Now Idoturn and look at him. “What on earth are you talking about?”
He laughs and pulls me back until my head is back on his shoulder. “You’re content, Bonnie. You’ve made a life you’re happy with.”
“A boring life,” I mutter.
“No,” he begins, and I can feel him shaking his head, “I mean, yeah, you could do with getting out a little more, but nothing like I’ve been prattling on about. You are a home bird. You love reading, and you’ve got great friends and a job that allows you to fulfil your passion. You’ve never liked drinking and clubbing, and frankly, it’s shit. It’s the same people—the same drama.”
“So why do it?”
He flaps his lips as he lets out a big breath. “Because it’s what I know. Change is really fucking hard, and I wouldn’t know what to do, anyway.”
“We can figure it out, Pete. I’m here for you, just as much as you’ve always been for me. You don’t always have to be the protector.”
“I know. And after this shitshow is over, I promise I’ll ask for help. In the meantime, I need to know how you’re doing. Seriously.”
“I’m getting there. I’ve got stuff to work through, and I know I will.”
“Of course you will. Is Kelley okay?”
“I think so. Ugh, maybeIneed to start being a better friend, too. If anyone should be traumatised, it’s her, but she’s spent her time making sure I’m okay.”
“I think we all need to do better. How about we go find her and spend some time talking. No alcohol.”
We stand up and hug each other. I needed this; the talk with my dads and Pete. I might be tired with all the analysing and deep, thought-provoking conversation, but ignoring the issue isn’t for me. I just needed Allegra to give me a kick up the bum, apparently, because as much as it was about her calling out the men in my life, she’s made me see I need to open up and let them in; ask for their help instead of waiting for it to be offered. She also helped me see I need to step up my friendship game, too.
We drag Kelley out of bed and spend the rest of the day talking. It’s not all heavy, but we end the day with a group hug and a promise to do better. Pete and Kelley head to their rooms first. My mind is still on a fast track, so I tell them I’m going for a walk. I have to promise them I’m not going to wander off again before they leave me alone.
The sky shines with thousands of stars as I slowly meander around the interior garden. I don’t know a rose from a teapot, so I can’t admire the garden with the attention it deserves. I just know the flowers look pretty. The crickets are chirping loudly and there is a light breeze. It really is a perfect night.
A thought enters my mind, and I don’t know what to make of it. As I’m standing here, enjoying the sights and sounds of Sicily, I think there is only one thing that could make it even better.
Allegra.
Yeah, I’m in trouble.
18
Allegra
Miadrivessteadilydownthe dirt road. For once, I’d like to meet in a bar or restaurant, but as you can imagine, the heads of four crime families gathering together draws attention.
I have to be content meeting Francesco, Nico, and Marco in an abandoned building several kilometres from the villa. It could be worse. They also could have refused the meeting, so I’ll take what I can get.
Three SUVs are lined up when we arrive. No doubt the three Dons are exchanging stories, each vying to make their dick feel bigger than the others. It’s always a pissing contest with these people. Mia scans the area as usual. I’m not worried about my safety. I’m packing and I have no bad blood with anyone here, but I appreciate her vigilance.
The air is thick with cigar smoke when I walk in, and sure enough, Marco, Nico, and Francesco are talking over each other, trying to make themselves seem important. It’s so tiring.
“Gentlemen, sorry I’m late.” I’m not late, and even if I were, I wouldn’t be sorry, but it’s how the game goes. I’ve had to work twice as hard to earn their respect because I have a vagina. I’ve done the dance long enough to know which hill I’m willing to die on, and this ain’t it. Let them think I give a shit about their judgement of me. It’s no skin off my nose.
“Allegra, good to see you,” Francesco bellows. He has no volume control.
“Good to see you, too. All of you. Shall we get down to it?”
I have no intention of staying here a second longer than necessary. The building is dilapidated to the point I’m sure it’s unsafe.
“Indeed. We’re all wondering why you’ve called the meeting,” Nico says. “And not invited Giani,” he adds.
“Then I’ll speak plainly. Giani is attempting to draw the Ferrante family into a war.”
