“We have a reservation.”
Estefani looks shocked. I’ve never brought a woman here before, mostly because I don’t date. The women before Mia were all fuck and dumps. I had no reason to feed them first. They all knew the score. Each one hoping they would change my mind, I’m sure, but failed.
“Of course. Papi told me to expect you. Right this way.”
I look down to Mia and notice amusement on her face. Good. I didn’t want her to think anything was there.
“Here you go. Your server will be over right away.”
After she leaves, Mia bursts out laughing. “Have you slept with her?”
I study her face. She doesn’t look jealous, only amused. “No, she’s the owner’s daughter. He’s a good friend of mine. I wouldn’t go there.”
“Well, she would like you to. She didn’t seem very happy to see you here with me. I guess you don’t bring your dates here?”
I make sure she’s looking right in my eyes before I respond. “I don’t date, Mia. I fuck.”
She gulps back her laughter. “Oh.”
“Yeah, ‘oh.’”
“That sounds good too.”
This time it’s my turn to laugh. “My innocent Mia. I don’t think you know what you’re asking for. I’m not the prince in the stories you read. I’m the villain.”
I note a little bit of simmering anger behind her eyes.
“There’s always a wild side to every innocent woman, Lo. Haven’t you ever heard the saying ‘a good girl is a bad girl who hasn’t been caught yet?’ If not, you best remember it.”
I’m stunned silent by her bold claim. Before I can come up with something to say, our server comes up to the table.
“Lorenzo. How have you been, old friend?” The older woman who greets us is the owner’s wife.
“Maria.” I stand up and give her an affectionate hug. “I’m doing well. How are you?”
This time I see the twinge of jealousy in Mia’s eyes.
“Doing well. Business is going good.”
“Anymore issues I need to look into?”
A few months back, she was having issues with some wannabe gangsters trying to shake them down for protection money. I took care of it real quick once I found out.
“No. No more issues. Thank you, by the way.”
“Of course.” I look over to Mia and gesture to her. “Maria, this is Mia, a close friend of mine.”
“Friend you say?” She gives me a look that says she doesn’t believe me. “She’s so beautiful, Lorenzo. Better snatch her up before some young fella marks his claim. Although, by the mark on her neck, I’d say someone has already laid claim to her.”
I watch as Mia turns bright red.
“Mia, it’s wonderful to meet you, dear. What can I get you to drink?”
Mia gives her a small smile. “Well, after all of that, I think I might need a margarita.”
“Of course, child. Frozen or on the rocks?”
“Frozen, please.”
