“It’s a family business.”
“Your mom is ok with the club rules?”
Dante choked on a piece of chicken.
Madison got up to pat him on the back. “Are you ok?”
“Yeah, it just went down the wrong pipe. I think.” He patted his chest with his fist. “I know you mentioned things concerning the law. Have you had a run in with some criminals?’
“No. I’ve never met someone who doesn’t follow the law, at least not that I know of. I would never associate with someone like that. Why?” Was he going to tell her he was in the mob?
“I was just curious I guess.”
She couldn’t interpret the look that crossed his face. Maybe he wasn’t in the mob, but they paid protection money to them and that’s why it was said to be owned by the mob. She had read things like this in books. She hadn’t slept with a mobster. Only someone who paid them to keep his business running.
“What things do you like to do?”
****
Dante should have been grateful for the change in topics. But the acid in his stomach roiled for two reasons. There was no way he could have a future with Madison, unless he got out of the business before she found out.
Dante shouldn’t have been surprised that Madison wanted to know what he did. She was like every other woman. Interested in the man’s job and not in the man. “I have several business and investment properties. I also invest for myself and others.”
“Oh, that’s nice. But I meant what you like to do besides work. Like for fun?”
He couldn’t believe it. He had misjudged her. She wanted to get to know him. The man behind the numbers. Most of the time when they got together any conversation they had was fast and turned into sex. He couldn’t keep his hands off of her, and she was so responsive to his touch. With her on her period, things had slowed down and they were able to get to know each other outside the bedroom.
“And don’t tell me work. I want to know besides work. Even if you’re not doing it, what else do you like doing?”
“You know that’s a tricky question. No one’s ever asked me that since I was a kid. I’ve always been known as the numbers guy and nothing else.”
“But there is more to you than that.” She stated it like fact.
“True. I like basketball, to watch and to play. I would play pickup games with my cousins, but we haven’t done that in a while.”
“My brother was a pro basketball player, so I understand the rules and such.”
Was that the guy she was seeing? Her brother? Dante was impressed and relieved. Maybe they could see a game together. He had season tickets he hadn’t been using.
“What else? Who else is Dante?”
“I like to fix things and work with my hands. I’m pretty handy around the house and renovated my place on my own.” He would have to bring her to his place. He didn’t know where that had come from. He had never brought a girl to his place. Monica had been to his old place, but his renovated place was for him only.
He hadn’t planned to share it with someone, but he wanted to share it with Madison and see what she thought of the things he had done.
“Wow. That is pretty cool. I know enough renovation stuff to get by. I’d love to see it.”
“And I’d love to show it to you.” And he did, it wasn’t a lie.
“What else makes Dante tick?”
“I’m a movie man. I like to watch the Oscar picks ahead of the Oscars.”
“That’s interesting. I’m not a movie girl.”
“Maybe you haven’t found the right movies yet.”
She shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe you’re right.”
