Page 35 of Sal Gabrini: Man on Fire

But Reno fired back. “Close the door next time and I’ll be happy to knock. Besides, I didn’t see a thing.”

“Quick lying, Reno,” said Trina. “You probably got you a ringside seat and busted out with the popcorn!”

Gemma laughed.

“That’s about right,” said Sal, laughing too.

“That’s bullshit,” said Reno.

“Alright just stop it both of you,” Trina said. “This is Gemma’s night. One of the biggest agents in Hollywood is throwing a dinner party in her honor at his own house and we will not rain on her parade. Will we, Sal? Will we, Reno?”

“I don’t rain on parades,” said Reno. “Parades rain on me.”

Sal frowned. “What kind of munked-up, Doctor Phil bullshit is that?”

Trina and Gemma laughed.

But Reno was serious. “The point I’m making is that I don’t steal people’s joy. I make people happy. I see potential in everybody. Remember, this Hollywood guy wasn’t the first to see potential in Gemma. I’m the first big wig to ever hire her as a lawyer. Don’t forget that.”

“That’s true,” said Gemma. “And I wasn’t even a very good lawyer then.”

“Sal’s the one you need to worry about peeing on parades,” Reno continued. “He’s the one who was wondering why a guy like Kidd Curry would even hire Gem.”

“And I still say something’s undercover,” said Sal. “All these big time Hollywood lawyers and he has to hire a P.I. just to make sure Gemma’s worth it? What he doing all that for? From what I heard he’s had his own team of lawyers for years. Why change?”

“Because Gemma is an excellent lawyer,” Trina said.

“I’m not saying she’s not excellent, Tree. But what I am saying is that it don’t make sense. I said it then, and I’m saying it now: Something’s off. I don’t know what, but it is.”

Reno was staring at Sal. He never knew his cousin’s instincts to be wrong.

But Trina would have none of it. “The only thing off is your testosterone,” she said. “Kidd Curry’s got a little bit more than you have and you don’t like it.”

They all laughed. All except Sal. “Keep on laughing,” he said. “When I’m proven right your asses won’t be laughing then!”

“We’re here,” Gemma said, already nervous enough, and all conversation suddenly ceased. The home was a gorgeous work of white marbled modern art that even Sal had to admit was impressive.

But as soon as the valet opened the door to their limousine and they all stepped out, Gemma moved closer to Sal and held his hand.

Sal looked at her and smiled. Kidd Curry might be richer and younger and way better looking, Sal thought, but nobody on earth made Gemma feel safer and more protected and more loved than Sal did. “I got you,” he whispered into her ear.

Gemma mouthed the wordsthank youas they made their way inside of the double doors that were twice as tall as any they’d ever seen.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

As soon as they walked in, Mason made a beeline over to them.

“Gemma Jones is in the house!” he said happily as he moved up to her and air-kissed her on both cheeks and then hugged her. Sal’s entire body tensed when he touched Gemma.

That was why, when they stopped embracing, Sal placed his hand all the way around her waist.

“How is my twinkle, twinkle little star?” Mason asked.

Sal wanted to barf.

“I’m good,” Gemma said. “How you doing, Mace?”

“I’m great! Hello, Reno. Is this your girlfriend?”

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