by C L Wesley
“She loves you Luca, I can see it.” My mother stood up and kissed my cheek, “I also gave her the company cell phone again.” She patted my shoulders as she walked in the house. I sat there, phone in hand, debating on my next move. I’m not this mushy guy and yet here I am, serious, intense, Luca Fucking Morano, all emotional over a woman.
Me: I’m sorry. I will never be able to say that to you enough.
I watched the time pass, five minutes.
Seven minutes.
Ten.
Fourteen.
I heard my phone ping. Finally.
Cappie: We just ate dinner. She actually said more than fuck you today. All is safe.
Me: I texted her
Cappie: I know
So, she got the text and is not responding. Fucking fabulous. Later that night I was in bed staring at the ceiling fan when my phone pinged from the bedside table.
Cam: Hi
Me: Hi sweetheart
Me: What are you up to?
Cam: Watching Shameless with Cappie
Me: If I call, will you answer?
Cam: No
Ouch that stung. Not a maybe, not a later, a flat fucking no.
Me: I’m so sorry Cam
Cam: I know
Me: Can I take you to dinner tomorrow?
Me: I promise I’ll take you back to Cappie’s place after
She never responded to me the rest of the night, making for a restless sleep. The next morning, I went into the office and buried myself in work, the legal work. Halfway through my day, my phone pinged, it was Cameron.
Cam: Okay, but I am coming home to Cappie’s...alone.
I couldn’t help the smile on my face. I may have a snowball’s chance in hell of rekindling what I was starting with her.
Me: Pick you up at 7
Cam: I’ll be ready
18
Cameron
Thank goodness Carlina had my things brought over to the condo or I would be wearing Cappie’s old football shirt to dinner. I pulled out the suitcase and started putting away the small amount of clothing I now own on behalf of the Morano’s. It was when I walked into the closet that I noticed the garment bag hanging on one of the racks. Unzipping the bag, I found it contained my dress from the gala and two summer dresses that must be new. Holding out the sapphire blue gown, I got lost in the memory of Luca removing it from my body. Once the memory faded, I pulled out each dress and carefully hung them in the closet.
Putting away my clothing took all of ten minutes of my day. With Cappie gone most of the day at school, the last two days have been unbelievably boring. Once we apologized to each other for snapping the other day, we have gotten along great. He does his thing and I do mine. He studies, I play on Pinterest, assuming that I will have a life one day to craft, cook, and garden. Today, I’ve cooked, cleaned, napped, and now I’m just fucking stir-crazy waiting for 7 o’clock to roll around.
I miss Luca. I miss his brooding, intense persona. I miss the way he liked to take care of me. What I think I miss most of all is the way he needed me. Other than Willa, I’ve never felt needed by anyone. Carlina explained that most of what I see in the movies about the mafia is played up for Hollywood movies but some of it is based on truth, so we had ourselves a Q&A session that I keep replaying in my head.
Why did all those men have their backs to the walls at the Gala?
Each of those men are heads of their families.
That explains all the security. I thought that mob families didn’t get along or is that just in the movies?
Some families do, some don’t. We all come together at functions like that to show good grace and to keep our company connections open.
What does that mean exactly?
Well it depends on the family as to which corporations they use to do their business. We own our companies, we do not use other companies to do our business.
I worked for The Nine, is that a clean business?
Yes, the restaurant is clean. It only serves as a profitable business and a place to hold meetings.
What about M Inc. where Luca works?
What Luca does at M is legit during business hours.
What does he do that is not?
He attends meetings with his father between certain families. They make deals and Luca is there to make sure that our assets are covered.
Where does Vinnie and Cappie fall into all this?
Vinnie was in Luca’s position for years and then he met Stephanie. Once they married and had children he stepped back. Capriccio was used for muscle. You’ve seen him. He is tall, muscular, intimidating by looks. Capriccio left all the family businesses when he got home from rehab.
Where do the women fit in within the family?
