Page 111 of Mafia King: Matteo
“Maybe. But the costumes were all Matteo’s doing. He picked them out and had them made. They probably cost more than the tickets. Oh, I forgot to tell you my boss, Sophia, was transferred to the London office. I didn’t have to say anything to Matteo.”
“That’s great. How is work going now that you’ve been promoted?”
“I plan to finish the hotel floor in time for the wedding. I have a great wedding planner. Did you get your invitation?”
“Yes, I RSVP’d to it already. When do you try on your wedding dress?”
“I think a week before the wedding. I need to follow up with the dress shop and Francis.”
“It will be so nice to be in sunny Florida next month. I hope spring has sprung when we return home.”
“Right? I’m ready for warm weather. I wonder if we’re arriving a few days before the wedding. I might be able to get a tan,” I reply, thinking of the possibilities. I’ve never been to Florida.
“I think that would be a great idea. Just don’t overdo it. Lace makes me itch. Don’t get a sunburn. The lace will cut your skin and hurt as much as a finger sliced in an immersion blender,” she warns.
“I think Matteo will keep me busy with indoor activities,” I snicker. I make a note to apply plenty of sunscreen daily. Maybe I’ll stay under the beach umbrellas. I don’t want to look like a red lobster stuffed in my gorgeous gown on my wedding day.
“I’m sure. You’re in the honeymoon phase.”
“I guess we are.”
Vito parks in my mother’s driveway. It sounds weird, my mother’s house, her driveway. I’m not in denial over the fact that Dad is gone. Mom is.
I go to open the door, but it’s locked. I pull out my spare key, unlock the door, and push it open. I walk in and notice the mail is piled on the coffee table unopened, and there is a pile of bills.
“Mom?”
“I’m here.” Mom is in the kitchen with vodka. She appears to have lived in her jammies and bathrobe for a few days.
“Let’s get you a shower, Mom.”
“No, I’m fine.” She’s had too much to drink.
“Mom, come on.” I take off my coat and purse, drop them on the kitchen chair, and pull my mother up. “You’ll feel better.”
An hour later, Mom is showered and dressed.
“Where have you been?” As if it’s my fault her life has fallen apart.
“I’ve had my hands full with Matteo’s business and work. Why?”
“Who’s going to take care of me now?”
“You will, Mom.”
“Your father lost all our money. The house is paid off, but I have no income. The bills are too much. I can’t pay them.”
“We’ll get an attorney or something. It’s a problem for another day. Today, focus on cleaning up the house and getting some groceries. Has there been any news?”
“No. The police do nothing.”
“Well, there may not be any leads. Who was he meeting with that night?”
“I have no clue. Where were you? It sounded like there was music.”
“We were at the councilman’s gala. Izzy and I were there with Dmitry and Matteo.”
“Dmitry, too? And Kirill?”
