Page 85 of Single Malt Drama
“Truer words.” She gave me a quick hug. “I’m happy for you, but you might want to take off your wedding ring before your mother has a coronary.”
“Oh shit. Thanks.” I slid the band into my pocket. “Ma already knows, but most of the people here don’t. I’d rather not make a scene at Enzo’s party.”
She smiled. “Are you two happy?”
I shrugged and tried to play it cool. “It’s complicated.”
Shanna motioned to the new additions to the otherwise masculine décor, namely her things. “Enzo and I are living proof that complicated can work. When are you leaving?”
“I’ll stay until the guest of honor arrives, but I need to get back as soon as possible.”
She hugged me. “Be safe and call me if you need anything. I’ll need a map, but I’d be happy to bring you supplies.”
“Thanks. Don’t tell Enzo until after the party. I don’t want to argue with him on his birthday.” I turned and headed for the courtyard.
“I heard the big news. How’s it going?” Maggie stopped me before I reached the door. I hadn’t seen her in almost three months, and Lord Almighty, she’d changed. Her belly had swollen to the size of a beachball.
“Good. Better than good. It’s great.” I patted her baby bump. “You sure you only have one in there?”
Gabe joined us. “Hey now, are you calling my wife fat?”
I held up my hands and backed away. “I’m slow sometimes, but I don’t have a death wish.”
A shadow crossed his expression. “I heard about the Lazios. Do you have security?”
“Excuse me.” Maggie stepped away and joined Shanna by the door.
Puzzled over her reaction, I watched her go. They’d been married three months, but she was already behaving like a good mafia wife—leaving at the first mention of business. It made my stomach turn. “To and from the marina. We’re safe at the cabin.”
He frowned. “Any idea what Ma is doing here?”
“She didn’t come with you on the jet?” I couldn’t imagine our mother flying commercial.
“No, and I’m not thrilled she left Pops alone.”
“You don’t think she came in with the Lazios, do you?”
He started to say something, but Dante slung his arm around my neck and dragged me away by the head.
“Cut it out. What are we ten?” Laughing, I slipped from his grasp and gave him a half-hug-back-pat.
“Listen to you, already sounding like a boring old man.” He elbowed my side. “You look good though. Marriage agrees with you.”
I hugged him again. “Thanks, bro. I’m happy. Really happy, and I owe it to you for giving me so much shit I followed a woman halfway around the world.”
He winced and scratched his ear. “Had I known the dumpster-fire you were about to create. I would have kept my mouth shut.”
I glanced away. Of all my brothers, I was closest to Dante. That he could be so flippant about my marriage hurt more than I cared to admit.
“That didn’t come out the way it sounded in my head.” He sighed. “You know I’m happy for you, but I hope it lasts. There’s a lot of bullshit going down.”
“Thanks.” I think.
“Everyone! Enzo’s almost here. Time to hide on the patio.” Waving her arms over her head, Shanna said, “Stay out of sight until I bring him outside.”
Dante and I joined the rest of the guests in the courtyard. I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic. The last time my family had thrown a surprise party had been for my brother Joe’s eighteenth birthday. He’d figured out what was going on and ruined our fun by showing up an hour early. My mother had thrown a tantrum and swore off surprise parties.
I could have really used my oldest brother’s advice right about then. He’d always been the most level-headed of us—even when he’d knocked up Rebecca before he was old enough to drink—he’d handled it like freaking Gandhi.