“See something you like?” I asked, though I knew the answer already—she definitely did. She shook her head, not saying anything else but I had caught the blush in her cheeks already. She turned and led me in, heading towards the kitchen. I watched as she automatically began to make a cup of coffee—a habit she apparently hadn’t lost.
“Your apartment looks really nice, Brie,” I offered, taking the coffee from her with a thank you afterwards.
"Mrs. Genovese found me last night.”
"Excuse me?! What’d she say?!" I nearly choked trying to keep myself from spitting hot coffee on her. This couldn’t be happening. I sat quietly as she explained to me that Mrs. Genovese had found some of the pictures of Brie in Genovese’s office and had decided for herself that Brie was his whore. She had seen the loft as well. She had threatened Brie. My hands were shaking as she continued to explain—once again I had put her in harm’s way. This would’ve never happened if I hadn’t taken those stupid fucking pictures.
"I'm going to take care of this for you. I would never let her hurt you. I'm so sorry,” I mumbled, but I could tell the tears were coming. I didn’t know when I had become such a sensitive fucking guy but it was getting old fast.
"I think of you every day, you know. I wonder if you're happy, if you miss me, if you'll ever give me a chance. I thought I was dreaming when you called this morning. Even now—sitting across from you—" my fingers reached up, brushing across her cheek slowly, "I feel like I'm in a fantasy, instead of reality. You don't know how remorseful I am. How much I wish I could take back everything I did.” She looked away for a moment, and I realized how difficult I was making this for her. But if she would just admit that felt something for me… God, this would me so much easier.
"Michael. I don't know that I could ever fully get over what you did. I've often thought of you, thought of what we shared—the intensity to our relationship—sometimes I wonder if it was more fueled by the situation then by actual feelings that we had for each other. If you felt for me what you think you do, I doubt you could've let me walk into that trap.” She turned away afterwards, but I wasn’t letting it go. I wouldn’t let her think that what we had was so dismissive. I slipped my arms around her form and pulled her back until she was in my lap, my body instantly warming. I pressed my face against the soft skin of her neck. If this was the last thing she let me do for her, I wanted to have a more detailed memory of how she felt.
"My feelings were fueled by you, cara mia—by your scent, your smile, your laugh, your intelligence, your attitude—all you. I was just too blind to realize what I was ruining. I would do anything just to see your face flush the way it did after I kissed you, to see your body swaying slowly to Sinatra or Dean Martin while you work away in the kitchen.” The memories were slamming into me quicker than I could process them. As I lost my focus I briefly registered she was pulling away from me, and her warmth was gone.
"For now, can you just focus on getting rid of this psychotic woman? I've done so much to get my life back to normal, and here I find it spiraling down all over again. I don't want to live in fear—and I believe that's something you promised I would never have to experience.” She crossed her arms over her chest, but the expression in her eyes didn’t match at all. Maybe there was still a chance after all.
"I already know what to do to take care of her. Just do me a favor and get her out of your head. I'll update you in a few days when the situation is taken care of.” That bitch didn’t know what was coming. I wasn’t huge on fucking with females, but no one was going to torment the girl I love—especially after all this bullshit with her piece of shit husband.
"Just—don't kill her, please. No more bloodshed.”
"I'm not going to kill her, Brie. I told you; I've changed. However, that doesn't mean I'm not going to let her pay for her own share of sins. She was involved in more of the business than anyone is aware of. I didn't find out until all of the surveillance I was doing—I had considered turning it in then, but at the time I figured the death of her husband was more than enough for her to deal with. But now—with her threatening you," my fingers flexed, before they balled into tight fists. ”I won't let her get away with that.” She would just have to rot in prison, without her small fortune. The casino would probably end up closed without her to take care of it—unless she sold it. The thought of all of those employees not having jobs concerned me, but not enough to let her get away with this. Brie was my first priority at this point, and I’d do anything to make solid on that promise.
