by Ellie Jean
“Nothing I can’t handle.”
“Tomme. Don’t lie to me. You’ve shut me out of your life and finally reached out to our son. It’s not because you want to endanger his life, after shielding his with yours all of those years your father was alive, so it must be something you feel is out of your control.”
There’s a quiet resigned sigh. “You always did know how to make me bend.”
A giggle escapes. “And this will be no different. Tell me, Mr. Basilio, what is it you can handle?”
“I have a condition. One that could see me live for years yet, or one that could end it within a few weeks.”
“Keep going.” There’s a strength in Mother’s voice.
“It’s called COPD.” So he does have an illness and the display the other night wasn’t for show.
“It means my lungs are shot, limiting oxygen intake opening me up to be susceptible to pneumonia. Some days I need oxygen, some I take inhalers and on other occasions and thankfully only once, I’ve contracted pneumonia which laid me up for a few weeks. It was a close call. Enough to re-evaluate my past decisions and future.”
“You need me.”
“I’ve always needed you, Fiorella, but your safety is more important. And it continues to be now.”
“Do you love me?”
“Always.”
“Then I am staying where I am needed. I lost you for twenty-nine years, I’m not intending to lose you anytime soon. And with Chuck here, I know he will keep us both safe.”
“You have raised him well. He’s strong, a leader and has morals. Watching him for twenty-eight years, I know I’ve made the right choice bringing him to me now. This family needs a change, it needs to be rid of infections and parasites crippling us. He will find the weaknesses and make us all proud to be a Basilio. But in the right way. Our sacrifice, Fiorella, will be worth it.”
“I believe you.”
I’m torn between wanting my mother to have the long time love of her life, with my father as every child dreams about and ensuring the safety of the only person who has truly taken care of me. Can they really still love each other that much that they are willing to overlook the past twenty-nine years?
There’s so much to process.
A sound like kissing and sweet murmurs filters out the door.
My cue to leave.
Caroline
What is wrong with me?
I’m an educated woman, smart, strong and wise. So why the hell did I allow Chuck over? Why am I thinking about him constantly and why the fuck did I allow him to go bareback inside me? Thankfully I’ve seen to getting my regular Depo shot.
It’s obvious I shouldn’t be with him; he’s part of the family who kidnapped me.
But…
Receiving messages daily from him, I’m not far from his thoughts.
Chuck—It’s you and me. Together.
Chuck—I’m looking forward to you showing me your ball skills.
Receiving this at work, coffee flew everywhere when I read it.
Chuck—You’re successful, amazing and talented in many ways. Hint. Hint.
And that’s why I’m sitting at the Wild Donkey, waiting for Starcy, watching my phone for any sign of life from him or for him to appear in flesh and blood. It’s the sex. Of course it’s the sex. He’s brainwashed me. Making certain he has me twisted around his holy grail of a body, controlling my orgasms with precise care and knowledge. It’s the best sex I’ve had.
But it’s more. I can get sex from any man. Albeit I haven’t succeeded finding a guy who owns me like Chuck does. Is it his smirk, his dominating presence and strength, how he knows what I need, how he makes me calm? His eyes tell me I mean something to him, he is driven mad by me like I am driven to being a lunatic by him. The strength surrounding me when I’m pulled against his chest, ignites a slow burn and his words comfort me. I swear I could be anyone, poor, fat, worth nothing and he would still look at me like I’m a prize. How he does that, I can’t say, but the binding constricting my heart over the past few weeks has disappeared. Possessive but alert to what I need captivates me.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
“Starcy, about time you got your butt here.” Hugging her, we both go and find a booth to sit in away from everyone. “I was worried you wouldn’t show ‘cause there’s no origami or hiking involved tonight.” I chuckle and she joins me.
“I’m sure we can make this night as much fun as the nights I plan.” Motioning over to the waitress, she comes and takes our drinks order of two espresso martinis.