Stephanie is a housewife with very few rules to follow unless a certain protocol is released by security. She would be a good friend to you. You both have a lot in common. I keep the family together. I know the men are the head of the family, but us women, we run it.
Am I safe?
Yes. You will be safe. You are safe at both the Manor and here at Capriccio’s. If you choose to go out, you have our security detail at your disposal. Your friend will be safe as well. She will come home to a new apartment with security. Anytime you’d like to contact her just let Marshall or Leroy know.
Who’s Leroy?
Cappricio’s security downstairs.
I must have fallen asleep because I woke up with a panic when I saw the six o’clock news was already on. Checking my cell phone, it was 6:02PM. Shit! Luca will be here in an hour to pick me up. I flew into the shower shaving whatever six swipes of my razor would cover. Standing in a towel in the closet, I picked the teal ombre sundress with thin straps and a tapered waist that would allow the hem to drop just below mid-thigh. I paired the dress with a sheer white cardigan and strappy sandals with a small heel as these were the only other shoes Carlina had bought for me and they are easy to walk in. Not having the time or the equipment to doll up my hair, I opted for a loose French braid that I pulled off to the side. I kept my make-up light, just a little blush, mascara, and lip gloss. I took a peek at the time, 6:47PM, done. I did not have a purse anymore, just the black sparkly clutch from the gala. With no pockets available I did what any classy early twenties girl would do. I put my phone and lip gloss in my cleavage, taking a seat at the island excitingly awaiting my date.
They say time passes slow. Well not tonight. I check my phone for the tenth time, it’s 7:42PM.
Me: You could have at least texted me you were not coming.
I slammed my phone down on the counter. “Son of a bitch!”
“Hey, hey, hey. What did that poor phone ever do to you?” Cappie said as he walked into the kitchen, hands full of grocery bags and a two-ton messenger bag. I stood up walking around the island to help him put away groceries. “What warranted that?”
Emptying the bags onto the counter, “Luca was supposed to pick me up at 7 and well as you can see I’m all dressed up with nowhere to go.”
Opening the fridge to put away a 12-pack of Coke Cappie acknowledged me from head to toe, “You do look fantastic.”
“Thanks.” I finished helping Cappie put the food away then headed towards my bedroom. “I’m going to go change.”
“Hey Cam?” I turned to see Cappie using his arms to hold him up against the island, legs crossed in front of him, looking very J. Crew. “Fuck him.”
“Excuse me?”
“Fuck him. Go change into jeans and a jacket, we’re getting you out of the house.” He spun around and headed towards his room. “Can you be ready in ten?”
“I can be ready in five.” I walked into the bedroom and unzipped my dress, trading it for the outfit I first wore out with Luca. Walking back out into the living room I was stopped in my tracks. “Holy shit.”
“What?” Cappie asked as he handed me a pair of sunglasses. “You will need these.”
“You’re kind of hot Cappie.” I take the glasses from him as I tak
e him in. Backwards Indians hat, a black leather jacket hiding the tight t-shirt underneath, then jeans, holy hotness in jeans, the kind that hug the thighs yet are not skin tight. I was guessing his ass looked good too but he never turned around.
“You’re not too bad yourself Cam. Let’s go.” He motioned for me to walk in front of him to the elevator. “Give me your phone.” I hand the phone to Cappie as he placed it on the foyer table. “I’ll take the blame for that one when he does text or call you back.”
We walked into the garage and over to a beautiful white and ice blue motorcycle. Handing me a black helmet he smiled like a schoolboy, “Meet my baby. We are going to take her out too.”
Sliding the helmet on, “Awe how cute you have a bike.”
Swinging one leg over the bike he sat down before putting on his own sleek black helmet. “Sweetheart, this isn’t just any bike. This is a Suzuki Hayabusa. Sweetness on wheels.”
“Yeah I have no idea what that means. Also, as pumped as I am to go for a ride, I’ve never been on a motorcycle.”
“You’ll see what it means. Stand on the foot rest and swing on behind me.” I grabbed Cappie’s shoulders and stepped up but I was unable to swing my left leg over that height.