"Well, thank you. Please let me know when everything is safe.” She seemed so scared, so fragile. I couldn’t bear it. She’d probably slap me for it but I didn’t care, I needed to convey my feelings to her and this was the only way I knew how to. I grabbed her jaw, lifting her head so she could look at me. The confusion was evident in her eyes but it was gone quickly when I pressed my lips to hers. Madonn, it was just as good as I remembered. She was hesitant, but I was unstoppable at this point. I pulled her into my arms and fuck, the second she started kissing me back I thought I would pass out. Everything was surreal, and the overwhelming feeling of love was making my eyes water. Fuck, I was becoming a complete and total bitch over this girl, and I didn’t care.
“I’m going to make you safe,” I reminded her one last time before leaving her apartment before she could yell at me.
eight
I was walking on cloud the rest of the day, even though I knew I had some serious matters to attend to. By night time I buckled down and began to filter through the different things I had acquired over my time of surveying the Genovese Empire. I had seen Mrs. Genovese’s involvement in more than one scenario. She was heavy into the money-laundering side of their business. Multiple accounts all over the fuckin’ world—just moving money until it was virtually untraceable. It’d be hard to get her on that if she hadn’t been as cocky as her husband; but thankfully she had. With the different records I had come across and multiple checks on her bank statements it was incredibly apparent that there was a great deal of money the Genoveses were not reporting on their taxes—and this was nothing new. By the simple calculations I had done, over the past few years there had been a few million dollars never accounted for. Thankfully, Uncle Sam is a stingy bitch and doesn’t play when it comes to his money.
I forwarded all the information over to a friend of mine and told him I needed it to get into the right hands. I had no doubt in my mind that within a few days, Mrs. Genovese would be picked up and the investigation would begin. She would have to liquidate all of her assets in order to pay off the bill the IRS would be sending her, and that would be the least of it. Once they started to track her money more carefully, I was sure prison time would be on the cards. I was feeling pretty fucking exhilarated after all of this; I was doing right by Brie and my life was starting to feel a little more complete.
I spent the rest of the day working with on the restaurant. The realtor turned out to be more helpful than I expected, even took care of my liquor license paperwork for me. There were a few things I had to fill out but it took all of five minutes and after that I was well on my way. I had finally picked my first two chefs and within the next couple days would be working on recipes with them. I had emailed them both a few different traditional recipes my mother had perfected over the years and told them to have those prepared for our first day in the kitchen together. I still had a lot coming up and was planning to open within a month or so, and that meant I had to get my ass in gear. A few more calls and the health inspection was scheduled, the other licenses were filed for, and my federal employer ID was signed up for as well. It was amazing how much shit you needed to serve people food—but then again… maybe it wasn’t. If this is what restaurants had to go through so that I knew they weren’t using 12 year olds in the kitchen and serving me a cockroach burger, I was all for it.
When it was late enough in the day I made my way in to Brie’s job, and was pleased to see her at her post.
“Table for one I’m guessing?” Sly girl, I see that smile. She wasn’t mad I was here—in fact, I think she was happy to see me. She sat me and took my drink order, bringing it back a few minutes later. I thanked her and popped a straw in it, before looking up at her again.
"I just wanted to let you know; things are going well. I turned in some evidence to a… friend of mine. You shouldn't have to worry about her any longer. But more importantly I was wondering if maybe we could start over. Nothing crazy, I'll take what I can get at this point, Brie. How about coffee tomorrow morning?" Come on, Brie. Just say yes, I know you want to.
"Alright, coffee. Want to meet me at the bakery next door tomorrow at 10? They have good coffee and everything they bake is excellent.”
JACKPOT JACKPOT JACKPOT! Michael you are the winner! She said yes! Fuck, I was getting way too excited over this. I needed to calm down. Shit, I needed to answer her.
“It’s a date.” I quickly changed the topic and my lunch went by smoothly from there. While I ate I watched her; smirking each time she tried to steal a glance. We were moving in the right direction. I felt like I could breathe again.
