Page 113 of Highball and Chain

“Does it matter?” I’d had enough double-talk and manipulation to last me a lifetime. I’d answer him, but I wanted to hear him say he’d never hand me the keys to the kingdom one more time.

“Now isn’t the time for another change in leadership.”

“So why ask the question as if my opinion matters?”

“If you’ll let me finish…” Gabe exhaled a deep breath. “I’m willing to work with you for now and step aside once things are settled.”

He’d knocked me for six. So much so, I didn’t know how to respond.

“I’ve been thinking about what you said to me before the wedding. You were right. I’ve been so busy working to get us out. I didn’t stop to think about the ramifications.” He lowered his voice. “Had I listened to you sooner, we may have avoided some of this drama.”

“Thanks.” I couldn’t remember Gabe ever admitting he’d made a mistake. Perhaps Maggie’s influence had done him some good.

“So what will it be? Do you want this or not?”

I had zero doubt of my answer, but I hesitated. Shanna had handed me to Nico on a silver fucking platter. Not only that, she seemed resigned, too resigned.

What’s her angle? Is she trying to ease her guilty conscience or playing the martyr?

Nico filled the silence. “Before you answer that, know that my father will side with the Abruzzos if there is no wedding.”

“I figured as much, but that doesn’t change my mind about sentencing the two of you to a life of unhappiness,” Gabe said. “Enzo? Do you want to take over?”

“No.”

Shanna turned her head in my direction fast enough to have whiplash. “You said you did.”

“At one point, I thought so, but I’ve changed my mind.” What the fuck is she up to?

“Since the drive home?” She smirked and leaned closer to the speakerphone. “Gabe, give him some time to think it over. It’s been a rough night.”

“I don’t need time. I know what I want.” I nodded to Nico. “You don’t want to be married to me, do you?”

“No.” She glanced at Marco and sighed. “But I’m willing to go through with it to prevent anyone I care about from getting hurt.”

“She’s right. Think about what this could mean for your family and the people in Comiso.” Shanna’s voice rose in volume and pitch.

And there it is. She’s pushing me away, but why? “I said no.”

“If you’re holding out because of me, don’t. I’m with Jack. I plan to marry him as soon as I can leave the house long enough to get a marriage license.” Seeming to realize everyone in the room was staring at her with varying degrees of shock, Shanna folded her arms and turned her head.

Gabe said, “Why don’t the two of you work this out and call me back?”

“No.” Staring at Shanna, I leaned closer to the phone. “I. Don’t. Want. It.”

She closed her eyes and shook her head.

“Great, now that’s settled. How do we bring the Abruzzos and Mayor Carter down?” A rustling noise filled the line, followed by Gabe’s muffled voice. “I’m going to need to wrap this up soon. The doctor is here to examine Pops.”

“How is he?” Marco asked.

“The same as before. He has good days and bad days.”

I thought back to the video of Mayor Carter and Sophia Abruzzo exchanging envelopes. “Is Pops well enough to answer a few questions?”

Gabe said, “If not now, he will be later. Why?”

“You’re aware he’s made many sizeable contributions to Carter’s election campaign?” I glanced at Marco.

---