However, it still doesn’t put me into a relaxed state.
At all.
I’m way past the definition of pissed off and violent. And, while I should be enjoying my drive with Meirna, I’m not.
Not because of her, but because Franco Giordano is handling my brother’s beat down and I’m not.
I normally don’t outsource shit like this. However, I’m not looking to risk my relationship with Meirna because I’m too much for her.
Iamtoo much for her, but there’s a time and place where I might cross a line she’ll never forgive me for.
And it’s Bobby’s death.
I gave Franco Giordano strict instructions not to kill him but to handle his and my problem.
Then to let him free.
However, I know Bobby is going to come back.
So, my question to Meirna is going to be this: what do you want me to do?
He’s not going to stop.
I’m not going to not deal with it.
And that is the first and last time it’s ever going to go down where Meirna’s safety is jeopardized. There’s no world I wouldforgive myself if he violated her, and I’m not going to spend the rest of my life worrying abouthim.
“Stop brooding while you drive and eat.”
We stopped at a burger place, some old fifties-themed joint, and Meirna ordered.
All I did was hand over my credit card.
She’s acting fine, sounds fine, like it was a nightmare of mine and she wasn’t starring in it at all. She’s been singing along to every Christmas song that comes on, still in the spirit of the holidays and completely content in my passenger seat.
“I will,” I reply noncommittally, staring ahead as we drive down the expressway through slush and falling snowflakes.
The last thing I want to do is eat. I’m trying my best to get my head right before I arrive at my mother’s house because she’ll see right through my bullshit.
Food appears near my mouth.
“Eat.”
My lips part, biting down on a hamburger with ketchup, mustard, and pickles.
Then I silently chew.
“You’re still upset.” I shake my head even though that’s a lie.
I’m fucking furious.
I didn’t know how to console her properly, but I helped her pack, get her out of that apartment, and to my hotel room, where she stayed close to me all night.
She slept.
I stayed awake, plotting different ways to make Bobby’s life a living hell or how he would die.
“Bronte, I promise nothing happened.”
