La Famiglia (Battaglia Mafia Series) Read online

  The hostess saw Fabiana’s wave and started toward them. The young statuesque woman with dark Hershey brown skin wore a slimming tight black mini dress and a trendy auburn red pageboy haircut that made her quite striking. She strutted toward them on stilts for legs. Mira wondered if the young woman ever considered runway modeling. Teddy strolled behind the hostess, trailing drool. His gaze was glued to the young girl’s ass. Mira shook her head.

  “Teddy! Teddy! Over here!”

  “Would you stop?” Mira grabbed Fabiana’s arm and forced it down. Her best friend immediately snatched away with a tight grin. Mira knew that look. She couldn’t chastise Fabiana like a child. She wouldn’t tolerate it.

  Mira tried to explain her concern in a calm manner. “I would appreciate it if you don’t bring attention to our table. We’re trying to be discreet,” Mira said. They dined on the outside patio as many New Yorkers did on a lovely sunny day.

  “Oh girl, no one recognizes you. Stop being so uptight.” Fabiana tossed the words at her in such a dismissive manner that the truth stung. Her friend glanced up in that moment and read the anger Mira knew blazed in her eyes. Fabiana combed her fingers back through her scarlet red hair moving her bangs from her face. “I only meant you need to loosen up, Mira. Please. We haven’t seen Teddy in weeks.”

  Mira thought to remind Fabiana of the two autographs she signed when they first arrived at the place, or the reporter eating inside of the restaurant from the New Yorker, but she decided not to. She was in no mood to argue. Theodore Tate was their attorney and closest friend and he was here after being abroad. They called him Teddy, or Teddy Bear. When they first met him they almost fired him before capitalizing on his talents. He had hit on both of them repeatedly. Now they knew it was just part of his playboy charm. Another reason she kept him and Kei apart. Kei had a jealous streak that could end the partnership in a flash. Considering Kei was a large investor in her company she had to defer to his wishes as her boyfriend and as a businessman. Thankfully Teddy had agreed to meet with them today. He’d just returned from Sicily, and Mira worried about how exhaustive the long flight was for him.

  The young hostess stopped and gestured for Theodore to sit. He gave her a sly wink that made the woman blush before he took a seat.

  “Sorry I’m late,” Teddy said, in a smooth cool manner that was all him. “Hi beautiful. What’s with the sunglasses?”

  Before Mira could answer him Fabiana plucked the sunglasses from her face. “She’s hiding and it’s ridiculous!”

  “Stop it, give them back,” she hissed.

  Fabiana put the pair in her purse, well out of reach.

  “You’re really working my nerves.” Mira sighed in defeat.

  Fabiana laughed, winked, and then sipped her pink martini.

  Teddy chuckled.

  Mira didn’t share in the humor.

  “Did I miss something?” Teddy asked Mira. “What has you in a mood?”

  “Tell him. He’s been in Sicily. He doesn’t know. Tell him!” Mira insisted. Her heart hurt. Kei held her all night while she cried in his arms. Fabiana listened patiently as she paced the floor and ranted over the injustice. That bitch Susie Chu wrote a scathing review of her show during New York Fashion Week. She could barely lift her head. She felt like screaming.

  “I already know about the review. And it wasn’t that bad. In fact that’s why I wanted to meet,” Teddy said.

  “Hear him out, Mira,” Fabiana nodded.

  “Wasn’t that bad?” Mira asked, tears blurred her vision but she glared at Teddy and then Fabiana in disbelief. “She called my line, that I slaved on for a year, ‘an amateurish rip off of the house of Gucci’.” Mira used air quotes on the words as Susie Chu did in her write up. “Carole Montague said it was proof that originality is extinct in the industry as long as house of Mirabella’s doors are open. Now, you tell me what designer comes out against a peer and demoralizes them in public? I’m humiliated. My work is nothing like Gucci. It’s slander! I ought to sue both those bitches!”

  “Oh please! Get off the cross. You aren’t being persecuted here,” Fabiana said. “This is business. Carole and Susie have an agenda. Every other critic salivated over your work. I already got a call in from Vogue, who want to run your couture line instead of Montague’s.”

