Page 58 of Christmas with the Mafia
We head through the mansion, each step a slow one as they lead toward misery. Regina gazes around her in awe as we pass along corridors that reveal the doors to several rooms. The grand staircase is lit like the Christmas tree beside it, transcending the levels, glittering like a beacon in a storm.
“This is amazing, Nico.”
Regina points to the glittering space that only appears even more impressive at night, and as we move downstairs, we head toward the formal living area that is only used for visitors and special occasions.
We pass through the grand hallway and head toward the other wing of the house. Regina gasps with joy as we walkalong the marbled hallway lit by several Christmas trees, creating the illusion of magic in an otherwise cold, empty space.
“Your electricity bill must be huge.”
She grips my hand a little tighter, and I shrug. “I wouldn’t know.”
“Does your mom do all of this herself? I mean, she must begin in October. I’ve never seen so many trees.”
I chuckle softly at the thought of Mom doing any manual labor.
“No, she hires a team of interior designers who descend on the house in the middle of November. My parents head to the city to do Christmas shopping, and when they return, their schedule is filled with entertaining engagements as they catch up with associates.”
“Not friends?”
If anything, her voice is sad, and I shake my head. “They have few of them. Vito Bendetti being one of a select group.”
“That’s sad.” She sighs. “I kind of get that. I don’t have many, but the ones I do have I cherish.”
She hesitates and then says sadly, “I wish I could speak to Quincy. She must be pissed that I haven’t called regarding Christmas. I don’t suppose you can get a message to her.”
I pretend to consider it. “Of course. I can arrange for a message to be delivered.”
“Oh, thank God.”
She stops, and her smile is infectious as she laughs. “Why didn’t I think of that before? Good old communication by the written hand. We could ask someone to drop byand explain what’s happened. It would really make me feel better.”
“I’ll ask my assistant to stop by there in the morning and deliver a note.”
“That’s perfect. If I tell you where she lives, they can go there and explain what’s happened. Perhaps take her some flowers. I’d pay of course.”
“There is no need to worry about that. I’ll arrange everything.”
Her smile is a brilliant one that lights her face and she surprises me by kissing me on the cheek and whispering, “You really are Prince Charming, you know.”
A deep chuckle behind us alerts me that we’re not alone, and as I turn, my brother Joseph is watching with amusement as he walks behind us.
“Joseph.” I nod, resigned to the usual stilted conversation between us as we attempt to deal with the ordeal that comes around every year like a visit to the dentist, necessary but dreaded all the same.
“So, this must be your fiancée, Regina.”
Joseph’s eyes twinkle, and it reminds me how he has always had the ability to disguise evil with a crooked smile.
“Yes, that’s me.”
Regina sounds happier than before and smiles at him shyly. “I’m so pleased to meet you.”
She offers her hand, and the diamond shines against the light of one of the nearby trees.
His eyes focus on that, and then he nods toward me with a hint of amusement on his face.
“Perfect.”
He kisses the back of her hand like the gentleman he isdefinitely not and murmurs. “I will look forward to welcoming you into the family, Regina.”
