Page 52

We sign some papers and head outside with our copies. Fern the photographer hands over his old-style camera in exchange for a wad of cash – compliments of my father – and heads on his way, wishing us a long and happy life.

Yeah right. Another few days like the last, and I’ll be swimming across the Hudson to get free.

“Alright, lovebirds.” My father gets us into a huddle outside of the clerk’s office, far enough away where no one can hear. It’s just us and the incessantly chirping insects. “The Lucrazi search for big Rocco is still piping hot. We have to head further west for now. So give Daddy a hug, princess.” He tilts his head for Capri to say her goodbyes.

Capri bites her lip, taking cautious steps up to him. “It’s all going so fast.” She holds onto her father’s collar. “My wedding day was supposed to include a whole night dancing together.

“I know, Cips. Sorry it ended up this way. The cards weren’t in my favor this time around. Now look what I did.” His hands slap to his sides. “Screwed up your life too.”

She shakes her head and lets it fall on his chest as they embrace for a huge. “Stay safe, Daddy. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

My father struts up to me and grabs the back of my neck. “I don’t know too much about any Chestnut or some dancer’s connection, but if what the stripper said is true, you best watch your back.” He wags a finger in my face, then points it at Capri. “This woman’s your wife now,capisce?You protect her with yours.”

Capri sniffs, lifting her head. “That’s one thing your son is good at, Stanzo. I know I’ll be in good hands.”

I’m taken aback. Speechless, actually.

“Damn straight. Taught this guy everything I know.” Pop beats his chest. “So anyway, if that dancer said it’s between me and Rockstar Scatilli, you best believe the Lucrazis will come knocking on your doors, Tris. Stay armed. Use those businesses asfucking military bunkers, you hear me? I don’t want to be reading that my son got clipped in his own club.”

Capri eyes me. It’s not fear in her eyes, but confusion.

Yeah, that’s right, you fool. I didn’t go in that back room for a private dance.

“Alright, c’mon, Rocco. Son, we’ll be in touch.”

“Careful out there, Pop. And go see a fucking doctor.”

He waves me away stubbornly, then puts both his hands over his mouth to blow Capri an exaggerated kiss. “You’re going to make a great wife, princess.”

We go our separate ways. As I sit in my car waiting for Capri, an odd sense of warmth comes over me. The wedding was bullshit – a forced annoyance. But my father… I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him so happy.

Bastard using guilt to tie up all my assets. I glare at Capri tucking her sundress as she takes her seat next to me. She’s not even looking at me now. Wonder what the hell’s going through that prude head of hers.

She folds her arms and makes it a point to turn toward her window.

“Alright then.” I shove the car into drive and rev out of the parking lot.

The cloudy tension is driving me mad. Usually I’m alone to sift through my thoughts efficiently, tackling tasks in my mind minute-by-minute. Now? Everything is jumbled because of this thorn in my side.

“Thanks,” she says.

I grumble. “For?”

“Calming me back there, on the altar. And saying nice things to my father. It calmed him too.”

I look away sharply.She wasn’t supposed to hear that.

“Also, I’m sorry for running out of Star Dust and ruining your night.” She glances over at me tentatively.

I’m doing my best to take a deep breath. Not sure really how to compute this. “It’s fine.”

She scoffs and turns to me fully. “It’sfine?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. What the fuck?”

“That’s all you have to say?” Her eyes narrow.