  It was the first time Mira had heard the news. She frowned at Fabiana who grinned in return. “Surprise!” Fabiana said. “You big baby!”

  Mira put her hand to her mouth. “Seriously?”

  “Yes girl! One critic gives you a scathing review and it dismisses the others that loved you? Fuck them!” Fabiana said.

  “Fabiana!” Mira glanced at the few people who now looked over at their table.

  “FUCK THEM,” Fabiana shouted with the toss of her hair. “Now. Stop your whiney-pity-party-anxiety-fit-bullshit. Teddy has news.”

  “Wait? That’s not the good news?” Mira laughed.

  Teddy and Fabiana stared at her. There was something else. Something big. When the two of them conspired together it always meant a big change for Mira. This is why she trusted them both with her life.

  Mira sucked down a deep breath. She scanned the others around them. No one was staring. Hell no one cared. She felt foolish for her behavior over the past two days. Teddy reached across the table and touched her hand. “I do have news.”

  “Okay. What is it?” Mira asked

  “Italy!” Teddy announced.

  “What about Italy?” Mira asked.

  “Milano is where a talent like yours needs to be. What you need is to be inspired. Free of entanglements. I know you and Kei are not seeing eye-to-eye. I know you want to cut off his financial backing and strike out on your own. Strike now. Move to Italy.”

  Stunned she sat back. She looked over to Fabiana and saw her face already flushed with excitement. “We can’t move to Italy. It’ll take us years to pay back what we owe Kei if we sever business with him. And I am in a relationship with the man. Or have you forgotten?”

  “Tell her Teddy. Tell her the rest.”

  He nodded his head. “I met a man Mira. His name is Marsuvio Mancini. He’s a fan of yours. He wants to sponsor a visa for you to open up a store in Napoli. And he’s willing to put up capital.”

  Mira laughed. Fabiana glanced over to Teddy and they exchanged puzzled looks. “You want me to cut my boyfriend out of my business and get in debt with some strange man you met in Italy?”

  “No. He’s Sicilian, and he’s no different than any other investor. His sponsorship will make you self reliant, open doors for you. And then we can branch out to Milano. Stand on your own two feet. Make Mirabella’s a success your way.”

  Mira waved him off. “Kei and I have hit a rough patch. But we aren’t breaking up. He’s been more supportive lately.”

  “Forget Kei, Mira. This is about you. Us!” Fabiana said. “We have a year to be ready. And we should. Italy is where it’s at. Here’s the plan. We do the Vogue shoot. Get a lot of good press going. We’ll definitely get a top pick celebrity for the Oscars. I promise you that. And then we buy back Kei’s shares. This is your way to be truly independent.”

  “I thought Paris is where it’s at?” Mira said.

  “You know this is good for us. Teddy and I will fly to Napoli and Milano to check everything out. We will meet with some attorneys there. I’ll check out this Mancini guy too. Right, Teddy? Make sure he’s legit. Nothing is guaranteed,” Fabiana said.

  “Mancini is a good business man. No worries there. I’ll handle him personally.” Teddy quickly interjected. “He has a lot of power in Sicily and influence with the Italian Parliament. This is a great idea.”

  Mira sucked down a deep breath. Lately Kei had started talking marriage again. Talk of marriage, kids, and domestic bliss made her nervous. They’d separated twice over arguing the future of their relationship and she knew if she rejected him again it was a deal breaker. How could she explain to him why she felt restless, trapped by his smothering love. She nee
ded something to spark her confidence. She needed her independence.

  “Okay. Go to Italy and check it out Fabiana. If you two can come back with a good plan I’ll… consider it,” she exhaled. “I need to think about Kei. I love him. I respect him. I owe him my success.”

  “Yay!” Fabiana squealed. She picked up her martini glass with the pink vodka sloshing over the rim. “To the future. Love, fashion, hot sexy Italian men, and Mirabella’s.”

  “Cin, Cin!” Teddy laughed. He clinked his water glass to hers. Mira was the last to pick up her soda and join the celebration.

  “This is where it began. We’ll look back ten years from now and remember this meeting. Remember this day. When we decided to take Mirabella’s to Italy,” Mira smiled.

  “Damn right!” Fabiana cheered. “I can feel it. This is the start of something big.”