“What’s been happening in the world of Starcy this week?” I glance at my phone I’ve placed on the table in case Chuck messages me. I haven’t heard from him in a few days and I’m trying to restrain myself again. I’m sure I won’t last the distance.
“The world of distilling wine has been boring, shopping has kept me sane this week purchasing some bright pink heels I will probably never wear, I bought an air fryer ‘cause they seem to be the thing everyone is purchasing these days so I needed one, and I banged some random I found while enjoying coffee in the mall. I decided to take a chance and asked him if he wanted to hook up and he said, ‘Yeah, why not.’” My eyebrows nearly raise off my face. “Fuck and I’m so glad I did. When he shed the suit, his body was covered in tats and Christ he knew how to show me a good ride. I’m still sore now.”
“Starcy!” I exclaim. “You cannot go around propositioning strangers.”
“Why not?” She sips her drink. “It’s a good plan, don’t have to see them again, no initial date and we both get a lay out of it. It’s perfect if you ask me.” A smirk captures her mouth and she laughs.
The door to the Saloon opens and in walks two men and a lady. My stomach flips fast, but it’s not Chuck. Taking in some air, I compose myself.
“Damn girl, you’re insane.” Starcy shrugs her shoulders, gets up before swallowing the contents of her glass and puts money in the jukebox. Most of the men in here turn and watch her hips sway, tightly encased in black leather pants. Her coppery hair falls in long lengths behind her shoulders, moving as she walks. She could have any man she wants, but for some reason she won’t commit herself to one.
“This should liven the joint up.” AC/DC rocks out of the speakers. “I need another drink.” Her hand waves again and we order another round. “What was his name?”
“Who?” She bounces around on the chair. I admire her for how carefree she is.
Laughing, it’s rare she takes anything seriously. “The random.”
“Oh, God, you’d think I was the blonde.”
“Hey, enough with the blonde jokes.” Chuckling, I continue. “So?”
“No clue.” Finishing another martini, she waves for another. Starcy’s normally pretty happy-go-lucky but tonight she’s on a mission to get shit faced fast.
“You fucked a stranger, you picked up in a shop and didn’t ask his name?”
“That’s about it.” Lady Gaga plays on the jukebox and Starcy stands where she is and starts to dance.
“You didn’t talk?”
“There was no time. We walked to the motel next to the shop, got a room and went for it. After we were finished, he got dressed and remarked how fucking spectacular it was and left.”
Shaking my head at my friend, she is oblivious because her eyes are closed swaying to the music. “And you were okay with that?” My friend is wacky and free spirited but this is out of the norm even for her.
“Sure, I initiated it. I didn’t expect or want more.” Looking around the bar, she smiles at some of the men. Obviously flirting.
“Will you sit down?” I try to be stern.
“Why?” Starcy pouts. I almost burst out laughing at her.
“‘Cause every available man in here is gonna come and jump you any second. And I haven’t finished talking to my friend yet.”
“Oh…”
“Yes, oh. Now sit your fine ass down ‘cause I need your help.”
Starcy’s f
ace transforms from cheerful to serious.
Dramatically sitting down, she first motions for another drink and then looks at me with a piercing glare. “Fire away.”
“Can I pair a creamy Camembert with a Shiraz?” I try and hold my serious face.
“Are you fucking kidding me? There’s your problem?” The waitress brings over her martini. “Can I get four shots of tequila?”
It’s going to be a messy night.
“Well you are the wine maker. Not me.” I giggle and finish my drink. “It’s a major concern for when we hold conventions. It’s something we must make sure is right. You know how damn pretentious these wealthy peeps can be.” Starcy and I fit right in with wealthy snobs except for the snob part when we are together. Putting on a front for everyone else, being ourselves around one another. And of late, Chuck.
Hell, why did I think about him? I’d gone a few minutes without him revolving constantly around my mind. “Let’s propose a toast.” Raising the shot glass, I look at my dear friend. “To a good fuck.” Slamming it back, the heat slides down my throat. I smile broadly at my friend.
