Page 31 of Mob Boss Daddy

Even with the bevy of semi-celebrities in this place, the hostess recognizes me and seats us right away. The top-tier restaurants and clubs make it a point to know where the power is in the underground so they always know which asses to kiss and which outsiders to avoid. Their clientele likes to feel like they’re living on the edge of a thrill, and dining with mobsters makes them cream in their shorts.

Jessie looks a bit starstruck so I ask her, “Do you see someone you recognize?”

“I think I recognize almost all of these people. I had no idea there were restaurants like this. Do regular people even get to come in here?”

“I’m sure they do but only if they can afford the overpriced food and drinks. Don’t get me wrong, if the food wasn’t top-notch, we wouldn’t be here, but I think they add a surcharge for the atmosphere.”

“So, you don’t own this one?”

“No, but I’ll buy it if you want me to,” I grin.

“You don’t need to do that for me. I don’t really think about things like that. Sure, not so long ago, money was the most important thing in the world to me but that was just because of what it could give me. With you, I don’t need that anymore.”

“What? What could it give you?”

“I wasn’t saving for school because I had some great career goal or ambition. I was saving for school because I thought that having a degree would make me feel safe. You make me feel safe. Even if you weren’t rich. If you didn’t have a single penny, you would still make me feel safe.”

“That’s very sweet, little one. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

The chef comes out to our table and shakes my hand. He’s one of those celebrity chefs with perfect hair and teeth. Jessie looks at him with stars in her eyes so I introduce them and he kisses her hand.

He leaves and I ask, “Were you trying to make me jealous of the cook? Our dinner won’t taste so good if he has to make it with broken hands.”

“Don’t be silly. He has nothing on you. You could be a movie star. Besides, he’s too little for me. I can’t see any man smaller than you as attractive. I’ve been spoiled.”

“Good answer, but do me a favor. If you see a guy my size, don’t find him attractive either.”

We finish our meal and I take her to the A Club for some drinks and dancing.

“This place is full of celebrities, too. Don’t they have homes and…I don’t know…laundry to do on a Wednesday?” Jessie jokes.

“We’re here on a Wednesday.”

“Yeah, but they look like they do this all the time.”

“That’s because they do. Now, let’s forget them. They’re all wondering who you are and wishing they had a chance with you anyway.”

“Me? Do you see the way those girls are looking at you?” She motions toward a group of blondes standing beside the dance floor.

“I have eyes only for you. You know that.”

“Still, I think I might be a little jealous, Daddy.”

“Of what, little girl? I never wanted them. I’ve never wanted anyone until you.”

She gets on her toes, kisses me on the lips, and says, “That makes me feel better.”

I order us each a shot of tequila and slam mine down. She takes a sip and makes a face at me.

“You’ve got to shoot it, baby. That’s why it’s in a shot glass.”

She tilts her head back and swallows the shot.

She wipes her mouth and says, “That was my first shot of tequila.”

“I could tell,” I grin. “Good girl. Now, dance with me. I want them all to eat their hearts out.”

Jessie is having the time of her life. She even managed to rub elbows with a girl she said was one of her childhood favorites on television. She’s a tad bit tipsy and I don’t want her to get drunk. She needs to be level-headed when I give her my surprise.

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