  “Can I get you something?” a soft voice spoke.

  Ashamed of her behavior and the tears on her cheeks Mira kept her gaze lowered when she shook her head no. She yielded to the compulsive sobs that shook through her. Fabiana was dead. Her sister was gone. She’d never have anyone as close to her heart again.

  Rosetta walked over and sat next to her. “Donna, it’s okay. You will like it in Sicily.”

  “Oh yes. I know.” Mira wiped away her tears and forced a smile. “I’m fine.” She tried to wave off Rosetta’s concern.

  “I heard from Renaldo that Catalina will be here tomorrow. Isn’t that great? She is going to give us all the updates on the latest in Milano.”

  Mira rubbed her temples. “That’s great.”

  “Rosetta, lasciare,” Giovanni said.

  Mira glanced up at the sound of his voice. He stood there, filling the inside of the door with his hands in his pockets. Rosetta left without another word. Giovanni closed the door behind her. Though Mira didn’t want to argue she forced herself to meet his stare and hold it. It was her husband who blinked first. He wiped his hand down his face in an effort to choose his words wisely. “Che cosa? The things you say to me, Bella—”

  “I don’t think it’s wise that we talk right now,” Mira said.

  “Che cosa desidera? Why aren’t you happy?” he demanded. “I’ve done everything in my power to make this special.”

  “I need a minute. Space!” she shouted.

  “Mira.” He pointed a warning finger at her. “Enough of this bullshit. You hear me?”

  She wept.

  Giovanni stood there watching. He didn’t speak.

  “I can’t help it. I can’t control it.” She put her hands to her face. He walked over to her. She felt him standing in front of her. He stroked the back of her head. “I love you, Giovanni. You’re the closest to me, the dearest to me, and you piss me off. I hate myself for these childish tantrums. It’s not normal. My pregnancy is no excuse.” She lifted her head and looked up at him. “Some days I just don’t feel like myself.”

  “Everyone is ready to have lunch. Can we try civility with each other?” he asked.

  “You forgive me?” she sniffed. “For being a bitch?”

  “You’re my bitch, so what’s to forgive?” He lifted her chin and she looked up into his caring eyes. “I can take it, bambina. I’ll give you a little space before we take a tour of our new home. We’ll take a trip down to the beach. How does that sound?”

  She blinked. He pinched her chin then let his hand fall away. Before he turned she tossed another question at him. “Who is she to you, Giovanni?”

  “Famiglia. Carmella has been a part of this family for many years, Bella.”

  Mira held back the urge to challenge his answer. For all she knew the woman was family. He never wavered in his devotion to her. And she’s weathered the glares, and snide comments from women outside of the family who didn’t like the idea of his black American wife. But Carmella felt different.

  He extended his hand. “Lunch? Cara mia Mirabella, you are the only woman for me.”

  “I’m better,” she said softly. “It won’t happen again.”

  “We need to celebrate not argue. Per favore?”

  Tears blinded her eyes and choked her voice. She swallowed, and then forced a smile. “I feel better. Really.”

  He kissed her brow. “That’s my girl.”

  They rejoined the family together. The meal was served out under the noonday sun on the terrace that faced a garden. The coastal winds flowing in over them kept the temperature of the day mild and cozy. Giovanni pulled out the chair for her. Mira’s gaze swept all that were gathered. Carmella wasn’t among them.

  “Cin Cin!” Giovanni said with the raise of his glass. Everyone silenced for the announcement of a toast. Glasses rose. Giovanni turned his attention to her. “To my Bella, at last she returns to Sicilia. Salute.”

  The toast felt odd as did his insistence on her loving Sicily. He acted as if the island, the culture, the people were a part of her. Why would that be so important to him? She had her own identity, and she was proud of who she was and where she was from. First he wanted her kids born here, and now he tried to force the same connection on her.

  Mira smiled at her husband and blew him a kiss to appease him.

  Sophia served them from the kitchen with the help of Rosetta. Before long Mira had all but forgotten her anxiety, and the ache in her heart for Fabiana subsided. She fed Eve and listened to Giovanni and the men swap stories of their childhood or family memories. Every man in Giovanni’s inner circle was Sicilian or so they claimed. Mira had no real way of knowing.

