“Nothing.”
“So, Michelle and I were talking last night.”
The cup is halfway to my mouth when I stop. “Please tell me you didn’t sleep with her.”
“She said she wants to take you out. That you need a break from working, and since I’m in town…” he continues without providing me any reassurance he didn’t try to get into Michelle’s pants. He stares straight into my eyes and says something I never expected. “I’m going to cover your shift so you two can have a night out.”
I put my cup down and try to comprehend how any of this makes sense. Vinnie is never the first one to volunteer for anything. “Vinnie, I love you, but…” My voice trails off.
But then I think about it. The bar is partially his, and he needs to put in some time like the rest of us. He’s collecting checks every month from the profits; he may as well earn a little of the money too.
“I think you’re right. It’s a great idea.”
“Is it?” His mouth hangs open.
“It is.”
I don’t really care about going out with Michelle, but I think he deserves to walk a mile in our shoes.
“Well, okay then,” he says quickly.
“Are you sure?” I ask, giving him one more out and expecting him to take it.
“Completely. Last night was a breeze. I’m sure tonight will be more of the same.”
I don’t bother telling him Saturday night is always more crowded than Friday. Last night, we were slammed after people heard he was back in town. Tonight, it will be worse. But Vinnie seemed to handle everything in stride.
All the little neighborhood women, both young and old, would be there to get a glimpse of Vinnie Gallo—the Italian football god with pristine olive skin and green eyes.
“You’re smart. I’m sure you can handle it,” I reassure him, even though I’m not entirely convinced.
He covers his mouth to stifle a yawn. “I’m going to lie down for a bit. Those girls exhausted me last night.”
“Girls?”
“Three,” he says with a smug grin.
There’s no point in lecturing him about sleeping with customers. Vinnie’s going to do whatever he wants, when he wants, how he wants. We’ve all given him the sex talk. The rest is up to him. “Go rest. You’re going to need it tonight.”
“Oh, I know.” His dimples appear as he rubs his hands together. “I’m hoping for round two.”
My eyes widen. I shouldn’t be surprised by anything or anyone my brother does anymore. “Two nights in a row with the same chicks?”
“Hell no. Variety is the spice of life.”
“I’m glad to see you have your priorities in order,” I say to him as he walks toward his bedroom.
He turns around, holding the side of the door with his hand. “Wear something nice tonight, and put on some makeup. Michelle has big plans for you.”
Before I can reply, he shuts the door, and I can hear his laughter on the other side.
“Fuckers,” I mumble. “Both of them.”
Those two cooked up something without clueing me in on their little scheme. I send a text to Michelle to get the scoop, and my phone rings as soon as she reads the text message.
“Hello.”
“Oh my God, Daphne. I have the best night planned for us.”