My head is light and I can’t stop smiling.
“So tell me your problems, Sweet Caroline.” My father gets away with calling me this, but I hate it from anyone else. Lucky tonight I’m on my way to being too wasted to care.
“You didn’t answer my last one.” I sound grumpy.
“Shesh…” Folding her arms, she doesn’t do serious very well. “No, it doesn’t. White with Camembert and brie if possible.”
“Good to know. I’ll be sure to store that in the back of my brain for the next social occasion.”
“But if you have enough of any wine, you can eat any fucking thing you want with it. Problem solved.” Roaring out loud, I copy her.
Starcy takes the other shot, I do the same and we slam it back together.
It burns.
I’m floating next to my friend and it’s nice to be free from constraints.
“What’s your real problem?”
My mind sluggish, I try to remember what I’m going to ask her. “Hmmm. I don’t know what to do about Chuck.”
“Well, I hope you have done him repeatedly since I last saw you.”
“There lies the problem, I can’t stop thinking about how he makes me feel and now, there’s a huge problem in the way.” Unsure if I should reveal it to her, I have no choice, I blurt it out before my alcohol induced brain catches up. “He’s a Basilio.”
Starcy will have no idea what that name really means to me, but it’s out in the open now.
“You mean, Basilio as in mafia family?”
“Yeah, that one.” I hold my hand up for another round of shots, the bartender nods.
“Fuck.” I couldn’t have said better myself. Listening to my words out loud, the truth is sinking in about who I’ve been sleeping with. Strange how he hasn’t mentioned any work he does for them, focused on his fight all the time. “If you listen to the media, that family isn’t one you mess with, Caroline. But if he’s dark and dangerous, you’ll have a wild time.”
She’s got sex on the brain tonight, there’s going to be no sense coming from her lips any time soon. The entry door swings open again and slowly my eyes roam to it, but it’s two scantily dressed blondes giggling as they enter.
I raise my shot. “To mysterious and nameless men.” I throw back the contents and cringe as the fire travels down my throat.
Starcy rises from her chair. “Let’s dance, girlfriend.”
“I’ll be a minute. I need to go to the bathroom first.” There’s a small restroom down the hall. “Don’t leave with anyone.”
“Okay mom.” I leave Starcy observing the males.
Five minutes later, I’m out and my friend is dancing around the middle of the room, being the center of attention.
“I thought I said don’t move from our seats?” Grinding her ass down my leg, I laugh at her craziness.
“Here’s your phone. I answered a message for you.” Thankfully she had some wits about her to take my phone from the table with her. Stumbling to the closest free chair, I search the messages. There’s a reply from my phone to Chuck.
My stomach twirls and my head clouds. I squint so I can get a close look at what my friend has said.
Caroline—I’m at Wild Donkeys Saloon.
Waiting all that time in case he called or walked in and within the space of five minutes, he does it and I miss it. And my best friend answers it for me.
Hell.
Would I have replied? Do I want him to come? Will he come? Who am I trying to kid. No matter what he does or who he is, this tingle spreading over my skin is because of this commanding, forceful man. I want only him.
There’s a ding from my phone.
Chuck: I need your help Blossom.
Darting from my seat, I almost fall back on my ass but slow myself down to steady my legs and focus. Starcy is one on one with a hot guy on the floor, she’s smiling, so it must be good. However, we have enough alcohol to sink a battleship.
“Girl, I have to go, are you ready?”
Unsure of where I’m going or how, that’s a detail for five minutes down the track.
“This is Jeff. Have you met him before?”
Huffing in annoyance at her ridiculousness, I oblige. “Hi Jeff.”
“Jeff and I went to school together. He’s a friend of the families, so I think I will see you later. I will be okay from here.”
Damn it, I hate it when she does this, and I have to make a moral judgement call when I’m pissed. “Are you sure?” Looking at her for any sign of a problem, there’re only smiles. “You have my number. Call me anytime.”
