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Fourteen

Bianca

“I don’t think I can do this.” Divina raised the teacup with shaky hands.

We were in the kitchen. I made tea for her because she’d suddenly felt cold and couldn’t warm up. Sloane was sitting beside Divina but was drinking a Red Bull. She looked exhausted and was silently listening to Divina and her misgivings about what happened tonight.

When Divina and a soldier had gone to pick up cleaning supplies, he told her that Al was standing beside Tommy. And if their uncle hadn’t pushed him away, Tommy would be the one bleeding out in the office.

“Surely this is not a one-off.” I poured more tea into her cup and also mine.

“It’s never hit me this way.” She swallowed. “I was never there.”

“Mafia wives are never as involved,” Sloane said. “They stay in the kitchen to prepare food for the men after all the business is done.”

I stilled. “Am I supposed to be cooking?” That was why I wanted to talk to Sandro this morning. I didn’t know what he expected from me. But if he was the one who was hurt, no one would keep me from his side. It reminded me again of Griselda slamming the door on me after Sandro was shot. It reminded me of Griselda showing up this afternoon. I was Sandro’s wife now. He made it clear that in this house I was in charge, but I wanted it clarified to Griselda, too.

“Nah,” Sloane laughed. “There’s still leftover pizza.”

“What?”

Sloane laughed harder. “Where were you? I lost you there for a moment.”

“I remembered something.” I stared at Divina. “Let’s hope this is not a common occurrence.”

“Let’s,” Sloane agreed and took another sip of her Red Bull. “But you have to be prepared given the change of leadership.”

Sandro entered the kitchen and informed Divina, “Tommy, Al, and Arnie are waiting for you.”

“I should get going too,” Sloane said, rising.

“You don’t have another job to do, do you?” I asked.

“Just a small one. You need me tomorrow?”

“God, no,” I said. “Only when you have time. Get some sleep. You worked so hard today.”

She shot me an appreciative smile.

Divina couldn’t muster a change of expression. She was still trapped in the what-ifs of her thoughts. She got off the barstool and followed Sloane like an automaton.

“Divina,” I called and sprinted to her. Before she could fully turn, I wrapped her in a tight hug and whispered in her ear. “Rest tonight, Tommy is fine. We’ll figure it out tomorrow.”

At her surprised look, I had to stop and think of my impulsiveness. My reaction was a one-eighty from the standoffishness with her yesterday.

“Hey, do I get a hug too?” Sloane piped in.

“Yes, you do.” With my other arm, I dragged her into my embrace with Divina. In a way, we had found a common ground. We were in this family, not by choice, but by coercion. Admittedly, Divina was in love with Tommy, but their marriage was turning out more overwhelming than what she signed up for. I gave the girls another squeeze before letting go.

“Thank you.” There was a catch in Divina’s voice.

When they left the kitchen, Sandro was looking at me with his arms crossed. “What was that all about?” His tone was casual but his gaze was piercing.

“Just girl bonding.”

“Is that right?” He opened the fridge, surveying the contents, and grabbed a beer.

“Do you want me to make you something?”