by C L Wesley
“Ciao bella. I heard great things about you last night.” I literally watched my best friend about come in her seat. Turning back towards me, “Will you be at the manor tonight for Sunday dinner? Now that you are all better, my mother wants to have everyone over.”
“Um. Probably not. So, what are you doing down here? I would have pegged you as a Starbucks kind of guy.” He took the liberty of sitting between Willa and I. FUCK!!! Why can’t he just leave? I felt my phone vibrate on the table.
Cappie turned his attention to Willa to answer my question and I took the opportunity to check my phone.
L: Please answer me, Cameron
As if I am responding to that, he will know my phone is working. I stared out the window waiting for him to appear. I was not sure how much time passed until I was brought back by Cappie standing up. “Well it was a pleasure meeting you Willa and I’ll see you later at dinner sis.”
“Excuse me?” What the fuck is he talking about? I am far from his sister. Cappie kissed my cheek again before stealing my donut and walking out the door. “Willa, we have to leave here right the fuck now.” Without hesitation, Willa stood up and we made our way to the door.
“Is the whole fucking family gorgeous?” Willa asked, speed walking to keep up with my gait. “Where are we going?”
“Mike’s. Now move your ass.” No questions, no demands, Willa just kept my pace until we reached Mike’s apartment. “Please be home.” I hit the buzzer and waited for him to answer.
“Are you going to tell me why you are dragging me along with you in your attempts to avoid a man who gave you an ‘incredible’ night which you still haven’t told me about?”
“Yes.” Mike answered and buzzed us in. “Later.” We walked in the building and took the elevator up to Mike’s place.
Two weeks later and I was still crashing on Mike’s couch. Willa had left the next morning after a long talk about why I wanted to avoid Luca and his family. Mike was the amazing big brother I had never had, he was also a gossiper, which pleased me greatly as I was getting really bored with Netflix and daytime television, but I also didn’t want to leave because of Luca’s attempts at finding me. Mike came home after a few nights threatening he’d haunt me if he was killed by the mob. He had said that ‘henchmen’ came into the Nine asking him and Willa questions about me and my whereabouts. Mike played clueless and told them I was at Morano Manor and to call Vincent or Carlina with questions regarding me. I couldn’t help but continue to wonder if this is how the Morano men take rejection.
Willa got the raw end of the deal but was such an awesome friend for lying to protect me. She had told them that I saw her that next day for coffee and I left her shortly after that saying I was going home. I love her daily texts of what is going on with Cappie while I hide at Mike’s being a coward. She has seen him several times at Dunkin Donuts where he shoots her winks or smiles. She refuses to get involved with him because she doesn’t know if he is there looking for me or her or just getting a coffee and she never noticed him. I was lost in thought when a few texts came in. I keep getting excited about them because they are all so sweet. Why I am in love with a man I’ll never have is beyond me but until he stops the texts to a number he doesn’t even know works, I am going to just stay on the down low.
L: I need to know where you are. Please text or call me.
W: Met a couple guys at the Beach club last night. Going for dinner tonight. Need wing girl. Please come out. We can go after dark.
Me: Luca texted again. This is so hard.
W: Girl, I know you loved your old man sex, but come on, live please.
Willa is using please today as if that is going to lure me out of the apartment. I was dying for fresh air though. Taking a deep breath and trying not to puke, I text Willa back.
Me: Okay fine, but you need to get me something to wear.
W: Yay
