Page 15 of Highball and Chain

“You heard what Ma said. She’ll kill you if she finds you naked before the wedding,” Marco called after them.

Gabe chuckled. “I already knocked her up. Why do I need mystery or blue balls?”

Maggie smacked his arm. “Gabriel Marchionni! That’s it. There’s too much testosterone out here.”

“What? It’s true.” He shrugged.

Maggie gave him a dirty look and went inside.

Wrapping a towel around his waist, he glared. “What’s wrong with you two? You should have my back.”

“Sorry, man, but look at the bright side, you won’t have to worry about Ma giving you shit between now and the honeymoon.” I reclaimed my chair. With any luck, the two idiots would go inside.

Gabe sat beside me. “What’s the deal with Shanna and Nicolina?”

“Nico is…Nico. Pain in the ass ninety-nine percent of the time.”

He motioned for me to continue.

“She’s a kid.”

“She’s the same age as Maggie.”

“Sure as hell doesn’t act like it.” I finished my wine and set the glass aside. “I’m not interested in the life a relationship with Nico would bring.”

Nico might play at rebelling against her family, but the woman was a mafia princess through and through. If I spent any serious time with her, the Lazios would expect a ring, kids, and loyalty to the family.

Gabe stared for a couple beats and nodded. “I get that. What about Shanna?”

“I hardly know her.” The lie tasted bitter. I hadn’t known her long, but what we lacked in quantity, we’d made up for in quality. Until I’d blown it. “We met at the gala.”

“Uh huh. I remember you were too busy to take my call when Maggie was missing. What gives?”

I nodded toward our younger brother. Normally, I’d rather swallow my tongue than discuss my personal life with him, but he did have inside information where Shanna was concerned. Unfortunately, I didn’t dare spill my guts in mixed company. “Nothing to tell.”

A slow smile spread across his face before he glanced over his shoulder. “Marco, go get that special bottle of scotch Pops keeps hidden in his study.”

“No way. Last time I took it I couldn’t sit right for a week.” Despite his protests, my younger brother walked toward the sliding glass doors.

“It’s a special occasion. Pops will understand.” Gabe waited until Marco went inside and turned to me. “You’re into her.”

“Yes, but what’s the point? She’s on her way to becoming a private investigator and I’m up to my ass in mob bullshit.” Saying the words out loud felt good. If anyone could understand my predicament, Gabe could.

“I’m hoping to change that in the near future.” He lowered his voice. “Don’t miss out on a good thing because of the family business. You’re a Michelin star chef. You could walk away and get a job anywhere.”

“I said I’m into her, not ready to give up my entire life for her.” I couldn’t decide if he wanted to give me options or if he wanted me out of his way.

Marco returned with the scotch and three glasses. “Any last-minute requests for the bachelor party? Do you want a redhead for the road?”

He poured our drinks. “Nah, I’m good. Maggie’s all I need.”

“You’re such a sap.” Still mulling over his advice, I knocked back the whiskey. “You sure you’re ready to be tied down the rest of your life?”

Marco leaned against a column and sipped his scotch. “Seriously, bro. Are you ready to raise Joe’s three, plus your daughter, and another on the way?”

“Maggie didn’t ask to raise Joe and Rebecca’s kids, but she stepped up when they died. Ella and the one she’s carrying weren’t planned, but shit happens.”

“But you care about her right? It’s not just about the kids,” Marco asked.

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