I felt antsy the rest of the day, waiting impatiently for tomorrow to come. The idea of being around her when she actually wanted to see me was exciting. If it were up to me we’d already be past all of this and moving into a house together—but I could wait. Instead I headed over to my restaurant-to-be and made a call to the chefs, asking if either of them could stop by. I had ordered a few things for the kitchen and was glad to see the boxes had arrived. Once they both agreed to come in a few hours, I decided a trip to the store was necessary. I grabbed enough ingredients to allow them to make a few different meals and made my way back. By the end of the night I was more than positive that my new chefs were the perfect fit.
I was exhausted by the time I got back to the hotel, but eager for the next day. I collapsed on the couch and pulled my phone out, sending a text off to Brie.
Is it tomorrow morning yet?
Not even close.
Sure you didn’t mean you wanted to have coffee at midnight?
Yes I’m positive, Romeo. I’m very happily watching TV in my sweatpants. Damn if I didn’t miss seeing her cute little ass in those sweatpants. Fuck it was nice to talk to her this way… she was acting like herself again.
I miss watching TV with you. I sent, though I knew it might be a little too much. I figured at this point I’ve been laying all the cards out and it’s been working, so why stop?
I miss it too. Madonn, just let me see her now.
You don't know how happy that just made me.
I think I do. Don't look too much into it. I'm going to sleep. See you tomorrow.
Sweet dreams, cara mia. God, this girl would be the death of me.
When morning came I took a painstakingly long time to get ready. I don’t know why I was feeling so nervous, but I wanted everything to be perfect. After getting dressed I stopped at the florist next door and grabbed Brie a bouquet of yellow and pink roses. Was I overdoing it? Probably—but fuck, I didn’t care.
I made my way to the bakery and waited for her in the front door. When she finally appeared I let my eyes take her in from head to toe. The girl was gorgeous in every fucking way. I held the flowers out to her, my eyes locked with hers.
“They’re beautiful, Michael. Thank you.”
“They couldn’t hold a candle to you.” Fuck I had gotten so corny. Jesus, what was this girl doing to me? I held the door for her and followed her in to a small but nice bakery. An older, cheerful woman stood behind the counter, offering us a wide smile. She seemed very excited to see Brie, and I imagined she came here often.
“Bellissima!”
“Good morning Mrs. Aldono, this is my friend Michael.” Not if I could help it. Friend, for fuck’s sake.
“How handsome, Gabriella. Is this your boyfriend?” That’s more like it, Mrs. Aldono! She would be gettin’ a nice little tip.
“I hope to be,” I smirked, watching as Brie’s eyes widened.
“Ah, well you better be good to this sweet bambina.” She was sweet, and reminded me a lot of my parents’ older friends. Gabriella ordered for us and I quickly paid and told Mrs. Aldono to keep the change. She smiled thankfully and mumbled to Gabriella that she liked me. Team Michael - 1.
"Tell me about everything.” I grinned, while I sipped at my drink, watching her.
She told me about her job, her loft, and everything she had been up to since she’d moved on. She was happy, it was evident. I asked about little things here and there and found myself drinking in every word. I was completely infatuated.
"What about you? What have you been doing?" I could hear the curiosity in her voice, as if she was expecting me to say I had been killing people and stealing cars in her absence.
"I've been working on the restaurant. That's actually the other reason I wanted to see you. I wanted to let you know you inspired and motivated me to make that dream come true. I found a beautiful building by the water, and it's going to be opening at the end of the month. I've been teaching the new chefs my parent's recipes, and working on getting a liquor license. But—I was hoping you'd attend the grand opening.” I folded my hands on the table and watched her, hoping she wouldn’t disappoint me.
"Michael that's... god that's wonderful. I'm so happy for you! I wouldn't miss it.” She smiled and I offered her a 100-watt grin back. I was right back on cloud nine again.
"But that doesn't mean I'm your date.” She always had to suck the fun out of it. But that was alright—I had no problem courting her. She didn’t know it yet but she was going to be mine again. I was going to make this girl my wife one day.
