Page 18 of Matteo
I rolled my eyes. Soon Nikola’s cousin, Kostya, son to his uncle Alexei, chimed in.
What happened today?
Me: Nothing.
Nikola: Matteo’s little sister and Ari were cornered by a school shooter. Stay the fuck away from Yale.
Why was he suddenly calling her Ari? Didn’t he know that I was the only one allowed to use that nickname for her? The fucker liked to needle me.
Kostya: Why in the fuck wasn’t I invited to take down that shooter?
Nikola: Because you’re the baby of the Nikolaev family, cousin. And Uncle Alexei would have my balls. I like my balls, thank you very much.
Kostya:
Apparently one middle finger emoji wasn’t enough.
Kostya: You don’t have to worry about my dad castrating you. I’m perfectly capable.
Nikola’s cousin wasn’t boasting either. It was a statement of fact. He was a bit… worrisome. It ran in the Nikolaev family.
Dominico was next to join in the chat stream.
Can you guys stop your yapping and answer his question?
Nikola: Why are the twins always the most annoying ones in this group chat?
There was no way I’d comment on that. It would explode the damned group, although I had to admit that something had to be in the water two decades ago. There were indeed many twins in our generation, courtesy of our parents.
Cassius: Why is it that the Nikolaevs are always the most annoying ones?
His twin couldn’t resist egging everyone on.
Dominico: You guys are worse than women. BTW, Matteo, we’re all here waiting for you guys. Arianna is baking.
Nikola: Fuck, I should have gone to visit the Vitales. Ari makes the best cookies.
Dominico: You know what that means, right?
I did know what it meant. Ari only baked when she was stressed or out-of-this-world happy.
Cassius: Our moms are pacing around like caged animals. Dad is examining the campus security again, now that Sis will be back to D’Arc. Hannah is being weird. The only normal ones are Gianna and Francesca. For the moment anyway. And that says a lot.
Dominico’s message came next.
Should we get back to the point?
Nikola chimed in.
Shut it, Italian. This is too entertaining.
Kostya: Gabriel mentioned some personal business.
Dominico: Finally, a Russian that’s super helpful.
Nikola: Cousin, let’s kick some Italian ass. Hint, Dominico’s ass.
Kostya: I wouldn’t if I were you, asshole cousin. Because a certain Italian girl will get wind of it, if you catch my drift. She might think you have something against Italians.
