Squeaking, she dashes across the room and instead of into my arms, runs into the bathroom and slams the door.
The lock clicks as I walk over and knock. “You okay in there?”
“What are you doing home? You said Thursday.” The panic in her voice makes me wonder what the fuck she’s hiding.
Slowly, I search the place, starting with the bedroom. Finding no one there, I spiral back down the stairs wondering if she has a man with her.
I wait for over five minutes, listening until I’m sure she’s alone.
“Are you ever coming out?”
“Probably, but not for a few weeks.” She sounds scared but if she’s cheating, serves her right. I wouldn’t hurt her. Him? Not so sure.
“What about food?”
“Ah… there’s a window. You can lower my meals down from the roof.” Her banter makes me realize my jealousy was stupid.
I picture me lowering a basket and grin. “That’s a right fine idea. But what if I need to use the facilities?”
“Ask Joey. Or Vincent. Youz guyz are pals now. Right?”
I tap my knuckles, more gently this time. “Open up, Sam.”
“Promise not to be pissed?” She’s never hidden from me before, this has to be big.
“Nope.”
“Then, nuh-uh. Come back in a couple weeks.”
“I can always break down the door…”
“No you won’t. It’ll cost too much to fix.”
“You’re no doubt aware all I have to do is put a thin nail into the center of the door handle and it will release?”
“Do you have one?”
“No.”
“Good.”
“I can get one by morning. Do you really want to sleep in there?”
“Ah… not exactly.”
I hear clunking. “What are you doing?”
“Putting on a little makeup.”
The door clicks, the knob turns, and she peeks through the crack.
Ah fuck. One eye, while not slit shut, is a hell of a shiner and her jaw has a bump the size of a golf ball. And her beautiful face? It has a rainbow of purples, yellows and oranges.
I promised myself I would not go ballistic but when I see her all beat to hell, I lose it.
“Fuck! Sam. Holy fuck.” I pull her into my arms, tears welling and keep her there until I get my stupid emotions under control.
From now on, Bensonhurst needs to understand that Suds and Sam are here to stay and if someone messes with my woman, I will fucking kill them.