“I’m a big girl. I’ll be fine.”
Kissing her cheek, I glance at Jeff and give him my grim mouth and evilest of eyes to scare him. I’m sure I look like a drunk idiot. Glancing at Starcy, I wave and turn. Checking my phone while I walk, I scroll to find an Uber nearby to take me to Chuck’s. I have to track him down. Being drunk has its advantages, I’ve forgotten why I have a problem with him and with my superhero complex here, I should be able to help him with any fucking problem he has.
My eyes are glued to the map of how far away the driver is.
“Hell.” My body rebounds back with a sudden jerk making my way half out the door. “What’s your problem?” My voice sounds strong but I bet it comes out a slurred mess but who cares. This jerk just charged into me.
“Caro?” Protective arms wrap around me before I land on the potted plant to the left of the exit. The smell of cinnamon overrides my senses. Chuck?
“Are you alright?” A sexy voice has my stomaching flipping and my pussy clenching.
Trying to compose my drunk ass is impossible. “I was coming to help you.”
“It seems I found you first.” Laying his chin on my head, I hear him drag in a large breath.
“I’m happy you did.”
Chuck
Caro’s perfect.
Laying her down on her bed, her eyes are wide and she is grinning at me. She tugged her shirt and pants off when I went to the toilet and spread herself across her mattress.
“Why are you awake?” I stand above her, watching her breasts encased in a red lace bra, rise and fall.
“Because you needed me.” Lazily her voice comes out quiet. She’s not far away from sleep. I needed her tonight to try and make sense of my new world. Hoping she could provide me with insight on how I should be feeling knowing my mother lied to me and my father and mother are still madly in love. How do I comprehend my father is slowly dying and I am to replace him?
Boxing is a breeze compared to the family cyclone circling me.
My shoulders sag and my breaths come out slow. Caroline is my peaceful place. Calm surrounds us when I’m with her. Her hand pats the bed next to her and I comply. My head rests on the pillow beside her and we stare into each other’s eyes. It’s so cliché, but it’s beautiful. A current of warmth flows through me.
/>
Words aren’t needed.
Only the air escaping our bodies can be heard.
My muscles relax and Caro’s hand rests on my clothed hip.
Breaking the silence, she whispers, smelling like tequila. “What did you need?”
“It doesn’t matter, it can wait.” I smirk at her, trying to get her mind off my problems.
“Please. Let me help you?” She bores her weary blue eyes at mine. “I’m a good listener.”
How can I refuse her? I couldn’t deny her anything with those puppy dog eyes begging me.
There’s no simple way to start, so I blurt it out.
“My mother lied to me my entire life and I’m finding it difficult to forgive her.” I say it slowly, not for her benefit but because I’m choking on each word. Her fingers stroke my leg.
“Hmmm. Go on.”
“I believed my father was dead, but I found out a few weeks ago he is alive. Actually, he’s sick, so perhaps not for much longer. And I cannot understand how I feel about that either. On one hand, I think he deserves it, on the other he’s come into my life and I want as much time as I can with him.”
Worry pulls at her face. “Why would he deserve it? There must be a reason why he left you and your mother. Has he explained it?”
“He’s a bad man, Caroline. He hurts people in the worst ways possible. But the reasons he left are honorable. To assure my mother and I would live, he left us. He sacrificed his and my mother’s love for our lives. We would have been killed if people knew about us.”
“What? Why?” Unable to move, her voice is high-pitched.
“I’m the son of mob boss Tomme Basilio. If his enemies found out about an heir, they would kill me and anyone he loved. It’s that simple.” Her hand stops moving and twitches before she looks to them. I can’t tell what she’s thinking but she resumes her gentle, soothing touch before I can read much into her twitch.
“I admit it’s a good reason to lie to you.” She’s right, it is and watching her trying to put things into perspective with an alcohol fused brain is revealing.
