Page 36 of Highball and Chain

Dante, the youngest of us, downed a bottle of water. “Are we absolutely sure it’s safe to have our entire family in one place?”

Leo’s shoulders tensed. “We have security at the church.”

I’d never seen my little brother so worked up. Dante generally kept to himself unless video games or food were involved. Raising my chin, I said, “The Lazios won’t cause trouble today. Honor among thieves.”

They turned to me, but no one spoke.

“What?” I held my hands up. “Relax. This is supposed to be a joyous day.”

Gabe sat back and scratched his jaw. “I’ll relax when everyone’s inside.”

“Business should have waited until after the ceremony. You had to know the families wouldn’t be happy to hear we’re breaking ties.”

Leo narrowed his eyes. “What’s done is done.”

And yet, it’s far from over. “Have you given any thought to who will take over our territory?”

“This isn’t the time, Enzo.” Leo folded his arms as if daring me to speak.

Gabe rolled his head from side to side to relieve the tension. “It’s not for us to decide. I plan to sell the villa and any holdings we have in Sicily as soon as we return to New Orleans.”

What the fuck is he thinking?“This is our ancestral home. The people here count on us.”

“They’ll learn to count on someone else.” This from Leo, who regarded me like I was something on the bottom of his shoe.

“You’re so eager to go legit, you’d destroy generations of hard work in this community?”

Gabe met my gaze and cocked his head as if considering what I’d said, or more likely, wondering what it’d take to shut me up.

The limo came to a stop at the stairs of the Cathedral of Saint Giovanni Battista. The enormous front doors stood open, welcoming the wedding party. Family and invited guests waited near the entrance for the groom to enter, while locals and curious tourists filled the remainder of the square.

“You have quite a crowd.” I scanned the faces and blew out a sigh of relief. Nico hadn’t shown. Thank Christ.

My brothers and I formed a semicircle around the door and waited for Gabe to emerge from the car. I had to admit, we were a handsome bunch in our black Armani tuxes and crisp white shirts.

Gabe stood and swung his arms like a prizefighter. “Let’s do this.”

I slapped his back. “Last chance to run.”

“If I run, Ma will tackle me and drag me back.” He flashed me a grin.

Leo stepped forward. “Ready?”

Gabe nodded and walked inside the church.

Family and friends filed past me, but I hung back and waited for my parents’ limo to move forward. Now, more than ever, my father needed to appear strong.

The door opened and Zach, my oldest nephew, stepped out. The kid wore the same cut and style tux as the rest of us. Someone had slicked his curls back, but the humid air made one or two spring back to life. He reminded me of his father at sixteen. A pang of grief threatened to bring tears to my eyes.

Chloe bounced out of the limo in a puff of white silk and tulle. Her long dark hair hung in ringlets down her back. She waved to the crowd and twirled in her dress. Those gathered rewarded her with cheers and applause.

She’s such a ham.

Evelyn emerged carrying Ella, Gabe’s infant daughter, both dressed in ice blue. Ryan came next, in a miniature tux. He took one look at the crowd and froze in place.

I moved forward and took the little guy’s hand before he could dart back into the car. My mother moved aside, and my father, Giuseppe Marchionni Sr., stepped from the limo. The old goat couldn’t get out of bed the day before, but hell would rent space to penguins before he let his people see him in a wheelchair.

The locals knew him as Papa Joe. They called his name and cheered, prompting the tourists to follow suit. My family had supported this city for as long as anyone could remember. We enjoyed notoriety in New Orleans, but here we were loved.

Who will take care of these people when we leave? The Lazios? The Abruzzos? Not fucking likely.

Zach carried Ella into the church, followed by my parents and Ryan. I waited with Chloe by the door for the bride to arrive. The third limo pulled up and my niece bolted toward it—along with half the crowd.

Shit.

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