by Blue Saffire
It was obvious Lorenzo wasn’t comfortable with me there, given the language my father was using. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I turned from Lorenzo to stare at my father. He looked like a mad man. The look he was giving Lorenzo showed me he was serious about every word. He was really considered cutting out Lorenzo’s tongue.
Lorenzo leaned to my ear. “Go upstairs, now,” he whispered.
I looked up at his face. He looked like he was about to kill someone. I went to get my things and do as he said.
“Where do you think you’re going?” my father yelled. “If he’s so confident he can protect you, you stay right here with him,” he barked.
“Victoria, I said go upstairs, now,” Lorenzo bellowed. “Venny, I don’t want her here.”
“That’s too bad because as her father, I say she stays,” my father fired back.
You could see the veins popping out of Lorenzo forehead. I’ve never seen him this mad. He stood up straight, pushing his shoulders back and folded his arms across his chest. His stance showed he meant to challenge my father.
Alfonzo and Uncle Mike quickly crossed the room to restrain Lorenzo. I didn’t know what to do. I thought about leaving, but my father looked like I would have to fight my way out of this room if I wanted to leave.
“Venny, you’re taking this too far. The kid is trying to protect her in more ways than one. He’s not your enemy. Sure, he has a big mouth, but he backs it up and that’s what counts. He’s keeping her safe,” Alfonzo said in a calm voice.
My father let out a long sigh, while staring at Lorenzo. Lorenzo still looked like he was going to lunge at him. No one else in the room made a move.
You could tell that everyone thought my father was overreacting. He took a step toward Lorenzo and Alfonzo and Uncle Mike stepped in front of him.
“I’m not going to touch him,” my father said. “I just wanted to see if he’s really going to stay like that. Stand there like a man. Hmm… I have more respect for that kid then most the men I’ve surrounded myself with. You don’t fear me, do you, Kid?”
“Victoria, go upstairs, now. I won’t say it again,” Lorenzo ordered.
“I guess that answers my question,” my father said.
Lorenzo pulled his eyes away from my father to look at me. His eyes said it all. You better do what I just said.
In that moment, I was more afraid of him than my father. He nodded his head toward the door and I turned to leave. Chris was at my side, grasping my arm, pulling me to leave the room.
I looked back once to see Lorenzo and my father locked on each other once again. Uncle Frankie started to make his way out of the room.
I wanted to know what was going to happen. Should Chris be coming with me? What happened to my Lorenzo? He was so worried about me changing, but he was the one that was changing the most.
He was always so polite to my father. Had what my father said really upset him that much? Uncle Frankie laughed at the top of his lungs when we reached the stairs.
“Wow, Victoria, I don’t know if we’re having a wedding after all,” he laughed out. “Wow, that kid has some temper. No one stands up to Venny like that. I’ve seen him kill guys for much less than that.”
I turned to look at him in horror. What was he saying? My father wouldn’t dare, he wasn’t going to hurt Lorenzo.
Uncle Frankie was just joking, he had to be. Suddenly, all of Lorenzo’s questions had answers. All the ice cream and movie trips played in my head. My father always had the same look he had just now in the range.
Just like Lorenzo had just done, he would order Toni and me out of the room. Uncle Sal would take us to the movies like Chris was ushering me upstairs now. I never saw the men my father was angry at ever again. All the pieces fit.
I knew what it was Lorenzo didn’t want me to know. What the wives shouldn’t be involved in. My father really meant what he said about killing whoever was supposed to be watching my mom.
Those realizations made the scene downstairs come into focus. Uncle Sal had just stayed downstairs to protect my father from Lorenzo and Alfonzo and Uncle Mike were protecting Lorenzo from my father.
No! This wasn’t happening. What happened to becoming a family, to protecting each other? So what Lorenzo told Uncle Bryce off and let him know he isn’t my father. He isn’t. I needed to get back downstairs.
“We have to go back. They’re going to try to kill each other,” I screamed.
