“I don’t but you have one more night to get through.”
The day after Christmas had been an eye opener for both of us. Most of the family had weaved their way in an out of the house throughout the day. Whether for myself, Mia or Link, it had shown us there were people who would listen if we called. If that hadn’t been enough for us to put our plans into motion, seeing Gabriel with Chas had made us realize we weren’t the only ones plotting.
As per usual, the Moretti estate had been decorated ostentatiously and guests gawped in awe as they made their way through the house. Mia stuck close to my side as we mingled. It was a stark contrast to when she had first come back. No one had dared look at her, but a few months of work and Mia was sought out for conversation.
“He’ll be able to look after himself,” Katia said, shooting me a smile. “Come enjoy the night.”
Mia cast me a glance. “Looks like my presence is needed.”
“Go,” I told her, giving her a quick kiss. “Katia.” The blonde looked at me with wide eyes. “She’s a lightweight so be gentle with her.”
Katia let out a laugh before she grabbed Mia’s arm and led her into the crowd to join the rest of the women. It was good for Mia to have people outside of myself and Dante to spend time with. That used to be Gabe and Tori, but after the stunts Gabe had pulled and her guilt with Tori, Mia had stopped relying on the Moretti twins as much.
“Flying solo?” Dante came up to me with a lopsided grin.
“Obviously not,” I told him.
“You never know. We all know Mia loves Link more than you. She could have changed her mind and stayed at home.”
It pained me, some days, just how much Mia doted on Link. Sharing her attention was something I was getting used to, but there was no competition when it came to our son.
“Katia just dragged her off for whatever debauchery they have planned for the evening.”
“She’s done well,” Dante commented as we joined the thick of the party.
“You have no idea,” I told him. Dante didn’t know about Mia’s run in with Amber or what she’d planned. He’d seen what we all had: the new, shiny version of Mia. She’d often wondered if she’d lost her old self in becoming part of my world, but I didn’t believe that. Mia hadn’t changed, just been enhanced. Deep down she remained the woman I’d met all those months ago: loyal and loving and my guiding light.
The music pulsed through the room as we side stepped around extravagant gowns and accepted drinks that were handed to us.
“How are things with you and Tori?” I asked.
Dante shrugged. “Well enough.” He never seemed willing to divulge much about their relationship these days.
“You know I won’t be able to thank you enough for what you’re willing to do for us.”
Dante held up a hand and a serious look replaced the easy-going expression he usually wore. “For the last time, you don’t need to thank me or show me gratitude. Mia’s making you fucking soft. We’re family. That comes before everything else, end of discussion. I’m not just doing it for you and Mia and Link. I’m doing it for Charlie.”
That last sentence made my heart thud painfully. When we said we were doing this for family it meant doing right by Charlie, who had been betrayed, lied to, and died, for a man who wasn’t worth the bottom of his shoes.
“And you said Mia’s making me soft,” I said, punching his arm.
“Hope you boys are behaving yourself and not causing a scene.” Emilia joined us, Tori by her side.
“He wouldn’t dare,” Tori said, looking at Dante. She stepped up and kissed him.
“Of course not,” I told Emilia. It was a shame that she would bear the fallout of her husband’s decision. “Xavier would never forgive us if we showed him up. I haven’t seen him yet tonight. Is he around?”
“Oh,” Emilia said. “Didn’t he mention? He’s away on business at the moment.”
“You never mentioned anything.” Dante looked at Tori who held his gaze.
“I didn’t think it would be important,” she replied evenly.
Alarm bells began to ring. “Did he say how long he’d be away for?”
Emilia shook her head. “No. Did you have plans to see him?”
“No. It’s just been a while since Xavier hasn’t rung in the New Year with all of us.” I may have only started attending the New Year’s bash again last year, but there had been plenty of party anecdotes and they usually all involved my charming Godfather.
