Page 19 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“Come on, Holly. I know you’re not going to go out like that.” I puff at my cigar and narrow my eyes, then blow the smoke out. “Come on, don’t let them through,” I yell as Kamiko almost breaks through the three attacking her.

“Kamiko, Holly, don’t allow them to get to the target. Keep them engaged. It’s your job to distract them as much as it’s theirs to keep you trapped.”

Cat is the strongest of the three surrounding Kamiko. She’s holding her own, but Kamiko has winded Justice and Coco. Cat spins and throws a backhanded punch at Kamiko.

Kamiko stumbles back and Cat takes off for their target. I shift my gaze to Ava. She’s looking down at her nails, unfazed. When Cat reaches her, she spins out of the way and throws a kick right at Cat’s midsection.

Kamiko has recovered and is backing Coco and Justice down so they can’t join Cat. I stand from my seat.

“We all know what happens if I have to come down off this throne. I need you ready,” I bellow. “He’s not going to suffer the weak. You’re not going to embarrass me.”

“Yes, master,” they pant in answer.

I’ve been pushing them harder. I can’t hide here forever. Riccardo needs to take his last breath. I’ve given up on anything else I wanted out of life. That motherfucker’s death is all I want.

I’m beyond a woman scorned. I’m a woman on fire and I’m going to burn everything down until I can breathe again.

“I might as well go make lunch. They’re not ready for me,” Ava taunts.

I smile. This time with her has changed me. Although consumed with my anger, I’ve had time to think about what’s left of my life. I wasn’t sure I’d come here this time, but I’m glad I did.

Cat growls and attacks Ava again. This time Ava actually has to block several hits, bringing me off this pedestal. I drop my cigar in the bucket and run at Cat. Jumping in the air, I then wrap my legs around her neck to toss her ass, landing in a crouch. I stand, blocking Ava as Philly and Smoke make it past Holly.

I drop both their asses and stand with my chest heaving. I give a slow clap as Holly and Kamiko floor the rest.

“Not bad. You’re almost ready. You three, give me ten laps.”

I wrap an arm around Ava’s neck. “You okay?”

“Never better. You girls have been keeping me young. It’s making me miss your mom like crazy though.” She reaches to cup my face. “You’re so much like her. She’d be so proud.”

I smile and lean my head on her shoulder. I don’t tell her, but if my mother were here, I’d be a different person. I’d be somewhere living a life.

“You still have time, Ny. It’s not over,” she says as if reading my thoughts.

“I want to hope you’re right, but what if nothing changes? What if he calls me back and it’s the same old thing? I can’t do another minute of that. I need all of him this time.”

“Trust me, honey. I’m right. You will find your way this time. Remember… you work toward common goals and peace is achieved in all things. It’s about balance.”

I nod and remain silent. Ava stops and cups my face as she turns and looks into my eyes. My heart aches as I see so much of Gio on her face.

“What’s going on in your head?”

“My business with Lizzy has taken off. I could leave all this behind and live a normal life. Do something with all the money Lizzy and I have created.”

“But would you be happy? Would you be fulfilled?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never lived a life outside of Gio and Jace.”

“Nor have they lived one outside of you. You do see that? What is it you call Gio?”

“The puppet master.”

“Has he ever left a scene undone. For as long as you’ve known him, he’s dressed every player and placed them all on stage where they need to be, what makes you think he doesn’t have a part that fits you and only you?

“Ny, Gio has designed the perfect set for what’s to come and because all of this has been about you for him, he’s going to make sure you get a happy ending. Trust the process.”

“I know all of this, but is he looking at the shot clock? Because while he’s playing dress up with his puppets, I’m on the court where the clock is running out.”

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