's Seamstress

CHAPTER 1

Family Secrets

NEVER TRUST A GOOD LOOKING FACE IN AN EXPENSIVE SUIT IF THEY’RE CLOTHES COST MORE THAN YOUR RENT THEN THEY’RE A WALKING RED FLAG

Dead leaves and cold breezes were wrapped around me like a scarf. The sun had fully risen and was humorously shining down on our poor freezing souls. People strolled by with quick steps as they clutched their coffee on the way to work. The sweet smell of cinnamon hung around loosely as I walked into Maria’s Padaria.

“Bom dia querida!” Senhora Maria said from behind the counter. Senhora Maria was like a grandmother, an avó to me. Short with gray curly hair and warm brown eyes, she made the best pastei de natas in Loba Vista.

“Bom dia Senhora Maria,” I said, smiling back. My eyes wandered over the sweet treats and breads I grew up on.

“Sehnor Silva is on a work trip, no?” she asked, already preparing my coffee.

“Sim. I get to be in charge,” I said, eyeing the rissios. I smiled inwardly.

My avô was on a business trip. He was currently in London creating an evening wardrobe for a very special family; a family I wasn’t allowed to say. He would be staying some time there since the special client was getting married. His clientele has always ranged from the elite to blue collar workers.

For him, everyone should have that feeling of being wrapped in luxury no matter their bank account. I always admire his ability to charm everyone and make them feel special.

Senhora Maria raised an eyebrow in surprise as she handed me a steaming cup of coffee. I took a sip, eyes closing. Light and sweet. Perfection.

“Will you be okay?” she asked, concerned. I fought the urge to roll my eyes because if I did it would spread like wildfire about me having a non-existing attitude.

“Claro. Vai se bem. I’ve done this before,” I pointed out. Senhora Maria pursed her lips. She leaned to grab me some rissois de galinha and started making me my ham and cheese sandwich.

She was quiet. I watched her carefully. I had been left alone with the shop before. Sure it was for weekends only but still. What difference did it make if my avô was going to be gone for a few weeks versus two to three days. Her eyes skirted to the window where people were walking by.

“I’ll be okay,” I said, leaning forward. I gave her a smile to reassure her. She sighed and nodded her head. I reached for my food.

“Yes, yes. But if anyone gives you problems I send my boys,” she said with a frown. I couldn’t stop the giggle that tumbled out of my mouth. Senhora Maria’s grandsons were Rafael and Mateus. They were just a few years older than me and owned the local boxing gym.

“Senhora Maria,” I began to say. She waved her hand, cutting me off.

“I’m serious,” she said, her eyes hardening. I swallowed. Growing up Senhora Maria was sweet and flirty. But this look? This was the look of a woman who was desperately worried. As if something horrible would happen to me.

Which was ridiculous considering the fact I knew everyone in this city. From who ran the laundromat to the grocery store. I knew my city and its people. I squared my shoulders.

“I promise. And your dress is almost done,” I said. She nodded and began setting up some sweet treats. I quickly slipped what I owed in her tip jar before heading to the door.

“Ah Lucia! I told you to stop that!” she called out from behind the corner.

“And I told you to stop giving me things for free,” I said with a smile. “Tchau!”

Walking to work an unsettling feeling began weighing me down. My avô almost didn’t leave for his trip because he didn’t want to leave me alone with the shop. Despite the fact I had dreamt of a day like this happening. He also reminded me to go to Rafael and Mateus if anything were to happen. I snorted, taking a bite of my sandwich. I bit back a moan. Butter, bread, gooey cheese and ham. Just what I needed.

Two men in suits were crossing the street. They were black tailored suits. The corner of my lips tilted up. The lapel of their suit jacket was a dark paisley pattern. Their eyes met mine and they tilted their heads. I fought back a shiver and nodded politely.

They had come to my avô shop last month for suits. My avô sent me on an errand when they came in but I still remembered them. Both tall, dark hair and eyes. The air around them felt cold and their eyes? Eerily watchful. Like they were anticipating someone or something was going to pop out from the corners. Maybe there would be a reason to contact Rafael and Mateus.

A burgundy awning caught my eye. I smiled and excitement coursed through my body. My avô’s shop was a dark gray building, nestled between a Portuguese restaurant and a doctor’s office. It had a big window, looking into the shop and in gold vinyl it read: Silva’s Seamstress Shop.

I stepped into the shop and a chill wrapped around me. Autumn was in full swing and the concrete building felt cooler inside. Switching on the lights the room was filled with racks of clothes, shoes and accessories on display.

Towards the back by the dressing room, my favorite sewing machine was waiting for me. It was begging to be threaded; to run stitches across fabrics of silk and satin. My fingers itched to feel all the different fabrics we had in stock and see what I could create.

Shrugging off my coat I made my way towards the cash register. I couldn't begin to touch my sewing machine until I double checked the calendar and turned on the register. We had a few pickups and appointments today. Nothing too hectic which meant I had time to work on orders. I needed to finish Senhora Maria’s dress for her great nephew’s baptism this weekend.

Once everything was ready I sat at my sewing machine and called my avô. His heavy accent croaked through the phone and a wave of warmth washed over me.

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