Page 14 of Highball and Chain

Enzo

Moonbeams and boatlights danced on the Mediterranean Sea. Normally, the villa gave me a sense of peace. In the few days since I’d arrived, Nicolina’s constant complaining and arguing had me debating purchasing a Kevlar vest.

“Enzo? Are you listening to me?” Nicolina stood with her hands on her hips.

Gabe and Maggie glanced my way, and Marco chuckled from the other side of the pool.

Of course, Nico makes a scene.

Once again, the woman had shown up without warning. When I’d told her my plans to visit Sicily, she’d called my mother and wrangled a seat on the company jet with the family. “Yes, I’m listening. If you are so unhappy with your job, you should look for another or stop working. I’m sure your father would support you.”

She threw up her hands. “I can’t quit my job. I’m working for one of the largest fashion houses in the world. Forget it. You don’t understand anything that isn’t food.”

“I understand that you are unhappy and your boss is trying to get into your pants.”

“I was wrong, you understand food and sex. Beyond that, you’re clueless. So feed me or fuck me, but this conversation is over.”

I cast a quick glance around the patio, praying my mother hadn’t heard her. Then again, if Evelyn got a look at the real Nico, maybe she’d get off my back about proposing. “There’s food in the fridge. Help yourself.”

“I’m not hungry. I’m going to bed. I’ll be in the room I’m being forced to share with your cousin.” She tapped her foot, as if expecting me to save her.

I shrugged. “There are rooms at the hotel.”

Nico stormed inside the house.

A moment’s peace. Is that too damned much to ask?I needed to speak with Shanna alone, but in a house full of people, a few moments’ privacy were hard to come by. I laid back and closed my eyes.

Marco dropped into the lounger beside me. “What’s the deal with Shanna?”

I opened one eye. “You mean Nicolina?”

“No, I mean Shanna. Are you hittin’ that?”

“No, I’m not hittin’ that.” I ran my hand over my face. Gabe and Maggie were within earshot, but appeared too wrapped up in each other to overhear the conversation.

“Cool. I thought I picked something up between the two of you. I didn’t want to poach on your territory.”

“She’s not your type.” First the incessant flirting and now this? It had taken every ounce of my willpower not to reach across the table and throttle him at dinner. I stood and grabbed my towel. If I couldn’t get a moment alone with my thoughts here, I’d walk to the beach.

“Since when do I have a type?” Marco smirked. “Maggie, is Shanna single?”

“Yes, why?”

“Enzo thinks she’s not my type.” He laughed and shoved my shoulder. “See? She’s single and attractive. She’s my type, old man.”

Marco might have been two-years younger than me, but time and maturity were very different things. I didn’t have the patience to deal with an overgrown adolescent.

“Hey, watch the old man stuff,” Gabe shouted.

Marco tapped his chin. “Unless she’s a lesbian. Maggie, is Shanna into guys?”

Screw maturity.

He didn’t see me move until it was too late. I put my shoulder to his gut and used my body weight to throw him off balance. Marco hit the water hard and surfaced laughing.

“Yes, she’s straight, but don’t ruin my wedding by chasing after the maid of honor.” Maggie stepped out of the pool. “You guys have some brother bonding time. I’m going to bed.”

“I’m coming with you.” Gabe reached for a towel.

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