Page 60 of Primo DeLuca

“Some of those men take whatever they want, and it’s my fault if you are stuck. If you hadn’t been looking for me, you wouldn’t be in this situation, hiding out and waiting until he fixes what I’m guessing is a dangerous situation since he obviously doesn’t want you anywhere near it.”

They had managed to piece together my situation without me having to water down why me and Primo were separated at the moment.

“I’m not being forced into this situation,” I reassured them. “At first, I was against us having a relationship, but after spending some time around him, I honestly believe we can make it work.”

You could have heard a pin falling through the air. They were used to me being the I-don’t-give-a-damn-about-a-relationship friend. My candidness was also a way to get them comfortable with the idea that I was now tied to the mob if they wanted to remain friends.

It had taken many hours of long and hard reflection on how being with Primo could change the dynamic of our friendship. And I didn’t have the heart to tell them that I virtually had no way out of my situation from the beginning.

“I’d certainly understand if you guys would want to keep your distance. I don’t want…”

Tracy lifted a hand, cutting me off.

“I know what you’re about to say, and you can chill with that shit. We are your girls, and I don’t care who you’re dating. It’s not going to stop me from being your friend. Do I want you with someone a little more…safe? Shit, yes. But we are all placed in certain situations for reasons we may never understand. The house me and my kids live in was bought with drug money. We all know my husband wasn’t always a legit business man. If you and that fine ass Primo DeLuca are meant to be, his job and who his family is don’t matter.”

“What she said,” Maya said with a big grin on her face. “Here we are trying to force you down random men’s throats, and you are dating one of the finest men in the damn city.”

It pleased me that they didn’t look at me with pitying expressions.

“Thank you. I appreciate you ladies wanting to keep me, but my life may become a lot more complicated than me hanging out in a hotel,” I said, eyeing each of them. And although Primo didn’t mention it, I was sure he had multiple sets of eyes on me—even now while I was hanging out with my friends.

“I know you can’t disclose family secrets or anything, but if he said he needs to work something out, that means he’s probably planning on killing people, right?” Maya questioned with intrigue shining in her gaze rather than fear or apprehension.

I didn’t give an answer but allowed my eyes to rest on hers until she dropped them. All they saw was their good-natured friend who worked too much, volunteered at a nursing home, and was taking care of a mother that had never given a damn about her. They hadn’t thought back yet to how we had all grown up.

“How’s the dick? That man, although I’ve only seen his elusive ass once, looks like he could put it down,” came Maya’s question and comment that I should have expected. I was unaware that I was smiling at her crass question until two sets of approving eyes caught my attention.

“That damn good, huh? He got any more brothers? My poor pussy is starving, and if there is one thing I know, the more dangerous a man is, the more he knows how to lay the smack down in the bedroom. It’s like the danger enhances their instincts, especially their sexual instincts.”

I shook my head at Maya, who high-fived Tracy.

“Facts!” Tracy added.

We drank until my tongue went numb and laughed about the good ole days of college. I dodged most of their questions about Primo, fearing I’d said too much already.

“I need to go to the little girl’s room,” Maya announced, before taking a big gulp of her fourth or fifth drink.

Standing she walked away, her steps solid and strong in those heels even though I knew she was feeling the effects of the alcohol.

There was no need to whisper, but I did so now, leaning closer to Tracy.

“How is she? Really?”

The alcohol infused glee that was on her face dropped.

“She’s still grieving and in doing so, making questionable decisions. Before her brother she hooked up, but now it’s like she’s on an expedition, running through men like they are nothing more than a temporary fix to a long-term problem. Like drugs,” Tracy said, shaking her head.

“She’s not still trying to solve her brother’s case on her own is she?”

Thankfully, Tracy shook her head. “No, I think she’s chilled with it for now. She...”

Tracy's abrupt stop let me know that Maya was on the way back. I was worried about her, and at times, had no idea how to help her other than being there for her.

Maya dropped back into her seat and continued where she’d left off, picking up her drink and sipping. An odd silence filled the space, but when we all glanced up at each other, we couldn’t help cracking silly smiles.

“It’s getting late. I don’t want to stay out too late considering the new dynamics of my life.”

Tracy’s face crinkled. “Don’t you mean reintroduction? We grew up in The Grind. If you had never seen a hood in your life, I think you would have packed up and run by now.”

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