Page 84 of Single Malt Drama
He nodded and led me to the SUV. “Given the situation, it would be wise to put a team on Mrs. Marchionni.”
Climbing into the backseat, I said, “The Lazio brothers aren’t the brightest bulbs on the tree, but they aren’t going to bother my mother.”
He grinned. “I was referring to the other Mrs. Marchionni.”
“You’re the first person, besides the priest, to call her that. It’s going to take some getting used to.” I had to laugh at myself. “Nico’s safe tonight, but I’ll think about it.”
Stuart didn’t seem convinced.
“She’ll be fine.”
He muttered, “Yes, sir.”
There were several problems with having a team in the bayou. The biggest being, there was nowhere for them to sleep, and I’d be damned if I had two or three guys camping out on our floor.
I spent the hour and a half drive to the Quarter catching up on emails, enjoying the quiet, and missing the hell out of Nico. However, the silence ended when we turned the corner onto Dumaine. Cars lined the street, and people filled the sidewalk, in front of Enzo’s building, which had more to do with tourist season and less to do with the surprise party.
Stuart slowed, likely looking for a place to drop me.
I spotted Dante heading inside, and my mother stepping out of a town car. While I would have loved to catch up with my brother, I planned to avoid alone-time with Evelyn at all costs. “Circle the block. Better yet, circle the whole freaking Quarter.”
“She’s seen you.” He nodded toward my mother.
Sure enough, Ma stood on the sidewalk with her arms folded glaring at the SUV. Logically, I knew she had no way of knowing which of her sons was inside, but I swore the dirty look was for me.
“Shit. Stop here.” I climbed out, but by the time I walked around the vehicle, my mother had gone inside. Let the games begin.
Inside Enzo’s condo, my mom stood ramrod straight with her arms folded and lips pursed. Draping an arm over her shoulder, I said, “Lighten up, Ma. It’s a party.”
She huffed and took a step away from me. “There are no decorations, no food, nothing.”
“Go look outside.” I glanced at Shanna and bugged my eyes to make her laugh.
She didn’t as much as crack a grin. Instead she chewed her lower lip and watched my mother.
Evelyn walked to the courtyard doors, surveyed the area, and strode to Shanna. “It’s wonderful you’re doing this for Enzo, but he doesn’t care for people to make a fuss over him, nor does he like surprises.”
“Thank you for your advice, but I disagree.” She turned and smiled to an elderly woman who’d just entered. “If you’ll excuse me.”
Marriage had given me a new perspective on my family dynamics, especially my mother. I’d always seen her bossiness as a way to keep control of six rowdy boys, but we were grown men. Grown men with wives and girlfriends, and in Gabe’s case, children. Lately, I saw her behavior as rude, but more than that, desperate—for what, I didn’t know.
I waited for Shanna to greet the newest guest, and rested a hand on her shoulder. “Sorry to interrupt, but I need to talk to you.”
“Sure, what’s up?”
I glanced around the room and lowered my voice. “Nico’s father sent her brothers to bring her back to Sicily. For her safety, and mine, I won’t be coming into the city again until things settle.”
She whispered, “You should have a security team with you.”
“Unless the Lazios follow me to the cabin, no one will find us down there.”
Shanna’s gaze locked on my left hand. “Congratulations, when did that happen?
“A couple of months ago. I’m surprised you didn’t hear about it.” And a little hurt. Then again, we hadn’t exactly sent out announcements.
“Enzo and I have been keeping to ourselves.”
That I could understand. “Less drama makes for a better relationship.”