Page 5 of Mafioso's Muse

Willow dropped her head to Lili’s shoulder as they exited the dressing room, feeling grateful for their friendship. Leaving all of her family and friends behind in Sydney and moving to Melbourne had been the scariest thing she’d ever done. But then she had met Lili.

As the pair made their way to the foyer, Willow glanced in the direction of the theatre, then let go of Lili’s arm. ‘I’ll be back in a sec.’

‘Where are you going?’

‘I just want to look inside.’

Lili exhaled, then followed her.

They entered the theatre, where a cleaner was now working her way between the rows of seats. The ancient lights cast creepy shadows across the cracked and peeling paint on the walls. It was evident that many new coats had been applied since its opening in the forties. Victoria Ballet had purchased the theatre in the late nineties and added a level above with studios and offices, all in one convenient location.

‘Even the curtains seem sad,’ Lili said beside her.

Its space and design were charming enough. It just needed a lot of love—and money.

‘If you do happen to meet your very rich future husband at drinks tonight, be sure to mention it,’ Willow said.

Lili took her hand and pulled her in the direction of the door. ‘Let’s go. We’ll share a taxi and save our feet for wearing heels.’

Willow looked over her shoulder a final time before she was dragged through the doors.

3

January 2024

Vaughn Gallo owned twelve bars across Melbourne, but he spent the most time at Titian. This one was personal, a rare glimpse inside his head. His love of art covered the walls and ceilings. His tastes could be seen in everything from the choice of lighting to the glassware.

Titian was located on Chapel Street in South Yarra. The drinks were priced high to attract a certain type of clientele. He had zero tolerance for impostors, and the people at the door were well trained on how to spot them.

He was in his office behind the bar, seated comfortably behind one-way glass, when he saw a large group enter. Grabbing his suit jacket as he rose, he shrugged it on and made his way out to investigate. Stopping next to one of the bartenders, he adjusted his watch and looked in the direction of the group. ‘Who do we have?’

Before the bartender could answer, someone called his name.

‘Mr Gallo.’

He spotted Nigel Thompson, the executive director of Victoria Ballet. They had met a handful of times at various galas and fundraisers. His genuine passion for the arts had always left a lasting impression on Vaughn.

He took the hand extended towards him. ‘Good to see you.’ He nodded in the direction of the growing group behind him. ‘What are we celebrating?’

Nigel followed his gaze. ‘We had our preseason performance for our patrons tonight.’ He looked back at Vaughn. ‘I did send you an invitation.’

He struggled to recall the excuse he gave for not attending. Between the family and his private businesses, he didn’t have much time and energy left over for things he actually enjoyed. ‘Sorry I couldn’t make it.’

Nigel waved his words away. ‘Another time.’

Vaughn only nodded, keen to avoid another more concrete invitation. ‘Listen, you’re welcome to use the VIP area for the night.’

Surprise flashed on Nigel’s face. ‘Really?’

‘Sure. I can always kick you out if someone important comes along.’

Nigel gave him a lopsided grin. ‘I know you’re only half joking, but I’ll take you up on the offer anyway.’

‘Need a tab?’

Nigel nodded. ‘Thank you.’

Vaughn turned to the bar manager, who’d been listening in. ‘Send Alice to the lounge, would you?’

---