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Good. It’s about time people start fearing me and stop thinking I’m a pushover. I’m a Marino, and I will make an example out of those that disrespect me and my family name.
Changes are coming, and not everyone will be spared.
“I’d worry more about doing your job and keeping this place up to standards than worrying about where I park. Remember that next time I show up, because this is your only warning.”
If looks could kill, I’d be dead. She clenches her jaw and glares at me while trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Even though I’ve been here multiple times, Darla doesn’t know who I am.
Rhett pushes the doors open and jogs outside. “Hey Marino. What are you doing here? Are you up for a little run, or are you too busy?”
“Maybe later. I have a list of errands to do first.”
“Alright. Hit me up later, and we can all get together for dinner and drinks.” He jogs away with a wave.
I guess Coach Bobby’s warning about staying in shape hit him hard. He hasn’t been hitting the gym lately. At least not as often as he used to since he and Francesca got back together. Spencer was also on Coach Bobby’s shit list, but not as much as Rhett.
Realization covers Darla’s face. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Marino. Please don’t-”
I grab the bags of cash from my trunk and glare at her as I walk through the main doors. I don’t want to hear her excuses. I don’t want to hear her beg me not to tell my father.
My father would never fire her. Mainly because she’s closing in on sixty years old and retirement age. Dad has a soft spot for the elderly.
While I can understand his reasoning, and I respect my elders, we are running a business. We are very much for profit, and sometimes, a business has to fire its weakest employee in order to take the business to the next level.
I take the stairs to the second floor and make my way to Alexandra’s apartment. After dropping the duffle bags, I take a deep breath and knock on her door.
There’s no answer. There’s not even any movement inside her apartment. Did she already move out? I was generous and gave her an entire month to find a new job and apartment.
I knock again, this time harder. The banging echoes through the hallway.
Shuffling footsteps sound from the other side of the door. The unlock clicks open and she cracks the door before slamming it in my face.
I raise my fist to knock again when I hear the chain slide open.
At least she’s locking her door now.
She opens the door and stares at me. Her eyes are red and puffy, and she’s wearing an oversized sweater that swallows her whole.
Has she been crying nonstop for the past week? That can’t be healthy for her or the baby. My heart aches as I think about the stress this is putting on the baby and the risks associated with my callousness.
I shake my head. She should have thought about that before she went behind my back and sold out my family.
I pick up the two duffle bags and hand them over to Alexandra. She hesitates at first, but eventually takes them. She drops the bags and squats down to open one of them.
She eyes the cash before zipping the bag back up and glaring at me. “What is the meaning of this? What is the cash for? Why are you showing up now?”
I look past her into her apartment. Taped up boxes litter the small living room while take out containers fill her trash can. It looks as if she’s locked herself away for the past week.
I clear my throat. “The money is for you and the baby, if you choose to keep it.” I say, with no emotion in my voice. “I wanted to hand it directly to you, so I knew you had it and would be set for life. Believe it or not, I don’t want you struggling.”
She holds her stomach as she stands and looks down at the bags of money. “Joseph, please let me explain.”
The pain in her voice threatens to tear me apart and change my mind, but I have to stay strong. I can’t give in now. “There’s nothing left to say, Alexandra. I want you out of my life. I want nothing to do with you or the baby.”
This will be the last time I speak her name.
She stares at me as tears fall down her cheeks. “Joseph, please-”
I spin around and leave. Her sobs echo through the hallway and tear at my heart, but I can’t be with a traitor. Not after what my mother did.