Page 101 of Fix You

“Inferno.”

Silence came over the line. “Leo? Are you there?”

“Sorry. You just shocked the hell out of me.”

Embarrassment flooded my face. “Do you think it’s a bad idea? Like Rafe wouldn’t like it?”

“Oh no. I think it’s a fabulous idea, and I’m sure he and his cock will enjoy it immensely.”

Once again, I chided, “Leo.”

“Look Maeve, you’re talking about me sneaking into Inferno and surprising Rafe. You’ve got to toughen up on the inappropriate language.”

A nervous giggle bubbled from my lips. “I’ll try.”

“Okay, then, I’ll make sure the jet comes and picks you up Friday, rather than Saturday as planned. Then I’ll get you to the club and have a little birthday celebration set up for Rafe as the pretense to get him there.”

“That sounds great. I can’t thank you enough.”

“Considering he’s been a tense motherfucker this past week, you can thank me by fucking his brains out.”

At my shriek of horror, Leo chuckled and then hung up.

Chapter Nineteen: Raphael

In my office, my brothers and I sat around the table putting the final touches on a new real estate deal in the Bronx. Not only was it for a lucrative high-rise, but it aligned us with another Italian family, which extended our territory in the boroughs.

As I rose out of my chair, Leo asked, “So Birthday Boy, what are your plans for tonight?”

“I’m going to turn in early and rest up for Maeve’s visit tomorrow.”

Leo and Gianni exchanged a look. “What’s wrong with that?” I asked.

“Nothing. We were just thinking we could go to Inferno and have a drink.”

“I think I’ll pass,” I replied as I threw my jacket on.

“But you can’t!” Leo blurted.

As I smoothed down my lapels, I asked, “And why the fuck not?”

“Because today is your birthday.”

“And I’m going to celebrate it tomorrow with Maeve.”

Gianni gave a low whistle. “Ouch, man, you don’t even want to celebrate with us?”

I furrowed my brows at him. “Seriously, what’s up? You didn't give two shits when I spent my last birthday in the Maldives without you guys.”

With a sigh, Leo replied, “We wanted it to be a surprise.”

“What?”

“We got the bouncers and waitresses together to do a little something for your birthday.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I mean, it’s been a tough year.”

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