Of Mobsters and Men Page 3

  ***

  “You look like a beautiful lady.” Mother told me blowing a kiss at me as she looked at me through the large mirror.

  A lady I looked, indeed.

  My hair was done in a beautiful braided updo and the form fitting cream dress I wore really made me open my eyes wide at my reflection. I looked stunning. My big almond shaped eyes gleamed with approval.

  There was a slit along the right side of the dress. I’ve never really worn dresses with slits in them but I think I could grow to like them. This dress was modest, but nothing was wrong about that.

  “Your father chose the dress, he hopes you like it.” Mother whispered, both her hands rested on my shoulders.

  “I don’t like it mother, I love it.”

  For some reason I wondered what Stefano would think of me in my dress. I had to keep reminding myself I was younger than his tastes probably were and that he probably didn’t find me attractive.

  My thoughts became more negative as we entered my father’s car and started our journey to Vanzetti's celebration.

  It kind of bothered me how we dressed up for this occasion. I knew we had to look our best because rich men were going to make an appearance, but I didn’t like appearing in a way that made me feel I was hiding who I was.

  The dresses my mother and I wore were very expensive, and I felt bad my father bought these for us for just one night.

  Half an hour later we arrived at a venue in the center of town. Expensive cars circled around a fountain where valet parking was taken place. I felt out of my element already.

  A gentleman in a red vest approached our car. I almost snorted as my father handed him the keys. My mother linked arms with my father and I made sure not to lag too far behind.

  Stefano

  “JefferyMonte and his family have entered the premises.”

  My left eyebrow instinctively lifted as I looked over my shoulder. Sacco stood in the middle of the door, his arms folded. I nodded my head in acknowledgement. Swirling my glass of wine in short circles, I still felt Sacco’s presence.

  I frowned. “What is it?” I watched intently through the large clear glass, numerous families entering the venue.

  “How will we interrogate the girl?”

  The grip on my glass tightened. “You will leave her alone. She’s mine to deal with.”

  “Of course, Sir.”

  I grunted in response before I heard the door close and click.

  Raelyn

  Gigi and I squealed as we engulfed each other in tight embraces. I was becoming so uncomfortable with all the curious stares on me and my parents. When I spotted Gigi, I beamed and excused myself from my Mother who had became very interested in the shrimp and sauce served at the large table.

  “Gigi, you look stunning.” I told her , my eyes raking from her wavy black hair, to her black dress that accentuated her curves, and her gold heels.

  “I’m trash. Look at you.” She gushed. We squeaked again and then hugged each other. We were happy to see each other so dressed up.

  Looking past her, I could see girls around our age, some older, whispering and sneering at me. “Who cares about them, Rae?” Gigi asked, looking at me. I tightened my lips. It was easy for her to say that. They weren’t calling her racial slurs and muttering Italian insults to her under their breaths.

  By the look on her face, I knew that she could understand what they were saying about me, but chose not to bring it up or comprehend them to me.

  She grabbed my wrist. “I’m starving, I know you are too.” She dragged me to the buffet table. As she did, I took the time to appreciate the expensive interior. Gold chandeliers dangled over our heads, the melodic sounds of the piano sounded through my ears, and the quiet chatter and loud clinking of wine glasses made the venue more lively.

  “Do you think anyone would notice if I poured myself some?” Gigi asked nodding her head towards the long red wine bottle with black designs all over it.

  I gave her a look. “No one would care. But, don’t do it. I need you to be sober.”

  She grinned at me.

  I made sure not to help myself too much as the different Italian cuisines were placed on the table by waiters. I didn’t want to be too full when the turkey came around. My eyes danced around from person to person looking for any sight of Stefano. I’ve been here for an hour and a half now and he still hasn't made an appearance. As much as I tried not to think of him, I did.

  My eyes followed the guests that were going up the staircase. The main floor was becoming crowded and there was plenty of space upstairs for more. I was curious as to how the top floor looked. “Gigi do you want to go up?” I pointed upstairs to where a lot of the guests were going. Gigi gave me a look as she dipped her finger in sauce. “Is food up there?”

  “I...I don’t think so…” I said. I didn’t see any waiters going up there. “Well then my friend, you have your answer.” Gigi told me.

  I playfully rolled my eyes. “I’ll be back.” As I maneuvered around people, I began to wish I had just stayed out with Gigi. I was getting looked up and down for what seemed like eternity. I got a lot of, “Who invited her?” And “Who’s daughter is that?”The most bothersome part of it all was that there were many men that could be older than my father, staring at me like they wanted to have their way with me.

  If I walked with Gigi, the attention could have been dispersed.

  There wasn’t that many people on the top floor. Many of the guests were in circles laughing and making conversation. I didn’t see mother and father anywhere. The desire to be alone for some reason overwhelmed me. I walked down one pathway that shone a gleam of light.

