Page 63 of Capone
I loved their relationship. Although he played a parental role in her life, it was like he was her friend and protector first. For someone with no kids, he was a natural. I’d had to catch myself on several occasions imagining what he would be like if we had a baby.
It was too soon to be thinking like that, but this was a rabbit hole that got deeper and deeper by the day.
My phone vibrated on the table, snapping me out of my thoughts. I leaned over just enough to grab and resume my position on Luca’s chest. Unlocking my phone, I saw I had a text alert.
Bianca: Hey, SSGC, this is Blade, not Bianca. I wanted to let you ladies know I’ll be paying for a spa day on me. I can tell Bianca’s going crazy staying in the house, so I need you all to take her out and help her relax.
Crystal: Aww, that’s so sweet, son.
Me: It is. But what is SSGC?
Sofia: Sinful Sisters Group Chat. It’s SUPPOSED to be our safe place to speak freely. Bianca’s about to get kicked out of the chat.
Bianca: For what, though? She doesn’t even know I have her phone.
Cara: Exactly! You’re in violation of code 502 in the Sinful Sisters’ Handbook.
Madison:
Alice: Cara, when did we ever discuss codes of conduct?
Cara: We haven’t… but I think it’s pretty obvious our men don’t need to be reading these messages.
Bianca: Oh, hell naw. What y’all be talking about? Forget it. I’ll go look for myself.
Crystal: Unless you want me on your porch with my belt, I suggest you exit this chat.
Cara: And I’m coming with Duke and Daisy, since Viper still won’t give me my damn weapons back!
I had to laugh at that. Cara had been ranting for days about her guns. Viper wasn’t budging, though. After her parking lot shenanigans, he had her on a tight leash.
Veronica: With good reason, Cara.
Cara: Whatever.
Bianca: Back to the topic at hand. Will you all be available two weeks from now? I want to reserve the spa specifically for the Ol’ Ladies only.
Me: A free spa day? I’m definitely available. Just tell me the time and place.
Sara: Same!
The rest of the ladies replied that they would be there as well. I could really go for a deep tissue massage. Just as I was about to set my phone down, it rang. Looking down at the screen, I saw it was my mother.
“Hey, Mom,” I chirped.
“Hey, sweetie. How are you?”
“I’m good. What about you?”
There was a slight pause before she spoke.“Umm, I’m good.”
Her voice didn’t match her words. She seemed nervous for some reason. I sat up with a frown, causing Luca to stare at me, concerned. “What’s going on, Mom?”
She sighed into the phone, leaving me in suspense. I knew whatever she was about to say wasn’t good news.“Okay, so you know my birthday is next weekend?”
“Of course.”
“Well…. I know you haven’t been home in years, but I’m having a big dinner party, and I would really love to have my entire family there. I know you have issues with your father, but do you think, just for one night, you could put them to the side? For me?”
