Page 7 of To Have and To Hold

Nick whispered. “You’re not making points with the capo.”

When I turned to the capo, I saw the gleam in his eye. To say our relationship had improved since he married Cat would be an understatement. I whispered back, “I think I am.” A quick turn of my head told me what I suspected. Salvatore and Carmine Luciano weren’t sharing in the camaraderie. At least my father and Nicolas were grinning.

After the last present was opened, Catalina invited everyone into the dining room for cake. As we squeezed in, I made it a point to get closer to Isabella. I eased in behind her as Catalina put Ariadna Gia into a high chair. It was when Contessa came from the kitchen with a tiny cake with a candle that we began to sing.

As soon as “Happy Birthday” ended in English, we sang it again in Spanish.

Even Dario took part in helping the little girl blow out the candle. My mother and Mrs. Luciano fussed over the fact that Catalina left Ariadna Gia in her lacy dress as she trepidatiously pushed her hands into the frosting.

Phones came out around the room as pictures were taken.

I leaned forward and spoke near Isabella’s ear. “I think I’d rather have a piece of the cake on the table.”

Isabella startled and turned toward me and immediately away.

Keeping my voice low, I said, “I promise I won’t bite.” I was about to addunless you like that, but I sensed that she was truly afraid of me.

Her voice was barely audible. “Please don’t talk to me.”

“Making friendly conversation.”

The little brunette turned to me. “Hi, I’m Aria.”

“Girls,” a deep voice bellowed.

I saw Carmine looking our way.

“It’s time to go,” he said.

“There’s cake for everyone,” Catalina said.

“We must be going…”

The capo stood tall. “I’m sure you can stay for one piece of cake.”

The capo had spoken. No one was leaving before the cake was served.

As soon as the cake was eaten, Salvatore and Carmine excused their families and boarded the elevator in two groups. Catalina, our mom, and Mrs. Luciano tended to an icing-covered one-year-old, and Jasmine and Camila helped Contessa with carrying the dishes into the kitchen. I followed Rei and Jano toward the capo’s study. To my surprise, the capo and Dante were already present.

The room was regal, with cherry wainscoting and bookcases filled with books. Large floor-to-ceiling windows allowed the early evening summer sun to illuminate the space with a warm glow.

“How are things going out on the West Coast?” Dario asked Jano.

Jano took the chair to Dario’s side.

There was something about this den that was different from Dario’s office. In this space, it felt as if we were on a more level playing field.

Dante tapped my shoulder and moved behind a small bar. “Drink?” He grinned. “One that’s not punch.”

“Tequila?”

“Of course.” He pulled out a bottle of Clase Azul Reposado and poured two fingers. “Ice?”

“I’m good.” I took the glass as Rei appeared at my side.

“No ice for me either.”

“Where did Mia go?” I asked. “I didn’t get a chance to see much of Jorge. He was the second main attraction.”

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