Page 54 of Single Malt Drama
“Nico and I need to get out of town for a while.”
Enzo rounded on me. “What the hell is going on with you and Nico?”
After the day I’d had, I didn’t have the energy to sugarcoat the situation. “I don’t know.”
He folded his arms. “What do you mean you don’t know? Are you married or not?”
“We have a license.” I hitched a shoulder and played dumb rather than filling him in on the rest of our plans.
He ran both hands over his head. “Why?”
“Why do you think?” What the hell is up with the twenty questions? Was I standing there asking him about his intentions with Shanna? Oh right. I did that already, and he said he’d have fun until he kicked her to the curb. Interestingly enough, she’d almost been the one to do the curb-kicking while on the phone with Gabe.
“Don’t marry her for us. Enzo and I will figure something out that doesn’t involve you marrying her.” Shanna crossed the room and stood in front of me.
“I’m not doing anything for anyone except myself and Nico.”
I don’t know what she saw in my expression, but it made her smile. “…You want to marry her.”
“He doesn’t.” Enzo glared as if daring me to contradict him.
Nice try, bro, but it isn’t going to work.“I can speak for myself. I’m not doing anything against my will.”
Shanna must have done something behind my back, because Enzo’s eyes widened.
Rubbing the back of his neck, he said, “If this is what you want, I’m happy for you. But I don’t have to tell you her father may not feel the same.”
“And you think Ma is going to throw you two a party?” I glanced at Shanna. “No offense.”
“None taken.” She grinned.
Enzo squared his shoulders. “Our relationship won’t be a problem with Ma or anyone else. If it is, I’m prepared to walk away from the business and the family.”
What the hell? When did that happen? How did that happen? Is that even a possibility?
Shanna gasped. “You can’t mean that. What about your restaurant? Your family is—”
“I’m a Michelin Star chef. I can work anywhere. As for my family, my brothers love you.” He shrugged. “Pops didn’t say anything negative about you on the phone this morning. I believe you impressed him.”
She gave us a dubious look. “Um. He demanded you marry Nico.”
“And that’s not a problem anymore.” I took a bow.
“Thanks.” Shanna didn’t seem convinced. “Would your father have insulted me with everyone on the call?”
Laughing, I nodded. “Hell yes, he would have.”
“As for my mother, she has enough to worry about besides meddling into our personal lives. Gabe isn’t happy with her working with Pietro Lazio to shove a marriage up mine and Nico’s asses.”
Still reeling from Enzo’s declaration he’d leave not only the business, but the family, I cleared my throat. “Speaking of Gabe, I don’t think he’s going to be thrilled with you walking away.”
“He’s the one who suggested it.”
“Bullshit.” I didn’t believe him for a second. He was showing off in front of his woman. “When did he do that?”
“Before I left Sicily.” Enzo glanced at Shanna. “So we could be together.”
She dipped her chin, but not quick enough to hide her blush.