Page 72 of The Bonus

“For Gabriel,” Alessio fires back.

“Gabriel is married.”

“Not yet.” I roll my eyes. “Calm down.”

“In five weeks, so same thing.”

“There’s still time to run.” Alessio smirks as he raises his glass to me.

I smile and then drop my face immediately.

My mother’s main mission in life is to marry off her children, she’s being met with harsh resistance on all counts.

I open the menu, peruse the choices and roll my eyes. “Why do we always come here. I hate vegan food.”

“And yet you always eat everything on your plate,” Mom replies.

“I want meat.” I sigh.

“When you are married, you will want for nothing.”

Ugh. I gulp my wine too, Alessio’s mood is rubbing off on me.

Nagging is her favorite sport.

“Where is Carina?” I ask.

“Your sister had an appointment.”

“What did you say to Arabella?” Mother asks Alessio.

I glance over and see a familiar face, what was his name. I watch him for a moment as I try to place him…Rodney.

He worked for me back when Gracie was here.

I wonder…

He stands to go to the bar, and before I can stop myself, I stand too. “Torno tra un attimo.” (“Back in a moment.”) I stride over and stand next to him at the bar. “Rodney.” I smile.

His face falls before he catches it, and I roll my lips to hide my smirk. Soft cock.

“Mr. Ferrara,” he stammers nervously. “Hi.”

“Hello.” I reply. “How are you?”

“Good, and you?”

“I’m great.”

The bartender walks over. “What will it be?”

“Let me buy you a drink, Rodney.”

“Oh, I couldn’t.”

“I insist.” I smile as I sit down on the barstool. “Two Blue Label scotches, please?”

Rodney’s eyes widen at my order. “I’ve got to go back to work.”

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