“I don’t know how you guys made that happen, but thank you. Seriously. Talk about an incredible birthday. Nonna, you’re the best ever.”
Nonna accepted another hug from Ariana while looking over her shoulder at me as she spoke. “Family is everything, dear. When someone in our family is wronged, we make it right.”
Nonna had recognized me and was acknowledging me as family.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Ariana
IGOT A job! Not just any job, I was offered a once-a-week slot on the stage at the Acropolis.
I stared at the manager, unable to blink or speak or even breathe as he handed me the contract. One day a week might not seem like much, but it was a chance to get my foot in the door. To sing professionally. To put on any résumé that I sang at the fucking Acropolis.
“What do you say?” the manager asked, holding the pen in the air between us.
My gaze drifted down to read the contract. Basic wording dictated that every Tuesday night for a month-long trial period, I would sing on the stage of The Acropolis. My pay would be more than twice what I made waitressing, plus tips. I’d have to talk to Pervy Pete and make sure I could get Tuesdays off, but I couldn’t let that little detail hold me back. Accepting the pen from the manager, I signed the contract.
A contract to sing. At the Acropolis.
The manager shook my hand, gave me a copy of my contract, and released me to return to my table. On wobbly legs, I somehow made it back to the table before collapsing in the seat beside Bones.
“How’d it go?” he asked.
“Well…” I took a moment to compose myself, so I wouldn’t sound quite so crazy and excited when I delivered the news. “You’re looking at the new Tuesday night singer. Every Tuesday night for a trial month, right here in the Acropolis.”
Bones cracked me the most adorable smile. “That’s great, babe. I knew you could do it.”
His confidence made me feel like I was capable of anything. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and maybe slide onto his lap, but we were in public, and he was with Angel, which meant he was working and probably wouldn’t appreciate any PDA from me. Instead, I gave him a smile and a quick “Thank you.”
“I hate to cut this party short,” Angel said, rubbing Markie’s back. “But my woman looks tired, and I need to get her home and put her to bed.”
Markie must have been worn out because she didn’t even argue, but instead gave Nonna one last hug before Angel picked her up. My sister snuggled against her boyfriend’s chest and closed her eyes.
Worried, I asked, “You okay?” as I rubbed her arm.
“Oh, yeah.” She yawned. “Tired, but fine. My body is being lazy.”
“Your body wants you to recover,” Angel said. Then, to me, he added, “She’ll be fine after she gets some rest.”
“I’m gonna grab a cab,” Bones said, hurrying to get in front of Angel.
Nonna walked behind Angel with her guards filing in around them. “Ariana, dear, you sang beautifully,” Nonna said, tucking my arm in hers. “I knew you wouldn’t embarrass me, but you very much exceeded my expectations. I might possibly know of a few other clubs looking for singers. I’ll ask around and see what I can do.”
Her kindness overwhelmed me, making my eyes burn. “You’ve already done so much, Nonna. Thank you.”
“Nonsense. You have a gift, dear girl. A gift that is meant to be showcased. Let me see what I can do to help you.”
“Thank you.” I gave her another hug, kissing her cheeks. “You really are the best.”
Nonna harrumphed, turning toward Angel. “You take care of my granddaughter,” she instructed. “She needs to get better so the two of you can get married and give me great grandbabies.”
Angel chuckled, leaning over to kiss Nonna’s cheek. “I’ll take care of her.”
Nonna’s eyes watered as she turned to tell Bones goodbye.
“Nonna,” he said with a nod, but she pulled him in for a hug. When she released him, they both looked shaken up. Her driver pulled up to the curb right as our cab did. Everyone filed into the cars and we motored off.
By the time we got back to the condo, Markie was already asleep. We helped Angel get her inside and settled, and then Bones took a six-pack of beer out of his fridge and followed me next door.
