Page 75 of Merciless Monster

“I need to talk to you. Can you come over?”

“What’s wrong? You sound worried about something.”

“Can you come over, please? I’ll tell you when you get here.”

“Uh, sure. I’ll be there in half an hour.”

“Thanks. See you soon.”

I put Angelo to bed before Gina arrives. I don’t want him to get wind of what I’m about to do. I can only pray that Gina doesn’t spill the beans to Dante. But, I have to trust in our friendship.

“Hey, you. What’s happening? You look like a fly spinning in a spider’s web,” Gina says as soon as she arrives.

I pour two glasses of wine and hand her one.

“Okay. I’m going to tell you something now but first you have to swear to me that you won’t tell anyone. Especially Dante.”

“O…k…a…y…” she says pensively.

“Also, don’t talk too loudly. I don’t want Paolo to hear us.”

“Geez, Mia, What the hell is going on?”

“I’m leaving LA.”

“What? Why?”

“I can’t do this, Gina. I can’t put Angelo in danger by moving to Italy with Dante. He’s a Don for fuck’s sake. The man has a target on his back. Had I known this at the start I never would have taken this relationship any further. I mean, what the hell was I thinking?”

“Mia, don’t make any rash decisions. Think about this. You love Dante and I know he loves you. And, what about Angelo? He adores his daddy. What are you going to tell him?”

“I can’t worry about that right now, Gina. All I can do is focus on the task at hand. One baby step at a time.”

“Damn, girl. This is big.”

“No shit. I’m a nervous wreck.”

“Where are you going?”

“Texas. My uncle has a ranch there. He hardly ever uses it, so Angelo and I will have it all to ourselves.”

“Texas! Talk about a change of scenery.”

“Just a bit, yeah.”

“What will you do for money?”

“I have savings. Also Mom and Dad are helping me until I find a job.”

“M. I don't know about this. Are you sure this is a good idea?”

“No, but it’s the only way I can get some peace and give my head a chance to clear.”

“Clearing your head is the easy part. It’s your heart that’s the problem.”

“Please don’t tell him, Gina.”

“Of course I won’t, Mia. You’re my best friend. I would never betray you like that. Just promise me you’ll keep in touch so I know you’re okay.”

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