Page 132 of Highball and Chain

Evelyn walked to the courtyard doors, forced a smile, and marched to me like a woman in need of a stiff drink and a long chat. “It’s wonderful you’re doing this for Enzo, but he doesn’t care for people to make a fuss over him, nor does he like surprises.”

“Thank you for your advice, but I disagree.” I spotted Ann Dixon in the doorway. “If you’ll excuse me.”

Ms. Dixon and I had become neighbors once again. She’d moved into Gabe’s townhouse while my mother’s construction team repaired the building.

“Thanks for coming.” Hugging her, I whispered, “And for saving me from Enzo’s mother.”

Ann gave me a knowing look. “Don’t let her bother you.”

“I’ll try.”

Marco rested his hand on my shoulder. “Sorry to interrupt, but I need to talk to you.”

Ann took one look at him and shooed me away. “Go. I’ll catch up with you later.”

His concerned expression made my stomach hurt.

I took his arm and pulled him to a quiet corner. “What’s up?”

He ran his hand over the back of his neck. “I have it on good authority Nico’s father is sending her brothers to bring her back to Sicily. For her safety and mine, I won’t be coming into the city again until things settle.”

That Pietro Lazio hadn’t demanded she return before now surprised Enzo and me. We’d expected the situation to come to a head weeks ago. If Marco’s sources were correct, he and Nico were in danger. Serious danger.

I lowered my voice. “You should have a security team with you.”

“No one will find us in Terrebonne Parish unless they follow me to the cabin. Even then, it’s easy to get lost.” He brushed his hair from his brow and a shiny gold band caught my eye.

As far as I knew the couple hadn’t tied the knot, but I’d obviously missed something. Drawing him into an embrace, I whispered, “Congratulations, but you might want to take off your wedding ring before your mother had a coronary.”

“Oh shit. I forgot all about it. Thanks.” Marco slid the band into his pocket.

“Are you two happy?”

He hitched a shoulder as if his and Nico’s relationship was no big deal, but his goofy, love-sick expression told a different tale. “It’s complicated.”

Laughing, I motioned around the living room. “Enzo and I are living proof that complicated doesn’t mean hopeless. When are you leaving?”

“I’ll stay until Enzo arrives, but I need to get out of town as soon as possible.”

I hugged him tighter. “Be safe and call me if you need anything. I’ll need a map, but I’d be happy to bring you supplies.”

“Thanks. Don’t tell Enzo until after the party. I don’t want to spoil his birthday.” He released me and headed for the courtyard.

I turned in time to see my mother and stepdad in the hall. “Mom, glad you guys could make it.”

She hugged me tighter than necessary. “How could I say no? I wouldn’t miss your big day for anything.”

My day?I pulled back. “The party is for Enzo.”

Her eyes bugged and she covered her mouth. “Right.”

“Mrs. Isaac!” Maggie saved me from the awkward moment by dragging my mom to the courtyard. “Come meet my husband and children.”

Mom glanced over her shoulder before walking outside. “It’s Mrs. Goldman now.”

Leo and Dahlia slipped in during the strange exchange. Both gave me a quick wave on their way to greet Hildie in the kitchen.

Hazel, Enzo’s assistant manager, and a few other employees from his restaurant arrived, along with Jessie and other family members I vaguely remembered from the wedding.

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