“Victoria, Uncle Sal and Alfonzo aren’t going to let that happen,” Uncle Frankie assured me. “Your boyfriend is just going to be given some boundaries at most. If you ask me, I like the kid. We need more men like him around here. He just needs to learn how to talk to Venn.”
“Ugh, this is ridiculous,” I grumbled.
Maria found us heading for the family room. She was distracted at first, but when she saw my face, she stopped to stare. You could see her reading what was going on.
“Okay, I’ve had enough. What’s going on?” she demanded.
“Your husband is downstairs trying to kill your son. That’s what’s going on. And Daddy better hope, grief doesn’t get the best of me or I might shoot him myself,” I yelled.
Uncle Frankie roared with laughter. Chris just shook his head. I was pissed that they weren’t trying to go back and stop them. Maria looked at me with her lips pressed and her eyes narrowed, as she headed for the stairs. Uncle Frankie grabbed her by the arm and spun her around.
“That room is hot enough without you. Lorenzo will be fine,” he said to her. “Why don’t the two of yous go work on the wedding?”
I could hear the Uncle Frankie that I tend to stay away from in his voice. So, I knew we were going to go work on the wedding without question. Chris followed us to the study and stood in the room by the door, while Maria and I tried our best to go over the seating chart.
Maria looked like she was planning ways to torture my father. After about thirty minutes, I heard Lorenzo and my father talking outside the door. Maria and I dropped everything, rushing for the door.
I was the first one out. I saw my father grinning at Lorenzo and Lorenzo’s expression was way more relaxed. I ran to Lorenzo’s side and wrapped my arms around him. He rubbed my back, as he listened to my father speak.
Maria stood by my father giving him a dirty look, with her arms folded across her chest. I knew she was going to let him have it as soon as she got a chance. I just hoped I was around to see it.
“Lorenzo, sometimes I forget you have two women in my house that might try to kill me if I hurt you,” my father said and gave Maria a smile.
Lorenzo smiled at Maria, then looked down at me. I couldn’t take it, reaching up I locked my hands in his hair, pulling his face to mine. I was so happy he was okay.
I kissed him the way I hadn’t in a long time. If my father wanted to be pissed about something, I was giving him something. Lorenzo kissed me back, but I could feel a part of him was somewhere else. I wanted his full attention.
“Che cosa?” I asked, totally frustrated.
“Nothing, Baby, I just have to take care of something. We found what we’re looking for, your uncle called your dad. I need to meet my guest I flew in,” he explained. “I promise you, tonight, I’ll be more than happy to give you what you’re looking for.
“I need Chris and Uncle Mike with me. Uncle Fredo will be around, but you can start working on that promise you made me.”
“Okay,” I said and stroked his face. “You promise to do the same?”
“Oh, Victoria, you never have to worry about that. I’ll always come home to you,” he said in that confidence that seemed to have found a permanent place in his voice.
“See you later,” I said softly and pecked his cheek.
I watched as Uncle Mike, Uncle Sal, and Chris followed, Alfonzo, my father and Lorenzo out of the door. I wanted so badly to go too, but I would do what he asked and stay here for now. Maria stood next to me and from the look on her face I knew she wanted to know what
was going on.
I quickly tried to figure out how to get away from her. It didn’t help that I had a fitting for my gown today. I wasn’t going to be able to hide from her. I suddenly wished that Uncle Bryce did come for me.
“Maria, can you trust me when I say that you don’t really want to know? Lo is going to be fine. He promised me and I know he means it,” I offered.
“No, you will understand someday, when you have children, Victoria. I have lost Lorenzo once. I won’t do that again,” Maria said sadly, breaking my heart with her words. “Just tell me if he’s in danger, Victoria. I see a change in him. It’s the same change I watched both Venny and Alfonzo make once. I was hoping that wouldn’t happen to Lo, he’s different. I don’t know if their world is for him.”
“Oh, Maria, Lo is going to be fine. I think he’s better suited for their world then you think,” I reassured her. “Maria, will you teach me how to help him. I mean I want to help him stay Lo, as much as possible.”
