Page 28 of The Don

“You know, the usual things. Ruben was raided yesterday.”

“What?” Rose shrieks. “Did anything happen with you?”

“They had a female FBI agent try to talk me into snitching on Ruben.” I flick my hand dismissively. “Anyway, don’t worry about that. Tell me, where are you and what are you doing?”

“We’re in Rome.” My brows draw in together. “Did you hear me?”

“Do you even have a passport? How did you get to Rome?”

She starts laughing. “Remember? On Dominic’s private jet.”

“Nothing surprises me with the Saccos. Are you having fun?”

“Oh my God! Girl, I’ve been eating so much, I think I’ve gained a gajillion pounds.”

“I don’t think ‘gajillion’ is a word, nor do I think you’ve gained that much.”

“Do yourself a favor and when you come to Rome try every single flavor of gelato, and have the pasta and the pizza. Wherever you see pizza, order it and eat it.” I smile at Rose’s enthusiasm. “This is such a beautiful country, I’m totally in love. Dominic said our next stop is the Greek islands. He’s taking me to Corfu and Santorini, then we’re going to Paris.”

“I have to say, Rose, you sound so happy.”

“You know, money isn’t something I’m super into. But spending time with Dominic, getting to know him better…I really like how relaxed he is,” she says in a dreamy, wispy voice. “I’m enjoying our time together.”

A massive smile tugs at my lips. “I’m so happy for you. You deserve it.”

“You deserve happiness too.” Yeah, well... “How are things going with Ruben? Is he taking care of you?”

“He’s amazing,” I admit. “He’s so kind and gentle, and he’s basically given me Storm.”

“The dog?”

“Yeah, he sleeps with me and goes everywhere I go.”

“We’re still talking about the dog, right? Or Ruben sleeps with you?” She laughs and I shake my head at her silliness. “I have to go, but I’ll try and call again soon, okay?”

“Sure.”

“But, I’ll definitely call you for your birthday. Twenty-five...man, when did you get so old?”

“I don’t need to be reminded of that.”

“Twenty-five is a massive milestone, sister. And, we have to celebrate when I return.”

“No, we don’t. Trust me, no one needs to celebrate my birthday.”

“When’s your birthday?” I hear Ruben from behind me.

“I have to go,” Rose says. “Love you.”

“Love you too.” I hang up and give Ruben his phone. “Here you go,” I say.

“When’s your birthday?” He takes his phone, then drags a chair out and sits beside me.

I lift my feet to the edge of the chair and hug my knees close to my chest. “I’d rather not celebrate it, Ruben. I’m not a party person.”

“Who said anything about a party? Look around, do you see me throwing parties?”

“Why don’t you? This place is beautiful.”

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