Page 3 of Prince of Queens

Gia

Ibalance precariously on a stepladder, hanging another painting along the exposed brick wall of Sofia's restaurant. The smell of garlic and herbs wafts from the kitchen, making my stomach growl.

"Careful up there," Sofia calls from below, her hands resting protectively on her growing baby bump. "I don't need you falling and having an injury on the job."

I roll my eyes but can't help smiling. "I don’t think worker’s comp counts if you aren’t actually an employee, right?" I often help my sister in her restaurant, of course I’d never take payment for it.

Sofia chuckles, swatting my hip. "So, are we going to talk about what happened at Luca's party?"

My hand freezes midway through straightening the painting. "I don't know what you're talking about," I lie, hoping my sister will drop it.

No such luck.

"Come on, Gia. I know what I saw."

I sigh, climbing down the ladder to face my sister. "Fine. We talked. He was charming. I was interested. Then I found out who he was, and that was that."

Sofia's brow furrows with concern. "Gia, you need to be careful. The Espositos—"

"I know, I know," I interrupt, moving to adjust a crooked painting on the wall. Another one of mine, actually – an abstract piece full of swirling reds and golds. "Ancient family feuds, dangerous rivalries, yadda yadda. Trust me, I'm steering clear."

Sofia follows me, her voice softening. "It's not just that. Dominic... he's complicated. Did you know he saved Luca's life in Monaco?"

This catches me off guard. "What? When?"

"Last year, before we met. There was a shootout at a casino. Dominic tackled Luca to the ground, shielded him from the bullets. If it wasn't for him..." Sofia trails off, her hand unconsciously moving to her stomach.

I lean against the bar, processing this information. "Wow. That's... unexpected."

"I know. And I'm grateful, I am. But then there's the whole thing with the restaurant fire..."

"But Luca didn't," I say, remembering the drama from when Sofia and Luca first got together.

"Exactly. It was all a misunderstanding, but that text from Dominic caused so much trouble." Sofia sighs, absentmindedly arranging salt and pepper shakers on a nearby table. "I just don't want to see these old feuds continue, you know? Especially now, with the baby coming."

I nod, understanding her concern. "Don't worry, sis. Like I said, I'm staying far away from Dominic Esposito. No matter how good he looks in a suit."

Sofia raises an eyebrow. "That memorable, huh?"

I groan, covering my face with my hands. "It's honestly unfair. And the way he looked at me..." I shake my head, trying to clear the memory. "But it doesn't matter. He's off limits. End of story."

"Good," Sofia says, looking relieved. "Now, enough about dangerous, handsome mafia men. Tell me about your art show! I know it was a huge success."

I can't help the grin that spreads across my face. "It was amazing, Sof. I sold every single piece. The gallery owner wants to give me a solo exhibition next month."

Sofia squeals, pulling me into a hug. "That's incredible! I'm so proud of you."

As I hug her back, I feel a flutter of excitement in my chest. My art career is finally taking off, my abstract oils striking a chord with collectors and critics alike. It's everything I've worked for.

"Thanks," I say, pulling back from the hug. "I just hope I can keep the momentum going. The pressure for the next show is already building."

Sofia squeezes my hand. "You've got this. Your work is beautiful, Gia. It makes people feel things."

I nod, thinking about my latest pieces – swirling canvases of deep blues and stormy grays. I'd started them the night after Luca's party, unable to sleep, my mind replaying that encounter at the bar over and over.

Not that I'd ever admit that to Sofia.

"Anyway," I say, changing the subject. "What else needs doing before you open?"

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