“Victoria, I think you’re already doing a great job at that. Lorenzo is lucky to have you.”
“I hope so, Maria.”
“I know so. Well, if you won’t tell me what’s really going on I guess we should get back to the seating chart before Carlos shows up.”
chapter Twenty-Nine
Growing Pains
Victoria
Maria and I spent the rest of the afternoon on the seating chart. Once Carlos arrived, we went straight to fitting my gown, before the men returned. It was the perfect distraction.
Carlos out did himself. I couldn’t have asked for more. The gown is just so beautiful. All of this became a reality as I looked back at myself in the dress I’d marry Lorenzo in. So many thoughts filled my mind.
After the fitting, I had plans of my own. I took a trip back down to the range to clear me head. Uncle Frankie had left some things behind for me to practice with. I figured this was the safest place in the house. I could definitely keep my promise.
I wanted to do more than keep my promise though. I wanted to help Lorenzo relax. That’s what it felt like he needed.
It felt like he needed to be reminded of who he is, who we are. All of this was too much at once. If I felt that way, I knew it had to be ten times as great for him.
Lorenzo always did what made me happy, but I wanted to do that for him. I was always crying and complaining to him, and he would fix my problems.
However, it seemed like I was the cause of all of his. I never do anything for him the way he does for me. He was somewhere now planning to save my life and I was here doing nothing.
I combed my brain trying to figure out what I could do to help him relax. What he did the other night was great. How could I do something like that for him? That’s when it hit me and I quickly cleaned up in the range and ran up to find Maria.
“Maria, do you think Sandra can help me?” I rushed as I found her in the hall.
She wrinkled her brow. “Help with what?”
I bit my lips, and shifted from foot to foot. “I was sort of thinking of surprising Lorenzo with a dinner for two. Do you think she’ll help?” I asked again.
Maria broke out into a smile. “Yous two are adorable. Of course, she’ll help,” she replied.
I knew Maria always buys candles from the spa we went to. I hesitated again before asking. “Do you have some candles I could borrow. I promise to replace them,” I pleaded.
“Oh, please. Come, we have so much to do,” Maria sang.
Maria dragged me to find Sandra, giving her a ton of instructions when we found her. I told them I wanted to do this all downstairs in the game room. Sandra’s face lit up as she offered a few suggestions.
After Sandra had all the details Maria dragged me upstairs, giving me a funny smile as she handed over a bunch of candled out of her stash. I started to fidget and blush as I took the offering. Maria burst into laughter.
“Yous two will be married in two weeks, Victoria. Things like this will keep your marriage interesting,” Maria winked.
“Sure, right,” I murmured and rushed off, leaving Maria laughing behind me.
I took the candles to my room and placed them all around, a couple on the end tables, my desk, and a few on the entertainment unit. I raced to the bathroom to shower and straighten my hair. I wasn’t sure how much time I had. I didn’t want to text Lorenzo if he was busy, so I moved extra fast, just in case.
I ran into the closet to search for something that I thought Lorenzo would like. I found a cute black strapless dress. It wasn’t too tight, but it fit just right.
The stretch fabric it was made of gave the room it needed to mold to my shape. I grabbed a pair of black stiletto wedge shoes that strapped around the ankle and rushed to put them on.
I checked the mirror. It was almost perfect, I thought to myself. I knew just what it needed. I took out the diamond tennis bracelet Lorenzo gave me for my birthday. I hadn’t touched it since my birthday. It was only a reminder of that day.
Satisfied with my outfit, I rushed to curl the tips of my hair. I knew Lorenzo loved my hair that way. I put on some pineapple lip-gloss, I had saved for a special occasion.
When I was finished, I went to the room door to see if I could hear their voices downstairs. The house was completely quiet. I find the softest music I could and queued up the stereo.
I fished through my movies for one I knew Lorenzo would like, placing it in the DVD player. Everything in the room was set. Finding some paper and a pen, I snatched up my purse. Lorenzo would know I’d kept to my promise. I rushed ran downstairs to the game room to see what all Sandra had done.
