Page 78 of Ruin

31

Tommy

The New Year’s Eve gala is in the Dragovari Tower lobby this year, the rooftop too small to contain the crowd.

Candles line the marble, flickering against glass and steel, and I feel like I have a queen on my arm. Her dress sparkles in the candlelight, and people turn to stare as we walk in. I look down at her, following their gaze, but she is unbothered. I don’t think she sees it, how people look at her. How she commands the attention of the room when she walks in.

She smiles up at me, but it’s the fake smile, the one she calls camouflage. My chest knots, seeing her look at me that way. I hope it’s just for show.

“Tommy! I was hoping I’d see you here tonight!” I look up to see Councilman Patrick Donovan walking toward me, a drink in one hand and his assistant in the other, Ash Gale, a perfectly coiffed woman with bronze red hair.

I smile easily. I’ve been interning at his office since law school, and I’m helping him on his campaign for assemblyman.

“Councilman, good to see you. My partner, Giovanna Marino. Giovanna, Councilman Patrick Donovan and his assistant, Ash Gale.”

Gi smiles brightly at him and his assistant. “Councilman! I think we’ve skirted each other at these events for years. So nice to officially meet you.”

Donovan’s brows rise. “‘Partner’? I thought you were just working for me, Demonio. You’ve got other business ventures I don’t know about?”

I laugh. “I work with my brothers, as you know, but no, Giovanna and I don’t work together. She’s at NYU, pre-law and philosophy.”

He grins at her like he’s just discovered treasure. “Ah, brilliant. Wait, are you a girlfriend? I didn’t realize you had a girlfriend, Demonio.” He smacks my shoulder, his eyes on Gi. “Smart man, hiding her from me. But a pre-law degree? I may need to poach you when you finish law school. When your boyfriend here finishes his PhD in Economics, you two will be an unstoppable force.”

“Yes,” she says faintly. “He’s an…asset.”

I’m looking at Donovan, but I feel Giovanna stiffen beside me. When I glance at her, the smile is gone from her eyes. I guess she heard something in what he said that I didn’t because I can tell she’s furious, though no one else would see it but me. I’m about to pull her away when Councilman Donovan clamps a hand on my shoulder.

“Definitely is! Most politicians don’t realize the value of economics as a primary focus of study, but money runs the world, doesn’t it?”

“The economy is actually driven by people and not money. Giovanna will be the first to tell you that understandingpeople isn’t my strong suit, but I’m hoping to change that with this course of study.”

“Of course! Exactly why I’d love to make you a permanent member of my team. Can we talk soon?” His face is serious now, and I take the cue, altering my expression to mirror his.

“Of course. I’ll get something on the calendar with you when I come into work on Monday.”

“Monday? Tomorrow? You know that’s New Year’s Day and a holiday, right? Giovanna, do you let him do that? I tell Ash all the time that a hustler has to hustle, but she is always mad when I work on holidays.”

Giovanna laughs lightly. Her fake laugh. “Oh, I never mind when it’s for a good cause, and based on your platform in the last election, it’s clear that you are doing important work. I’m proud he’s part of it.”

Fuck, she’s perfect. I beam at her and reach for her hand, but she pulls away and smooths her dress. “If you’ll excuse me, Councilman, Ms. Gale, so lovely to meet you.”

She walks away from us, and I frown. She doesn’t look back, and she’s practically stomping across the floor, her hips swaying angrily.

I pull a smile back on my face as Councilman Donovan lets out a low whistle, watching her walk away. “Looks like you’re in the doghouse, Demonio. I’ll let you go get the lady a drink.” He winks at me, and Ash flashes a concerned smile as she follows him to the next group of people.

Gi is headed to the bar, but when she sees me coming, she turns sharply and ducks into the ladies’ room. Like that’s going to stop me.

I slam open the door and turn the corner to find her glaringat me in the mirror. “What was that, Gi?”

Two other women are in there with her. One gives me a dirty look, and the other blushes and smiles as they leave.

“Tommy, just go.” Gi is digging in her bag. “I have bigger issues than you right now.”

“What issues?”

“I forgot to bring tampons, okay,” she snaps. “Lexi isn’t coming tonight, and I don’t know any females here I can ask.”

I pull out my phone. “I saw Olivia when we came in. I’ll text her.”