“You are beautiful. You are strong. You are independent.”
I repeat the mantras five times before I take a deep breath.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
“Hurry up. I’m going to be late!”
I chuckle at Izzy. She’s been irritated more than she’s been civil lately. At first, I’d been concerned her change in disposition stemmed from the head injury she received a couple of months ago, but now I think the change has to do with a certain mafia bad boy who has been spending a lot of time at Bello Italiano lately.
I open the door and go back to the sink. “I’m not done, but do whatever you have to.” I grab my toothbrush and start brushing my teeth.
“I just need to put my face on, Mia. Not all of us can be naturally beautiful like you.”
I look at myself in the mirror. I guess I am beautiful by some people’s standards. I stand at about five foot five with long blonde hair and blue eyes, which is surprising considering both of my parents are Italian. Blonde hair isn’t common for Italians. The secret is I’m not full-blooded Italian. My great-great-grandfather, Mario, married a Scandinavian woman. I guess I inherited that DNA. I spit out my toothpaste before replying to Izzy.
“Shut up. You are a knockout, Izzy. Guys constantly fall all over themselves trying to pant after you.” I go back to brushing my teeth. Izzy is already well into putting her makeup on.
“Yeah, right. You mean they constantly try to get your attention. You’re the girl next door, Mia. Every guy’s wet dream. Forbidden fruit every man is dying to get a taste of,” Izzy deadpans with an eye roll.
I snort as I rinse my mouth. “I don’t think you realize how many guys hit on you. You appear oblivious. It’s almost like your sourpuss attitude turns them on. I don’t get it.” I shake my head and start to put my makeup on.
“Oh yeah? Name one guy.”
I finish applying my eyeliner before I turn and look at her, leaning my hip on the counter.
“I can think of one off the top of my head, but I’m scared you might shoot me if I say his name.”
She turns and glares at me. “He only thinks he wants me because I’m off-limits. The whole ‘been there done that’ thing.” She shrugs.
I chuckle. I don’t know exactly what happened with them, but I think Giovanni might have fucked her over real good. She must have been in love with him. It’s the only explanation I have for the hatred pouring off her whenever he’s around or mentioned. Unfortunately, it occurred before I met her, and she has been tight-lipped about it.
“Well, watch the guys today at work. I bet at least one hits on you.”
She rolls her eyes. “Fine, but only if you do the same.”
I nod. “Let’s make it interesting. The first guy who hits on you, you have to ask on a date. I’ll do the same.”
She scoffs. “Why would I do that?”
“Because we need a life.” I sigh. “Ever since everything happened with Sof, I feel like we live boring lives. We need to go out and do more. All we do is go to work and come home. Hell, Bash’s guys even deliver our groceries to us.”
It’s not an exaggeration either. Ever since the kidnapping, Bash has assigned us each a new guard. A twinge of sadness hits every time I think about what happened to Abramo. He wasn’t very social, but the only reason he died was because he was assigned to protect me.
I shake it off. Bash says the danger isn’t done, so while Izzy and I would like our independence, we’re also stuck with the guards watching our every move, for our safety, or so I have been told. Truth is, there’s been no action since that night. I think it’s a bit overdramatic.
“Fine. One date though. If he’s ugly, I get a pass.”
I chuckle at her.
“Fine, but only one pass.” Then I beam. “This is going to be fun.”
“I highly doubt it.”
∞∞∞
Lorenzo
“You going to visit Sofia at work today?” I ask, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.