"I know, but it's a step in the right direction.” After our successful breakfast date we parted ways. I headed to the restaurant and worked on ordering little things I knew I’d need. I was in regular contact with my realtor, and dutifully checked on the licenses though I knew it was too early for an answer. I took the time to reprint, laminate and binder my mother’s original recipes. I made four copies and placed them in the kitchen, knowing that I’d feel a little bit better having a piece of her here at all times.
I had contractors come in and add a small stage to the front of the building, and called to have a baby grand delivered. I wanted to reunite with all of the things that made me who I was, and music was a big part of that. The contractors gave me a three day timeline and I paid everything up front.
As it got late into the night I began to think about Gabriella more and more. I figured now that we were on normal speaking terms it was okay to text her so I sent over a quick casual message, wondering if she would reply.
Thinking about you. How's work?
It'd be a lot better if Mrs. Genovese wasn't here sinking her claws into me, metaphorically anyway. She had to be fucking kidding. This old bitch wasn’t going to learn the easy way. I had been so sure everything was being handled that I hadn’t even bothered to fucking check.
She's there?! Oh fuck. Brie I'm sorry. I swear I'm taking care of this—things are just taking a little longer than expected. Just stay away from her.
I can't—she requested me as her server.
Please keep your phone on you, I'll meet you outside when you're done I don't want her surprising you. I didn’t trust that bitch around her for a minute and I’d be damned if I left Gabriella alone with her.
I don't need you to do that.
It wasn't a question, Gabriella. I'll see you in half an hour.
I finished up a few things and turned everything off, locking the restaurant up behind me. Within twenty minutes I was hauling ass over to her restaurant, barely putting the SUV in park before I got out. My heart broke when I saw her sitting outside crying. Her body was contorted into a small ball, and I could hear the sobs clear as day. I ran up to her and wrapped my arms around her, holding her tightly.
“Brie…what happened?”
"She—she got me fired! She lied to my boss and told him
that I was taunting her with my affair.”
"Oh god. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Fuck. Things will get better—I swear.” Everything I fucking did was coming back ten-fold. I was ruining this girl’s life over and over without even fucking trying. I held her tighter, willing everything to just fucking stop.
"Really? When's that gonna happen? Cause I'm pretty sure I've got my fair share of shit by now.” I could hear the anger in her voice, but she wasn’t mad at me. I could tell by the look in her eyes that her ill feelings were no longer directed towards me but towards the situation, and for that I was thankful. When she pressed her face into my chest it was all I could do not to cry along with her.
“Please just take me home.” Your wish is my command. I silently got her to my SUV, and drove to her apartment without another word. When we arrived I pulled her out and wrapped my arm tightly around her form. She leaned on me, her body weak from the crying. When we got upstairs I pulled the key from her purse and got her inside. I went directly to that bathroom and began running a bath for her. I didn’t ask her anything, I didn’t wait for a response—I just took care of her the way I knew how to. I pulled each item of her clothing off slowly, my eyes never leaving her face. When I lowered her in I began to light the candles she had placed in the bathroom, then shut the light off and left her alone.
I paced her apartment quietly as the time passed. She barely made a sound, and after an hour had gone by I began to worry. I headed back to the bathroom and knocked, walking in once she okay’d it.
"You've been in here a while—let me help you get out," I offered, not wanting to force her if she wasn’t ready. She didn’t answer so I pulled her from the tub and wrapped a towel around her. I hoisted her into my arms and reveled in the way she felt against my frame. When we reached her room I dried her with extra care. She didn’t argue, she didn’t tell me not to touch her—she simply relied on me. Once I got her nightgown onto her I lied down and pulled her into my arms. Again, she didn’t fight. My beautiful, strong and wonderful girl cried. She cried until her voice was raw, her face red, and her skin puffy.
Russo: His Untold Story (Blacklisted #3) Page 7