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“No, Elio. Stay there. I can’t protect you here. That fucker almost killed me. I won't put you in harm's way.”
“I’m not a child, Dante. I can take care of myself.”
“I know. But I need you there. You can do some investigating on your side while I cover this area. We don't know who’s in this with Kyle. Please Elio. Do this for me.”
“Fine. I’ll send a team.”
“Okay. The plane is still here. I’ll send it back to you. Fill her up with able bodied men.”
“Stay safe, brother. I won’t lose you to a prick like Kyle.”
“Will do, Elio.”
“I’m sorry, Dante.”
“For what?”
“I was the one pushing you to meet with him. I should have trusted your instincts.”
“It’s not your fault, little brother. Keep Mamma safe. Tell Bruno I need him too.”
“They’ll be on the flight as soon as the plane gets here.”
“Thanks, Bro.”
* * *
I’m in the bath when Mia gets back. She has a shopping bag in her hands.
“I got you a few things. I thought about you in my sweatpants and couldn’t stop giggling.”
“Hey, I wouldn’t mind getting into your pants, but not literally.”
“Yeah, I figured. I bought you a pair of jeans and a few shirts. Oh, and sneakers. I figure your dress shoes would look a little odd with the outfit.”
“Are you always this thoughtful?”
“Well, my motives aren’t totally altruistic. I refuse to be seen out with a man dressed in a woman’s pants and Italian dress shoes. Call me a snob if you must.”
“You’re cute.”
“Did you get hold of your brother?”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
“What are your plans?”
“I was thinking of sticking around for a while.”
Mia smiles. I can tell that my news pleases her. I have to be honest with myself. Kyle isn’t my only motivation for lingering in LA. I’m not ready to say goodbye to her again. Not just yet.
“In fact, I could use your help. If that’s okay.”
“Of course. What can I do?”
“I’m going to need a place to stay. I thought you could come with me and help me decide.”
Is she disappointed? Did she assume that I would stay with her? I couldn’t impose like that. She has a kid. Motherhood is hard enough without a houseguest who attracts trouble.