Page 115 of Useless Love

Nico leans across the desk to whisper to me, “That hasn’t been disinfected since Agostini was here.” He bursts out laughing while I stare in horror, remembering the day I saw Uncle fucking his whore in this office.

“Will you two shut up?” Father booms.

I scowl at Nico, who is now laughing silently, and I stay put. Whatever. I’m still in the boss’ chair. When Father isn’t looking, I stick my tongue out at Nico.

Gaia

Leave it to Ari to try to make me feel bad during such an important day. She really needs to stop insulting the Gaudino’s because now I’m one of them.

I love being married to Carmine; even when he is sad, my husband goes out of his way to put a smile on his face. I want him to get excited about our babies because we decided to skip the big, flashy wedding. The one with just us in California was more than enough. But, as all of us have tried to move on from the tragedies and trauma, we need something to celebrate. It’s my birthday today—well, Ari’s too, so that might be why she’s so grumpy. All the focus is on me. I feel bad about that, but I want this party to bring everyone together so I’ve turned it into a gender reveal. The babies growing inside of me are half Gaudino and half Bencivenga, so both families can celebrate together. In a room full of people cheering and celebrating, I want to see my husband finally at ease.

Still, I need to make this up to my sister because she deserves to be celebrated too.

Once I finish in the kitchen, I wait around the living room until Ari appears. “Wait a minute,” I tell her. “Can we head to the balcony? I want to make some things clear.”

“You aren’t going to push me off, are you?” she asks jokingly.

“That depends,” I say with a smirk.

She follows me outside and I don’t waste any time since Carmine will be here soon.

“Carmine and I have agreed that what happened in the past will stay there. So, when my children are old enough to understand words, you absolutely cannot tell them about Sal and his father and that whole mess. Understand? I love you, but I'd rather never speak to you another day in my life than have you hurt them with your callousness.”

“Wow, what a vote of confidence in—”

“I’m not finished. I’m serious. There can be no jokes or anything else. Don’t even talk about it behind their backs. Your future nephews could get hurt by any cruel comments; people will remember and snicker behind their backs. So, please…”

With a sigh, my sister nods.

“Thank you. Now, I know this is your party, too, and I’ve selfishly turned it into my baby reveal. I owe you for that, and I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

She rolls her eyes, sensing that I have more to say.

“Also, from now on my husband’s name is Carmine, not Jr. Gaudino. When you see him, if you don’t have anything nice to say, just keep your mouth shut.”

She crosses her arms and glares at me. “Are you finished? Can I finally say something?”

“Yes, but it better not be something that makes me want to push you off this balcony.”

“God, you have no faith in me. I understand, okay? I’m sorry for my comments in the kitchen, but I’m trying. The old Arianna just slipped out for a moment. I swear on my future adorable nephews' lives I will join Father in extinguishing the story of our pasts. Anyone who dares speak about it will be handled.”

“Really?”

“Yes. And to show you how serious I am, I thought of a name for one of your sons. I know Agostini is out but—”

“Arianna!”

She laughs. “I’m kidding. How about Luca?”

I think it over. I actually like the suggestion, but I tell her, “I’ll consider it.”

Later, Carmine arrives at the party with his arms full of presents. He’s looking handsome in his suit and I’m bursting with the urge to tell him the news about our future family.

Before I can give him a kiss, Arianna saunters forward, peering at the colorfully-wrapped boxes. “Any chance you brought one that isn’t for your wife?” she says. “It’s my birthday, too.”

Carmine glances at me, but tells Ari, “Yep, I was feeling charitable. Here you go.” It’s the smallest box in his hands.

Ari quickly opens it and then smirks, lifting a necklace from the box. When I see it, I can’t help but giggle: it’s a gold chain with a black sheep pendant on it. We all laugh.

---