  It lead to a large room that branched into a circular shape. The glass windows were clear as day. I didn’t realize how high up I was until I looked at the twinkling night sky. It was just seven in the evening but looked so dark outside. I looked down at the busy street. I watched as people stepped out of their cars and hand their keys to valet members.

  I heard footsteps and my heart dropped. Hopefully guests were allowed in this section and I wasn’t doing anything I wasn’t supposed to.

  When I turned around, I froze. A tall man stood by the entry, both hands in the pockets of his expensive pants. It was Stefano. His hair was gelled and his face was void of any emotion. Was it ever not?

  I began to feel my soul tremble as he walked to the center of the room.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t know-“ I cut myself short by trying to walk past him. I didn’t even know my legs were moving but I guess that’s what fear did to you.

  “I don’t mind.”

  His deep voice pulled me to a stopping point. I paused and looked at his devilishly handsome face. His eyebrow was raised at me. Stefano has just told me he didn’t mind me being up here, but now that he was here, I felt I couldn’t stay here. I needed to leave. I was too afraid to be alone in a room with him.

  All night I’ve been wanting to catch a glimpse of him, and now that I’ve gotten more than I wished for, I realized I didn’t want it.

  “I..I think I should go back.” I tried to say politely.

  I watched Stefano narrow his eyes at me which caused me to bite my lip. “Stay where you are. We need to talk.” His voice held power and authority. It held confidence and sureness of self.

  Everything about him was overbearing and screamed: Capo.

  “You probably know why.” He added.

  I nodded my head slowly, fumbling with my fingers. I looked behind him, wanting so badly to run out of this room. “I promise you I won’t tell anybody. I haven’t even told my parents. I-“ I rambled.

  “You talk as if I’m seconds away from ending your life.” His words cut my sentence short.

  I looked at him, not knowing how to respond. “I-I just assumed..” I started but couldn’t finish. Stefano began walking towards me. I tensed, wanting to back away but afraid of make him upset.

  He was just a few feet away from me. Stefano towered over me not on
ly with his height, but his power.

  “The rumors you’ve heard about how I handle people might be true, but I wouldn’t harm a woman.” His voice was low and sounded through my ears. My heart thudded against my chest as I reluctantly looked into his eyes.

  His eyes were a very dark brown. It seemed as if they were rimmed black and held many secrets and dark experiences. He watched me intently. I felt judgement as he did so. I lowered my head.

  Silence filled the gap between us for a few seconds.

  “I can only assume you’re going against your word when you avoid eye contact.” He said, strain in his voice.

  I Immediately snapped my head up. His eyebrows were knitted and his jaw was clenched. “No no, I’m just, I’m sorry.” I said quickly.

  I looked up at him. His eyes raked over me from top to bottom before the corner of his mouth lifted for a mere second.

  Was he...checking me out?

  No. I must be thinking too deeply.

  “I um..I wa-want to thank you for saving me last time.” I said trying to make things less awkward for me.

  Stefano gave me an unreadable expression. Was this a bad time?

  “You won't be so lucky the next time. You know how this town is like.”

  Fast approaching footsteps were heard. I watched as Stefano displayed a small frown before slowly putting his hand on his hip. It seemed as if he was reaching for something.

  “Rae, where are you?” The familiar voice of Gigi relieved me. Stefano drew his hand back and looked ahead where Gigi’s form appeared. His face was now holding a scowl.

  I turned again to see Gigi’s eyes bounce back and forth between Stefano and I.

  I turned giving Stefano some kind of pleading look to leave with Gigi. All he did was move around me and walk towards the entry without a word.

  Gigi gave me a look that screamed: Explain!

  I whispered that I’d tell her later. I didn’t even know what happened myself.

  Chapter 5

  Raelyn

  “Raelyn if you don’t tell me what is going on, I’ll shake it out of you.” Gigi threatened me. I knew she wasn’t bluffing by the crazy look in her eyes.

  I closed my eyes and shook my head, trying to regain myself from shock.

  She walked up to me quickly and scanned over me, her hands placed on my arms. “Did he do anything? Did he touch you? Threaten you?” Her buzz of questions made me dizzy.

  “No, no Gigi. He just...we just talked about what I had told you.”

  “The bastard cornered you.” She said under her breath. I tried to swallow down the lump in my throat. “Well?” Gigi pressed. I looked at the entrance to make sure no one was there. “He didn’t say much.”

  “Walk me through everything, Rae.”

  “Okay,” I started. I took a breath in and then deeply exhaled. “I was just curious so I went into this room. A few minutes later he entered. I was so scared, Gigi. I told him I was sorry and right when I was about to pass him, he said he didn’t mind.”

  Gigi furrowed her eyebrows at my last sentence.

  “I insisted to leave, but he cut me short and said that I had to stay where I was because we needed to talk. I guess he could tell how scared I was because he walked up to me and told me the rumors I’ve probably heard of him were true, but that he didn’t harm women.”

  “Oh…” Gigi said taken back.