“Cappie, I can’t.” I felt instantly embarrassed as I backed a few steps away. Watching Cappie stand up he turned around and lifted me up, placing me on the back of the bike. I was waiting to sense his annoyance, instead I received a mischievous little grin.
“No apologies. Are you okay sitting like that?”
“Yeah, it was just getting up here and it could be in my head.” I was not about to admit that my hips still hurt a great deal, especially when I really want to go for a ride.
“Probably is, crazy girl.” I swatted at Cappie as he slid into his seat in front of me, balanced us on the bike, and started the engine giving me one hell of a rush as the vibration pulsed between my legs. “Okay, press the button just under your chin strap and we will be able to talk back and forth through the helmets.” Doing as instructed, I magically heard him so clearly. “Good girl, now lean forward and wrap your arms around my waist.” Leaning forward against him, I wrapped my arms around him as far as they could go. Unsure if it was being this close to such a good-looking man, the vibration between my legs, or both, I was extremely turned on.
“You have two choices now, either press your ear between my shoulder blades and look to the side or press your chin into my shoulder facing forward and hang on. Whatever you do, always lean with me, if you go against me, we could wreck.”
I follow each instruction and place my chin on his shoulder, holding on tightly. “Like this?” I was flush with him in a seamless alignment.
“Perfect. Are you ready?” Cappie revved the bike.
“Cap?”
“Yeah?” He answered back.
“Am I safe going out like this?” I knew I was safe on the bike. It was the Carini’s I was worried about.
Reaching back and patting my thighs, “You are perfectly safe with me, Cameron.” I felt it. I knew he would never let anything happen to me. Simply knowing about his past makes me that much more assured I would be absolutely fine.
I give his waist a little squeeze, “Okay then, let’s go.” I hear him groan in appreciation as he makes the bike move. On the way out of the parking garage I was a little nervous but once we turned out onto the street and he put some speed under us it was a smooth ride. The first turn made my stomach queasy but afterwards I just kept my chin buried on his shoulder and squeezed the breath from him as he rounded the corner to get on I-90 East towards the shore way.
“Oh my God.” I giggled as Cappie wove in and out of traffic. This was so much fun. I can see why people enjoy going for rides now.
“We will be on the freeway for about forty minutes, let me know if you need to stop before we get off.”
“Okay. Where are we going?” I loosened my death grip on his waist once he was at a cruising speed.
“Somewhere where I am not a Morano and you can relax.” Sounded like a plan to me. We spent the rest of our ride chatting about different things along the freeway, life along the lake, his love/hate relationship with the Browns, my love for cooking which he was excited to experience since I now live with him, and this little town we were headed to which had a chili dog place that he was crazy about and said I would have to visit every summer if I continue to live in Northeast Ohio.
The small town of Lakeview had a strip of tourist decorated restaurants, gift shops, and arcades. The place was kind of cool. Once Cappie found parking he killed the motor and slid off the bike first allowing me to slide my leg over and reacclimate myself. He hooked our helmets through this handle that locked and we started down the strip. Once we got to Frankie’s Grille, we ordered our food and took a seat waiting for our number to be called.
Frankie’s Grille was a 1950’s themed restaurant and Dairy Queen that served classic burgers and hot dogs. There were little juke boxes at each booth that played oldies and modern music. We heard our number announced and Cappie went to get our food. “You are about to experience heaven.” I watched as women, young and old, turned their heads in appreciation at the Greek God that walked by them. It was somewhat pleasing to me to know that he was coming back to my table making the population of women in this town jealous.
After the best fucking chili dog I’ve ever tasted, we went next door to the arcade where I proceeded to womp Mr. Muscle Bags in a few games of air hockey, skee ball, and even a racing game. I knew I rocked at arcade games, I should have made wagers with him. What I would be wagering was the problem. I didn’t own anything, so with a good judgment I just decided to take the bragging rights.
