Page 6 of Tony

Tony watched her walk away, having seen the hurt in those sky-blue eyes.And you put it there, you prick.Turning angrily back to toss some bills on the table he caught the look of censure from his friends.

Vinny and Jobe wisely kept quiet as they walked out into the brisk winter air. The three of them continued their silence as they drove to the job site. Tony did not usually do the security equipment installations but felt the need to work with his hands in the cold air as they worked on a new home in an expensive neighborhood—one where millions were spent on not only the homes, but the pools, tennis courts, and state-of-the-art security systems.

If his men were surprised with his presence on the job, they did not say anything. They all knew what it was like to fight the demons in their heads with physical work. And if this was how Tony wanted to fight, then they would allow their Captain anything.

4

A week later, Gabe walked into work tan, rested, and with a smile on his face. The others greeted him enthusiastically and asked about Jennifer.

“It was great to just soak up some sun and eat great food. And to see Jennifer relax. Other than calling my parents every day to check on her brother, she really had a chance to rest.”

Vinny looked over at his twin with mock hurt. “You know I’d have kept Ross and we two would have had a great time.”

“Are you kidding? We would’ve come back and you’d have bought him every video game in existence and probably a dog as well,” Gabe laughed.

“You two going to stay at your place?” Lily asked.

Gabe gave her a hug, answering, “Well, we decided that we would start looking for a house. One with a yard, and then we’ll get a dog.”

Vinny’s eyes lit up, happy for his brother. The settled-life was not for him, but he loved Jennifer and knew she was good for Gabe.

“Anything new going on around here in the past week?” Gabe asked.

“Nothing much. We had a briefing last week and mostly Tony’s been going out with us on security installations. Got some new contracts for systems and Jobe’s been going over the new equipment that came in.”

Jobe piped up, “Glad you’re back. The new systems are amazing but I’ll be glad to have you checking them out.”

Tony walked over, patting Gabe on the shoulder. “Good to have you back. Been catching up?”

Gabe nodded and asked if there was anything he wanted him to do.

“Just work with Jobe this week, if you would and, let me know if we want to order any more of the new systems.”

Gabe nodded and then headed down the hall with Jobe and Vinny to the equipment storehouse. Turning around, he called out, “Hey Tony, would you like to have lunch today?”

“Sure,” came the expected response, before Gabe continued down the hall.

Vinny and Jobe looked at each other and then at Gabe. “We’re not invited?”

“Nope, not today.”

“Hell, I’m your brother,” Vinny pointed out.

“Yes, but lunch is with Jennifer and I happen to have it on good authority that she’s inviting Sherrie.”

Vinny and Jobe chuckled. “You playing cupid, bro?” Vinny quipped.

“And you two don’t think it’s about time Captain gave it a shot again?”

The two sobered as they pondered his words. “Yeah,” Jobe agreed. “I fuckin’ do.”

Vinny nodded and his trademark shit-eating grin spread across his face. “All right, but when it’s over, you gotta talk.”

The men laughed and made their way into the room to start their day.

* * *

Jennifer and Sherrie slid into the booth at the little Italian restaurant in the downtown area. Sherrie noticed her friend looked tan, rested, and…content.

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