“This is your place?” I ask as I walk into a brownstone not far from my own.
“Yep. Home sweet home. Well, one of them at least. This is the one I spend the most time in. Then the place in Manhattan.”
“I didn’t realize you lived so close to me.”
“Well, I don’t usually advertise where I live. It isn’t the smartest way to be a criminal.”
I chuckle. Of course. I forget he’s a part of the mafia all the time. When he’s with me, he’s just Lo.
“It’s so bland. Why isn’t it decorated?”
“No one comes here. What’s the point?”
My heart aches at his statement. He must lead a lonely life. I wonder if he ever lets anyone in. “I guess you're right. It doesn’t feel like a home, ya know?”
“You would love my home in Manhattan. It feels like a home.”
“Why is that?” I walk around his living room, noting the books on the bookshelf.
“I guess because I lived there longer.”
“Where’s your family?” I look back at him over my shoulder. His eyes have hardened. I’ve asked about his family before, but he didn’t tell me much. I’m hoping he opens up a bit more now. When he opens his mouth to speak, I’m not disappointed.
“I don’t have a family. They disowned me when I joined the Manhattan East Crew. They didn’t approve of the life I chose. My stepfather was, or I suppose he still is, a police officer. My mother is a kindergarten teacher. My lifestyle didn’t fit with theirs. They said, if I didn’t leave this life, then they were done with me. So, I left them and never looked back.”
I walk over and wrap my arms around him. While his voice was even, I saw the small bit of pain behind his eyes. It can’t be easy losing your family. I mean, my mom isn’t the best mother, but at least she was still there. She supported me in her own twisted way.
“What are you doing,mio piccolo angelo?”
“You’re better off without them. Parents are supposed to support your decisions no matter what.”
He sighs but wraps his arms around me. “Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, doll. Sometimes it’s dark and rainy.”
Lord did I know that better than anyone.
“I know. It still sucks though.”
We settle into a silence as he stands there and holds me. After a few moments, he pulls back. “Let me give you a tour.”
He takes me through the house and shows me each room. We end at his bedroom, which is as bland as the rest of the house. I walk in and notice another shelf full of books here. Downstairs, they were all classics such asThe Art of War. Up here it’s different though. These books are more modern. Most of them are some sort of fantasy book.
Lo stands back and lets me look. I feel his eyes follow me as I pick up books and read the back.
“You read fantasy books?”
“Among others, but yes.”
“Have you readGame of Thrones?”
“I have.”
I set down the book I was looking at and turn to him. “It wasn’t on the shelf downstairs.”
“It’s on my phone. These are books I have collected over the years. Most of my books I keep on here now.” He pulls out his phone and taps it.
“You had books on your phone the whole time we were stuck at Bash’s?”
He smirks. “I didn’t want you racking up my bill buying all the smut I know you read.”
