“It’s not because you bribed the test officials?” I accuse him, narrowing my eyes just in case he decides to lie.
“I didn’t do that,” he assures me. “I have no need. There is no way you’re going to fail because you’re my son.”
I narrow my eyes, not sure if I believe him.
“And I thought it would make you try harder if you suspected I was going to interfere,” Dad concludes.
I raise my glass to him, knowing that he’s got me pegged. “You’re right about that,” I say sincerely.
“So, when is the wedding?” Uncle Gio comes over to stand beside us.
Sofia and I look at each other in astonishment. We haven’t thought that far ahead. For the moment, everything is working out well. I don’t want to jinx it by putting our relationship into overdrive.
Sofia comes to my rescue, linking her hand with mine before she answers. “You’ll be the first one to know, I promise.”
Gio nods appreciatively, checking with Dad to see if that’s okay. Dad smiles, knowing that she’s kidding. Of course, he would be the first to know as the head of the family. But for the moment,it’s all good fun. Sofia and I are enjoying our time together and leaving future considerations for another day.
EPILOGUE
SOFIA
“Put that lamp over there,” I instruct the movers. They’re actually Frankie’s men, but I’m treating them like professional movers. They rented a van and everything to help Frankie and me move into our new apartment.
It’s a place downtown, in the heart of the city, where the nightlife is strong. I can’t wait to sit out on our balcony and watch all the partygoers fill the streets on Friday night. I’ve already set up two comfortable chairs across from a stylish table that will hold our beers.
Inside the apartment, it’s much more spacious than my last place. It’s even bigger than Frankie’s rooms, where we’ve been living for months since the attack. We’re getting a whole new set of furniture that was purchased by a design consultant. I want the place to be a tranquil oasis, somewhere Frankie and I can retreat from the world and indulge ourselves privately.
To that end, there are abstract wall paintings and hand-picked flowers. The movers are almost finished. They just need another load or two before they call it quits for the day.
Frankie comes out of the bedroom, buttoning the cuffs on a new shirt. He’s officially a lawyer now, and so we’re going to celebrate tonight this new phase in our lives. Our new loft is right around the corner from some of the most expensive restaurants in town. I’m looking forward to dining out and then walking home, something I’ve never been able to do before.
I walk over to kiss him, ignoring all the random men in our apartment. This is one of the best days of my life, and I can’t wait to get started on our cohabitation. We’ve been living together for months, but this is the first time we’ll be away from Francisco Corello’s home. Not that I didn’t appreciate the fact that he welcomed me into his house, but still. Frankie and I are starting a life together, and we need a bit of space to call our own.
“What do you think?” Frankie asks, holding me tight.
“I love it,” I assure him.
“It’s a bit expensive, but worth it,” he muses.
“We have that extra room for when my parents come to visit,” I tease.
“I can’t wait,” he says, not giving me the satisfaction of seeing him squirm.
I took him to meet my parents a few weeks ago, and it went about as well as could be expected. They were pissed that I decided to ‘playhouse’ with a gangster, but I’m hoping they’ll come around. At least we’re speaking to each other again.
Of course, I couldn’t tell them that I got revenge for Danny’s death. But my mom at least understands that the danger has passed, and that I’m no longer afraid for their lives. It was anawkward, yet normal family reunion, and I made sure to tell them that they’re welcome at my new place anytime.
I follow Frankie back into the bedroom to help him select a tie. We’re going out on the town tonight, and he wants to look his best. There’s an odd assortment of ties that he’s collected over the years. Some of them are plain-colored, others have busy patterns. I’m thinking something blue for the evening, and he follows my lead without complaint.
I loop the tie around his neck, feeling incredibly domestic. The movers continue depositing boxes in the living room, finishing the last of the deliveries. My phone beeps, and I quickly tie Frankie’s knot. Making sure it looks perfect, I take a moment to check my texts.
It’s Marlena. She’s texted me a picture of her baby. The little boy is perfect, and Marlena can’t get enough of him. She texts me pictures every day, in all sorts of situations. This is one of the baby sleeping, but I’ve got tons of the baby in different outfits, in a stroller, in Francisco’s arms, and taking a bath in the sink.
“Marlena?” Frankie guesses.
I show him the latest photo.
He grins, tugging me into his arms to kiss me. “We should all be so lucky.”
