Page 7 of Married to the Mafia

“Looks like it’s going to be his mansion,” Eddie says, still watching the screen. “I wondered who was behind it all.”

“Outstanding work, Sherlock,” Caroline says as they turn back to look at me. “So, what happened exactly?” she asks me.

I tell them the full story of the morning, ending with Dino’s proposition to climb into his car and go see the work contracts.

“You should have gone,” Caroline says. “I’d have gone. All the way to make out point.”

“Right here,” Eddie says. “Still right here.”

“You could watch.”

“Great. That’s what I want. See my bride to be making out with that guy. Dreams come true, right there. Actually, that’d be kind of hot.”

She sticks her tongue out at him, then kisses him. “You know I’m only teasing.” She turns back to me. “What do you want to do now, Miss Silver?”

I sit back in my seat, picking up my drink. “There’re no animals in the shelter. Moira’s looking after them. Dad’s away. I’m home alone.”

“Uh-huh. So?”

“So how about we celebrate your engagement by getting as drunk as physically possible?”

“I have a question,” Eddie says, putting his hand in the air like we’re still in school.

“What?”

“Do we have to carry you home when you pass out like last time?”

“I won’t pass out.”

“We’ll see.”

I drain my glass and then get to my feet. “Another round?” I say.

They both nod, and I notice they’re holding hands. I’m glad they’re happy. I just know what this means.

When they first hooked up, we hung out less. Then Eddie came out, and they were friends again. Now they’re engaged. I’m losing them both. My best friends are getting married.

I’m made up for them, but I’m also jealous. It’s not like I’m going to be getting married soon. I’ll be a lonely spinster while they’re shacking up together.

The total number of eligible men in Gordon’s Cove isn’t high, and the number I’d happily let into my pants is zero squared.

So there’s just me and the vibrator Caroline and I picked up during our last visit to the city. Contraband sex toys were brought back in our luggage. Some people smuggle booze or drugs. We each brought back a bullet vibe. Dangerous gals, right?

I order some more drinks and while I’m waiting; I look at the TV behind the bar. I can see Dino’s mouth moving, but the sound’s still off. No subtitles. He’s smiling at the journalist in the same way he smiled at me. Arrogant, smug, predatory.

I look away in disgust. He’s clearly the kind of man who thinks he can flirt his way through life, not used to anyone saying no to him. Well, I said no. I don’t want his mansion where the shelter is. I want the shelter to stay where it is.

I take the drinks back to the two of them and ask, “Do you think he was telling the truth?”

“Who?” Caroline replies.

“Dino Gianni.”

“About what?”

“About rebuilding the shelter.”

“No idea,” she says, taking her drink from the tray. “My dad says when they first built the casino, they promised they’d do up the harbor as part of the deal and all they ended up doing was building those hideous warehouses.” She stops dead. “Sorry, didn’t think.”

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