  After an hour of celebrating she felt the need to walk not sit. She scooted her chair back and stood to go help Sofia in the kitchen. She figured she’d make peace with Carmella being in the house. Besides the woman was of no threat. However, in the kitchen she found Sophia with Cecilia fixing pies. Carmella wasn’t present. Sophia looked up and smiled. She came over to her. She wiped her hands on her apron and her eyes shifted from Mira to the door she entered.

  “Donna? Do you need anything?”

  “No. I just thought I’d offer to help,” Mira said. Zia always encouraged Mira to join her in the kitchen. And when Zia left Mira oversaw every meal served to the family. Giovanni wouldn’t eat unless she prepared his plate herself.

  “Perdono. We will have the desert out in a moment,” Sophia said. Mira liked the kindness in her eyes. But she sensed a tense weariness in Sophia’s tone.

  “Oh no worries. The men are still feasting on what you prepared. It’s really good.”

  “Go join them,” Sophia shooed her to leave. “We have it.”

  Mira turned to leave. She stopped and glanced back at Sophia. “Where’s Carmella?”

  Sophia refused to look at her when she answered. She busied herself at the stove. “Giovanni sent her back to Palermo. She’s to not return while you’re here.”

  “He said that?” Mira asked.

  “Sí. Non problemo. She has work to do at home. I apologize if she did anything to offend to you.” Sophia glanced up. So did Cecilia. The women stared at her, reading her discomfort. Mira felt a hot flash of shame raise the temperature in her neck and cheeks. She didn’t mean to banish the woman. Or did she? When she pushed her husband he pushed back at anyone standing between them. She nodded her head at Sophia and walked out. When she returned to the table Giovanni was caught up in another tale again. She sat next to him and smiled. It was true, she felt better already.

  * B *

  To set aside his business responsibilities was not easily done. Upon his arrival to Sicily he received three requests from local men of importance to meet. Giovanni would see no one. It was customary that he pay a visit to the Mancinis. That tradition would be abandoned as well. He closed his mind to the matter. He was in Sicily to help his wife, and every sacrifice along the way was worth it. Helping her regain control of her emotions and to relax during the final stage of her pregnancy would be his top priority.

  Time ticked on. Giovanni sipped his wine and stared out at the garden. The villa had settled
into the calm that typically crept in over the island at sunset. Dark shadows stretched about him and he relaxed in the shade. He felt soul weary the past few weeks.

  “I’m ready,” she said from behind him.

  Giovanni turned his gaze back over his left shoulder. She stood there smiling. She had changed into a maternity dress with soft pink, lavender, green, and yellow colors connecting in intricate designs. She made these dresses for him and her. The low cut front tied around her neck and separated her enlarged breasts, giving a lift to flatter her expanding curves. The hem was long but an opening along the right revealed thigh and leg when she moved.

  Mira lifted a pair of flat thong sandals with one hand and fancy high-heel shoes in the other with a sweet smile. “Which one?”

  He stood and pointed at the flats.

  “I should have known you would make this choice. You don’t like me to wear heels anymore.”

  “I want you comfortable. Those look comfortable. I’ll be barefoot.”

  “Huh?” Mira laughed.

  Giovanni kicked off his loafers. He knelt and folded his pants just above his ankles. “There! Now I’m comfortable!” He stood and threw up his hands.

  Mira shook her head with a smile that melted his heart. It was too easy to get lost in her smile.

  “I see.”

  “What do you see, Bella?” he asked.

  “We must not be going far.” She dropped her thong sandals before her feet and tossed the other pair of shoes aside. She eased her foot in one then the other. And then she extended her hands to him. He walked over and captured her hands, bringing them both up to his mouth to kiss.

  “Where are we going? To the beach?” she asked.

  “We’re going somewhere more private,” he replied.

  “I guessed that,” she chuckled.

  “My wife is so smart.”

  “Yes I am, thank you very much. Plus you mentioned it earlier remember?”

  “I did. Why did you pretend to not know?” he asked.

  “To keep you on your toes. Besides you also mentioned making love under the stars. I figured we’d go somewhere to make that happen instead of the lumpy sand on the beach. You know I’m not as limber as I once was.”