“It’s gonna be okay, Molls,” I say, adding a smile. “I promise.”
Chapter Nine
GIA
It’s been a long day. I’ve been pacing the house waiting for Vinn to return home from work. He works seven days a week, just like my father’s always done. But whereas dad worked in his restaurants, Vinn works in his nightclubs and bars.
I go into the dining room where Mum and Dad are seated. The house staff bring out domed dishes and place them in the centre of the table. “Is it family dinner night?” I ask, because I definitely haven’t received a text telling me to attend.
“Yes. Vinn called an hour ago. He needs to speak to us,” says Dad.
I take a seat. I hope he hasn’t got bad news to tell us because I really have to tell them all about me and Ricardo.
When Vinn arrives, he looks harassed. He shrugs his suit jacket off and loosens his tie. “Good day?” asks my mum brightly and I see the annoyance at her dumb question on my brother’s face. Mum realises and presses her lips together. “Sorry, habit,” she says and Dad pats her hand gently.
“I’m having issues with supplies,” says Vinn bluntly, taking a seat. He never discusses this kind of business in front of me and Mum, so I’m confused. “My supply from Italy is . . .” he pauses, choosing his words carefully. “Strained.”
“Supply of what exactly?” I ask. I have the right to ask, seeing as we don’t openly discuss his dealings.
“Drugs, guns, you fucking name it and I’m struggling to get it,” he snaps, grabbing a bottle of red wine and filling his glass. He takes a big drink, almost draining his glass before topping it up again.
“I’m sorry to tell you, dear brother, but I don’t know any dealers in drugs or guns who could help you sort that little issue out,” I say and he glares at me.
“You think this is a joke, Gianna? Will you still laugh when we lose everything? When Giazilla closes?”
“My business runs itself. I don’t ask you for anything,” I snap.
“But it will be the first to go when we have to sell it to save the family,” he growls, slamming his hand onto the polished oak table. The cutlery clatters and my mum jumps with fright.
I take a deep breath. “Those things don’t pay for our businesses. Surely, they make money to pay for themselves?”
Dad sighs, rubbing his brow. “It’s not about the money, Gia. We have agreements to adhere to. If those things dry up, these men . . .” He glances at Vinn and shakes his head sorrowfully. “They will demand payment to release us from our end of the agreement.”
“I have a meeting with Riggs in an hour. He has agreements of his own and if I can’t supply him, then he’ll need to look for another supplier while I sort this shit out.”
“And Ricardo?” asks Dad. I snap my head up and stare at Vinn.
“He’s trying to help, but without Gia making her decision, he’s holding off a little.”
“You mean Ric can help?” I ask.
“Maybe.” Vinn shrugs. “His name is everything in Italy. It counts for much more than ours since we have lived in England for so long.”
“And that’s why you wanted me to marry him?” I ask quietly.
“But I saw in your eyes you weren’t interested,” says Vinn. “I knew the supply would dry up, which is why I approached Ric.”
“I thought we had more hold than him,” I say. Name means everything in our business.
“Here, in London, yes. But over there, in Italy, no. We need connections in Italy and Ric needs connections here,” says Dad.
“I’ll figure something out,” says Vinn, standing. “I have to go and see Riggs.”
“No,” I blurt out and he turns to look at me. “I’ll marry Ricardo. If it helps us, then I’ll do it.”
“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to,” says Mum.
I nod. “I know. I want to do this. You and Dad married before you really knew each other and you’re happy,” I say. Mum smiles and takes my dad's hand. He smiles back, lovingly. “Maybe I can be too.”
It’s been a long ass week and I had the brilliant idea that Eva and I should close up the office early and head to the nearest bar. That just happens to be The Copper Trap, which Eva tells me is one of her and Anna’s favourite places to drink. She knows Cathy, the owner, very well and they are both filling me in on stories about drunken nights spent here. “I think we should always make Friday afternoons well-being sessions,” says Eva. Cathy goes off to serve another customer and we head off to find a table. “We could close up at three p.m. and come here for Prosecco and shots.”
“My liver wouldn’t take it,” I say, knocking back a Sambuca.
“You’ve been quiet all week. Talk to me,” she says.
“I’m fine,” I lie. She isn’t stupid. She’s been asking me the same question day after day and I’ve given her the same answer.
“Something’s wrong. It’s not just you. Vinn came to the club loads this week, stomping around and scowling. He wasn’t even happy to see Leia and he always smiles at her.” It’s true that my brother has an unhealthy obsession with Chains’ ol’ lady. A soft spot is how he refers to it. “Riggs is like a bear with a sore head. Cree is quiet, which I know is normal for him, so let's just say quieter than usual.”
“What about Blu?” I ask, hoping that it’ll change the subject. She hasn’t given me any updates on him and his ex. I haven’t asked because it hurts me too much.
“Oh gosh, where do I start,” she says dramatically. When I glare at her, she
