“I am who I am, Roz,” he felt a need to say.
Roz looked at him as she finished dressing. “You are who you are, take it or leave it?”
“Take it,” Mick responded.
That was the last straw for Roz. But this time she didn’t raise her voice or make unserious threats. But that unusually calm look on her face, to Mick, was more impactful. “Don’t keep pushing that envelope with me, Mick. Don’t you do it. I am not the one. And when you least expect it, I’m going to prove it to you.”
She stared at him a moment longer, making it clear just how serious she was. And then she left their bedroom.
“Shit,” Mick said as he laid there. He was angry with himself. Not because of that birthday gaffe. But because he knew, if she were to ever find the true reason why he was in Rome, and why he busted his knee, she would divorce his ass instantaneously. And that would just about destroy him. Because his greatest fear in life wasn’t his enemies taking him down, nor the most dangerous men on earth he had to deal with on a regular. Losing Roz was his greatest fear.
Although he was truly exhausted, he got up and out of that bed.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Roz and a few of the OGs were out front on the courtyard, at a table, playing cards. Roz was partnered with Big Daddy after Jenay gave up her spot to Roz and was playing against Reno and Trina. Sal and Gemma were playing against Tommy and Grace. Teddy and Nikki, and Jimmy and Dommi, although not old school like the rest of them, had come out front, too, and were playing against each other.
And they were all enjoying themselves. The twins had Ted and Nikki’s baby girl Kimmie, there were no calls or issues any of them had to address, and they all felt free at last. What they weren’t enjoying, though, was the music.
“Sweet Caroline? That’s the best we can do guys?” asked Jimmy.
“It was Tommy’s turn to select a song,” said Grace. “He told Siri to play Neal Diamond. It’s his favorite song.”
“Butwhy?” an equally perturbed Dommi asked.
Tommy laughed. “Just worry about your hand,” he said. “Don’t worry about my taste in music.”
“What taste?” Sal asked his older brother. “That ain’t taste. That’s distaste.” And he and Jimmy high-fived. Then the intercom on the table buzzed.
Reno pressed it. “Yo?”
It was gate security. “A Mr. Kelly Cochran is here to see Mrs. Sinatra.”
“Which Mrs. Sinatra? Jenay or--”
“It’s for me, Reno,” Roz said. “Tell him to let him in.”
“Why would it be for me anyway, Reno?” asked Jenay. “This isn’t my house.”
“And?” asked Reno.
“And you’re a moron,” said Sal to Reno.
“Let him in,” Reno said to gate security.
But Trina saw how Roz lit up at the mention of that name. “Who’s Kelly Cochran?” she asked her.
“He’s directing me inVirginia Wolfe. I’ve known him for years.”
Teddy and Nikki glanced at each other. It was that same phrase she used when they were at that so-called intervention with her: “I’ve known him for years.” It seemed like a phrase she used to help mask her interest in that director. He was somebody they wanted to meet.
But when Kelly entered the grounds and began making his way toward the courtyard, they all saw the biggest smile pierce Roz’s face. And the way she said “Kelly,” with such affection. And when she didn’t wait for him to come to her, but she got up and hurried to him, all kinds of alarm bells were going off in their heads.
“Damn, she’s happy to see that man,” said Reno. “And he’s a pretty man too.”
Sal looked at Reno like he was insane. “Why you always talking about how some dude pretty? What’s wrong with you?”
“Ah get the fuck out of here!” Reno said angrily.
