Page 43 of Sins of Bliss

Sighing deeply, I let a single tear fall and look to the side so she doesn’t see it. Reaching up, I swipe it away before it can fully slide down my cheek, then I look straight ahead with a smile that feels like plastic.

“Absolutely elated, Mother.”

“This is the start of your forever.”

Or the end of it.

Chapter 15

Sly

I thought we agreed you two would be at my house by noon?

Ipace around my kitchen, anxiously awaiting Enzo and Sully to arrive. Nixon is on his way from the airport now, having arrived an hour ago after a long overnight layover.

It feels as though my worlds will soon collide. I’m not sure I’m prepared for my friends in Manhattan to meet my friend from Ridgewood, as I am uncertain how they will get along. I don’t doubt that Nixon and Sully will hit it off, but Enzo is the wildcard.

Sully

It’s 12:05, princess. I’m on my way up now.

Enzo

Right behind him.

Crossing the living room, I unlock the door and open it. Immediately, Sully rounds the corner, his smile wide.

“Enzo is not right behind me, for the record,” he quips as he saunters into my apartment. I leave the door open and followhim to where he’s dropped down onto my couch. He props cognac-colored oxfords onto my coffee table. “What was so important you needed us here again? Didn’t get enough bro time with us last night?”

Unamused, I cross my arms over my chest. “I have someone I want you to meet.”

“Who?”

“I assume the tattooed buffoon who followed me up here is the person we’re meeting,” Enzo’s gruff voice comes from behind me.

Turning, I see him walk through the doorway just as Nixon comes into view behind him, holding a duffel bag in each hand. His charcoal gray t-shirt shows off the new ink on his forearm, and his jeans look dirty, but his hair has been freshly faded on the sides and haphazardly styled on top.

“Says the man in the overpriced mafia get-up.” He looks tired, evidence of his all-night travels.

“Overpriced? This is only a six-thousand dollar suit. That’s nothing.”

“My point exactly.” Nixon follows Enzo inside, looking around at my apartment. Letting out a low whistle, he drops both bags where he’s standing. “Dang, pookie. These are some fancy digs you have here.”

“Nixon,” I say with a smile, walking over to him. We clap our hands together and pull in for a hug, patting each other in friendly greeting. “How was your flight, amico?”

“Nothing special.”

“You flew first class.”

He shrugs, his smile widening. “So this is the other side of Sly Lucchetti, then? Marble flooring, fancy decorations, and…two dudes who obviously hate me for no reason?”

“Hey now,” Sully scoffs, jutting his thumb in Enzo’s direction. “Don’t lump me in with the Italian dreamboat over here.”

“I don’t hate you, I just find it unsettling that you followed me all the way up to my cousin's apartment and when I asked who you were, you ignored me,” Enzo replies dryly.

“It’s a need to know basis.” Nixon shrugs.

Enzo shakes his head and crosses his arms over his chest before looking at me and jerking his chin in Nixon’s direction. “Where’d you find this guy? On the side of the road?”

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