Page 10 of DeLucas After Dark

“Moni, what’s good, cousin?”

“Sheree! Girl, when are you coming home? I miss you.”

I laughed at her excitement. One thing I could always count on was my cousin showing me love. There was never a doubt in my mind that she loved me fiercely.

“Wait a minute. Is this the same woman who bitched and complained that I was getting on her last nerve, before I left the US?”

“Girl, you know that’s how we show love in our family.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Well, to answer your question, I won’t be coming back for a hot minute. I met a man.”

You could have heard a pin drop. In fact, I think I could hear her blinking. It made me smile because I knew she was in shock. I never had an issue finding men, it was wanting them to stay around that was my problem. So, Simone knew if I was telling her about a man, it was more than a fling.

“Cuz, I am so happy for you. Spill all the tea. What’s his name? What does he look like? Oh, and more importantly, how big is that thang?”

“His name is Giorgio Gallo, and he looks like a hot nerd. Of course, he’s Italian and as far as his thang, I wouldn’t know.”

“Bitch, what? How long have you been seeing him?”

“Since the beginning of October. He’s been showing me around the island and helping me with my posts.”

“Wait, why haven’t you put him in your videos? It’s not like you not to show your man off.”

I took a deep breath and let it out. This was the reason I needed to talk to Moni. She always asked the right questions.

“He doesn’t like to be seen on social media. Is that weird?”

“Hell, yes that’s weird. I’m just going to use the words you gave me when I first met Nicolo… RED FLAG!”

“Okay, you got me. Deep down, I knew it was odd, but I let it slide. He hasn’t asked for money. In fact, he pays for everything. I think he is pretty well off in that area. He has been nothing but a gentleman. We have fun together and I don’t have to worry about him pressuring me for sex.”

“Are you sure he likes women? I mean, you’ve been together for over a month, and he hasn’t even tried to get in those yams?”

“Yams, really? You are so stupid! But for real, I am pretty sure he likes women. It does make me wonder if he has someone else, though.”

“What, like you think he’s got a whole wife somewhere?”

“I don’t know, Moni. That’s why I called you. What do you think?”

“One thing I know, and two for sure, always trust your instincts. If you are getting a vibe that something is wrong, go with that.”

“But, how can I be sure?”

“Hmm… let me think. Well, first and foremost, send me a picture of this guy. I need to know what he looks like in case he turns out to be a serial killer.”

“Girl don’t say that. You’re gonna have me looking at that man sideways.”

“Listen, don’t worry about a thing. I will get Nicolo on this. You know he doesn’t play when it comes to keeping his family safe. He will look into it, and I’ll get back to you. Just be sure you send me that picture.”

“I’m sending it now. Thanks, Moni. Tell Nicolo I said thanks too. Kiss Nicolo Jr. for me. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Alright, cuz. Take care of yourself and keep an eye on that man. Make sure you have some mace or a knife on you, at all times.”

“I will. Love you, Moni.”

“Love you, more.”

MARIO

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