We walked along the strip talking about everything and anything, our banter both sexual and hilarious. When we got to the far west end of the tourist strip I saw a winery with a Ferris wheel that over looked Lake Erie. The sun was setting for the day and with only minutes before it disappeared I asked to go for a ride.
“Oh, come on, it will be fun.” I quickly learned that the six-foot four ex-mafia henchmen was scared of heights.
I’d never seen a man dig his heels so far into the ground before when I grabbed his hand and tugged. “Cam, I really can’t. I’m petrified of heights.”
“You live in a high-rise.” I smile and give another tug. I look around as people were starting to watch our performance.
“It does not have a moving bottom!” I think he growled at me! Not with an attitude, more like a ‘hell to the no I’m not doing this.’ I never let go of his hand when I turned to look at the Ferris wheel again. I probably should have let go, but I didn’t, I was having fun for once. It was only a second later that a guy our age walked over with what must be the largest set of balls ever.
“Excuse me.” Cappie turned towards the guy asking for my attention. “I don’t want to sound rude, but I’d be more than happy to ride with her.” I looked from the cute boy wanting my attention to the handsome man holding my hand.
Lifting my eyebrow at Cappie, “What do ya think big guy?” Cappie looked from me to the frat boy standing in front of us. Making a sexy little growl, Cappie threw me over his shoulder, slapped my ass, and stomped towards the Ferris wheel. Looking at the crowd laughing and the frat boy standing there shocked, I innocently say, “Maybe next time?”, as I was whisked away to my ride of choice.
We sat in the car and the attendant lowered our lap bar. I watched as Cappie’s knuckles turned white holding on. “Look out at the horizon and try to relax.” The ride started to move and I swear he put a dent in the metal bar.
“Easier said than done thrill seeker.” I smiled knowing he did this just for me. We got to the top and the ride stopped to allow another rider on. “This is fucking great.” I placed my hand over his and quickly flipping my hand into his he squeezed-hard.
“Hey Tarzan, loosen the grip.” He kept the pressure on his hold.
“Payback for squeezing the air out of me on the way he
re.” He hoarsely whispered as the ride started to go again. Six different stopping points later, we finally were moving in one fluid motion. I finally got Cappie to focus on the sunset and not the height of the ‘death trap’ as he was calling it. By the last rotation I could feel my fingers again. Once stopped and the lap bar released, Cappie flew out of the cart and onto the platform. Several people started clapping and I must admit he shocked the shit of me when he took a bow. Holding his arm out for me, I took his arm and we made our way down over to the winery. “I will never do that for you again!”
“Yes, you will.” I laugh as we enter the back patio of the winery. It was not what I expected it to look like. Instead of classy tables and pristine glassware it was plastic tables and twinkle lights. Cappie led me over to a small table for four in the corner. We had barely sat when at least three servers flew over before one won the race and asked what he would like to drink, completely ignoring my existence. “I will have a glass of white sangria and my husband will have...”
I smiled at Cappie who reached over patting my hand before bringing it up to his lips for a kiss. “I will just have a Coke. Tonight, is your night for a few drinks baby.” We watch the server shake her head in acknowledgment before spinning around and stomping away.
“HA! That was so much fun. I hated watching servers at the Nine ignore the woman a man was with, regardless of what the real situation is.” I pulled my hand away.
“Her face was priceless.” He snickered. “We make a good team.” I smiled, it was my go to when I didn’t know what to say.
The rest of our night was spent at the winery. I had a few glasses of the sangria and he required so many refills that the server finally brought him a pitcher of Coke. There was a local cover band playing old 80’s and 90’s music making us laugh as more and more people attempted to dance. It was nice to just relax and enjoy each other’s company. An older couple walked by and said we made an adorable couple and Cappie politely thanked them, never correcting them, he said it would be rude, since we were already married of course.
We finally made our way home a little after midnight. In the elevator on the way up, I was humming from all the excitement. I have not had the funds or the ability to do something like that in quite a long time. I was grateful. “Hey Cappie, I had a really good time tonight. Thank you.” I rested my head against his arm.