Page 53 of On Ice

“You know exactly what I mean,” I say.

Tony swallows loudly.

I narrow my eyes. “Is it true you let some rich kid in the game, and he stiffed you for six figures? Didn’t you check his credentials before you let him in?”

He winces, the flush in his cheeks deepening. “Oh, that. Well, I’m gonna make him pay, Luca. You don’t have to worry. I’ve already had a very serious talk with him.”

“I’m well aware. I heard you visited him on his college campus.” I lean back in my chair. “Did you know the kid panicked and went to the cops?”

The color now drains from Tony’s face.“What?”

“He went to the cops,” I snap. “Said he was being threatened by Tony Barone. Made a big stink and even tried to get the newspapers involved.”

Mama throws her hands up in the air. “Ma che diavolo hai fatto, Antonio? Sei proprio un testa di rapa,” She mutters in exasperation. “You never think before you act. I swear, mi fai venire i capelli Bianchi. You want me to drop dead from stress, huh?”

Slumping in his chair, Tony groans. “I thought I had him handled.”

I sigh, feeling a little guilty at how demoralized he looks. “It’s fine. I got a heads up from one of my contacts at the police. The kid is under control now.”

“Oh, thank goodness,” Tony practically wheezes.

“Maybe don’t worry so much about what I’m doing.” I lean forward and jab a finger at him. “Focus on your own work, capisce?”

He rubs the back of his neck. “Okay. I… I will. Thanks for handling that, Luca.”

“Of course.” I shrug, loosening my tie. “Family looks out for family.”

Mama nods. “That’s right. We don’t gossip about each other behind our backs.” She shoots tony a chiding glance.

Tony makes a zipping motion, and then laughs sheepishly. “I’m sorry. I’ll do better, Mama.”

Isabella grins. “At least I’m not the only one getting lectured by Luca now. It’s nice to pass the torch to you, Tony.”

He grimaces. “No thanks. You can keep it.”

I address Giulia. “You took breakfast and lunch up to Evan, right, Giulia? Did he eat?”

She sighs and turns from the stove, pushing the sleeves of her white chef’s coat up to her elbows. “I sent the food up just as you requested, but he barely ate a thing.”

I frown. “He probably thinks I’m trying to poison him. He’s so suspicious.”

“You should have let me take his food up, Luca.” Isabella’s eyes brighten. “I could have talked him into eating.”

She’s probably not wrong. Isabella can be very persuasive. But I don’t want her or the others around him until I know if he’s playing ball with me or not. “That’s okay. I’ll make sure he eats a big dinner.” I stand. “Speaking of which, Giulia, I need dinner for two on the back patio.”

Isabella’s face falls. “Wait. You’re not letting him eat with us?”

I laugh. “Of course not. How many times must I tell you I don’t want you around him for now? You need to get your ears checked, Tesoro.”

Isabella’s perfectly shaped eyebrows pull together in a scowl. “Excuse me?”

I smile at her insulted expression. “If he does what I want him to do, you’ll have plenty of time to get to know him. But for now, he’s off limits.”

“You’re so controlling, Luca,” Isabella grumbles, reaching for the wine. “Why did you bring him here if we don’t get to meet him?”

“I told you, it’s for safe keeping. But there are things I need to work out with him.” I move toward the exit. “I need a quick shower. Do you think you can have things set up on the patio in about thirty minutes, Giulia?”

“Of course.” Giulia nods.

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