Page 158 of Villainous Kingpin

“Hey,” she protested. “I’ve gotten so much better.”

“In your fucking dreams,” Davina muttered.

“Don’t say cuss words in front of my nephew,” I warned her. “It’s fucking rude.”

“I’ll buy you a new car,” Dante chimed in, his eyes on Juliette. “All you have to say is yes.”

And if looks could kill, Dante would be dead.

A round of snickers followed and another clink had me turning my head curiously to almost falling off my chair. My mom stood up, her eyes on me.

“I’d like to make a toast,” she started in her soft voice. “Would that be okay?”

My throat squeezed. She hated attention on her and yet, she wanted to make a toast. I nodded.

“Of course,” I choked out.

A waiter rolled over a cart with a big screen TV and nodded at my mom. She tilted her head in thanks and then turned to meet my eyes.

“I know I haven’t said enough how much I love you,” she started softly.

“It’s okay, Mom,” I rasped, emotions squeezing my throat.

“I am thankful every single day that the day I lost so much, I didn’t lose you.” The lump in my throat choked, knowing she meant the day Gio shot dad and her. “You have exceeded my wildest dreams and made me so proud.” She twisted her hands. “On and off the ice, my little Star.” I let out a shuddering breath and I felt a big hand squeeze mine under the table. “From the moment you were born, you were my light. You and Juliette kept me going.”

Her eyes darted to Juliette then returned to me.

“I made a little video of pictures and recordings for you,” she announced softly. “I have one for Jules too for when she gets married.”

“You might as well hand that over now,” Juliette muttered. “I’m never getting married.”

Then she glared at Dante and I had to bite the inside of my cheek or laugh. A round of laughter followed Juliette’s proclamation and Mom pushed the start button.

I stared at the screen. A picture of Mom at the hospital with me in her arms appeared. A sad, soft smile. Pictures I had never seen rolled. First roll. First steps. First ice skate. Me sprawled on the ice, my hair a wild mess. It was my first jump and my first fall.

“I still remember that one,” Juliette muttered. “After you fell, you turned over and kissed the ice. Disgusting.”

My throat burned and the lump in it made it hard to swallow. I remembered it too. I was so happy on ice. I really was. Some people search their entire life for something to be passionate about. I found mine before I learned to write.

Then a clip of a video played. My first competition. First day of school.

“I didn’t know you kept recording all that,” I murmured softly, glancing at my mom,

“How could I not?” she rasped. “I knew the time would fly and leave me without you.”

I shot up from my seat and took three steps to her, wrapping my arms around her.

“I’ll always be here,” I vowed. “I love you, Mom.”

Inhaling deeply, I tried to stop the tears from falling in front of everyone.

“I love you too, Star. Always.” She rarely gave us emotions. Sometimes Juliette and I grumbled about it. Weknewshe loved us, but she rarely said it or showed us affection. So when she did thoughtful things like this, it shook me to the core.

She pulled away and our gazes locked. “Your distraction found you.” A sharp inhale of my breath echoed between us. How did she know? Guilt swam in my chest and in my eyes, and I opened my mouth to start explaining myself, when she continued, “Be happy, Star. And your distraction,” she flicked a gaze to Bas, “... better worship the ground you walk on. Or I’ll take a page out of my brother’s book and have him killed.”

A choked laugh escaped me. My mother had never even raised her voice at anyone. I couldn’t imagine her threatening to kill anyone. Until now.

She looked back at my husband. “Make her happy, Basilio.” Or else hung in the air.