My plan has been to relive all the things that Lorenzo and I did together that made him happy. Things we did before the chaos started. It was my turn to do the right thing for Lorenzo. I needed him to feel like the man I knew he was. I would stop being a needy baby and spoiled brat for him to feel good for a change.
Sandra did a great job. She had a table set up for two, with a white tablecloth and candle sitting in the middle. I sat down quickly to write Lorenzo a little note. I tried to think of what to say to make him feel good.
Tonight, is about you. I’m offering to be your girlfriend. Text me your phone number, so I can call you and give you the directions to my heart.
Love,
Victoria
I called up to Sandra and asked her to come for the note. I needed her to give it to Lorenzo as soon as he came home. I gave her instructions on when to bring dinner once she came for the note.
Everything was set, now all I had to do was wait. I hoped it wouldn’t be too long. I went into the theater to watch TV, while I sat on pins and needles. They had been gone all day. I wondered what they were doing, but I tried not to think of that. I wasn’t going to ask, not tonight.
After about another hour, my phone buzzed. Lorenzo was home. I was surprised that I was so nervous. Sandra should be on her way down with dinner. I ran to light the candle, while I called Lorenzo. He picked up on the first ring.
“Heym Beautiful, what are you up to?” he crooned through the phone.
“Come find out. I’m downstairs in the game room. Tell Chris to go in the kitchen and raid the refrigerator. We don’t need him tonight,” I said in the seductive voice that always surprises me.
“I’m on my way. You do know I love you?”
“Of course, I love you too. Now, come see how much.”
Sandra had just finished up, as I hang up the phone. It would take Lorenzo long enough to get here for Sandra to be able to disappear. I stood in front of the table, waiting for him to arrive.
I tossed all of my hair over one shoulder, making sure my birthmark was exposed. Lorenzo thinks it’s cute, so I intended to show it off. I fixed my dress and held my hands behind my back, so he’d have an unobstructed view of the dress.
Lorenzo walked into the game room looking as handsome as when he left. One glance at him and I smirked, he did look like he belonged in their world. His black suit, black dress shirt,
and shoes screamed, Boss.
It only took a second for his face to light up as he saw me. Checkmate. I hit the mark with the dress and the hair. He bit his lip, fighting a huge smile that was stretching across his face.
“Welcome, il mio amore,” I said. I decided tonight I would speak as much Italian as he could handle.
Lorenzo laughed a seductive laugh, as he stopped in front of me and reached for my hips. “Hey gorgeous, what’s all this about?”
“You,” I said, as I move towards him.
I took off his jacket, then removed the holster underneath. He just watched me with a smiled. I took the jacket and holster, placing them with my purse.
When I returned to where he stood, I could see him taking in every inch of my outfit. Lorenzo could no longer fight the smile, pushing at his lips. He reached for my chin, pulling my face to his.
Once the flavor of my pineapple lip-gloss touched his tongue, he let out a deep groan from the back of his throat. Lorenzo started to suck at my lower lip. Bingo. Lip-gloss a hit, Vicky. His hands went to my waist, pulling me against him.
“Mmm…. I missed you today,” he whispered. “I really missed.”
“I missed you too,” I purred back.
Lorenzo gave a horse, breathless laugh. I pulled away, not wanting dinner to get cold. I turned, pulling the chair out for him to sit. With a smirk, he obliged me. I moved to sit across from him.
“Go ahead, Baby, mangiare,” I said.
Lorenzo let out a small laugh, doing as I said. We both ate in silence. I wanted to give him time to savor the food and relax.
I only let my eyes and my body do the talking, which Lorenzo seemed to love. He watched my every move the entire time. I made sure to eat nice and slow. When Lorenzo finished, he sat back watching me as I did my best to hold his attention.
I took a sip of my water to wash the food down, before getting up to cross the table to him. I reached for his hand, tugging him from his seat. I wanted to take him over to our favorite game.