  “I was becoming very shy by our closeness so I avoided eye contact with him. Then...he told me that he could only assume I was going back on my promise to not tell anyone about what happened, since I wasn’t looking him in the eyes.”

  “Eye contact is important in the mob, Rae.” Gigi told me.

  “It makes sense.” I said back. I played with my fingers more. “Anyway, I thanked him for what he did that night.” I almost felt ashamed at what I just said. I was thankful he killed a man?

  “He didn’t say you’re welcome, did he?” Gigi asked, a grin on her lips. I then replayed stefano and I’s encounter. I frowned. “No, he didn’t. Instead, he told me that I would t be lucky next time, and that I knew how this town was.”

  “That’s as close as anything you’ll ever get from him. He’s an asshole, Rae. Don’t try to see anything else in him.” Gigi said in a matter of fact tone.

  I became defensive. “He isn’t that bad.”

  Gigi gave me a humorous look. “You don’t know anything about him, Rae.”

  I wanted to argue back, but I didn’t have enough evidence to support my claim.

  Stefano

  I relaxed my hand as I saw that it was just Raelyn’s friend that was entering the room. I felt Raelyn’s eyes on me and as I looked down at her, I took in her pleading eyes. Without a word, I left the room.

  I returned down to the main floor where my guests were waiting to kiss my ass.

  I scanned the room with my eyes, lifting the corners of my mouth slightly as my gaze lingered on Raelyn’s father. “Sir,” I tore my gaze from him and onto Sacco. “Yes?”

  “Senator Franklin wishes to speak to you.”

  “If he wishes to speak to me, he must present himself.” I said smoothly, my eyes resting on Jeffery and his wife once again.

  ***

  “Spare me.” The words left my lips distastefully. The entertainment couldn’t perform because of their lead singer falling ill. I myself was becoming bored with the instrumentals.

  Getting up from my table, I followed the organizer to the center of the floor where he and his team were discussing about an alternative to the group that was supposed to perform. From the corner of my eye I saw Raelyn sitting at a table to my right. I locked eyes with her before she shyly looked away.

  She had been listening to our conversation.

  “Should we tell the guests the entertainment couldn’t make it?” One of them asked.

  “Of course not.” I snarled. I wanted to say more to his idiotic suggestion but held my tongue.

  “Um,” I heard a soft feminine voice. The organizers all looked to my side. I followed their intense gazes to Raelyn who made her way into our circle. “If it’s alright, I can..I can sing. I can play the piano…” she trailed.

  The men began to laugh and ignore her. I saw Raelyn shrink back. “No,” I said stopping her movements. “You can sing?” I asked her. She shyly nodded her head, her big eyes looking into mine. The men looked at me incredulously. “Are you sure?” I asked again.

  “I’m not a bad singer, I promise.” She told me. The men looked as if they wanted to protest. They gave me uncertain looks. “Let her.” Was all I said before going back to my table.

  Let’s see what Raelyn could do. Besides, she owed me.

  I watched intently as the lead organizer looked down at Raelyn as she talked to him. The piano was brought out in the center of the stage and I watched as Raelyn crunched up some of her dress so she’d be able to walk up the stage.

  “That’s our entertainment?” I heard one of my men sneer and the others followed. My gaze never left Raelyn. My eyes slightly narrowed. As she looked into the crowd.

  She had a spine.

  Her fingers grazed the keys on the piano before she looked at the tables again.

  She pressed her fingers on the keys, making a few horrid sounds erupt from the instrument.

  I heard laughter begin to erupt. I clenched my jaw before shifting my gaze back to Raelyn. I knew if her skin was lighter, she’d look like a tomato with how embarrassed she looked right now.

  She started over and pressed the keys again, this time, a beautiful melody sounding through my ears. She leaned into the microphone that was adjusted above the second level of the piano.

  “I will be singing Waves, by Mr.Probz.” She said softly. Yet, I still heard laughter.

  These people were beginning to annoy me.

  The first words that left her mouth captivated me. Involuntarily, my eyes even widened a little bit. Angelic. If there was another word I could use to describe her voice, I didn’t know.

&n
bsp; When she had gotten to what I assumed was the chorus, I thought I was done for.

  She sounded as if she was broken hearted, her voice made me feel the song.

  Her eyes scanned the crowd until they stilled on mine.

  My eyes were focused on her. Everything was tuned out except for her soft and silky voice. I took the time to admire her beauty.

  I didn’t even bother comprehending the other lyrics, her voice was music to my ears and others’ as well. No more did I hear the nice remarks and doubt about her singing and performance ability.

  She’s damn good.

  When she had finished, a roar of claps could be heard. I was surprised to find myself among those that were applauding her.

  She smiled her white smile and I grinned.

  The lead organizer quickly flew up the steps of the stages to talk to her. There was no doubt in my mind that he was asking her to perform another song.

  Raelyn

  “You showed those girls, Rae!” Gigi said gripping my arm to the point where I thought it would fall limp.

  “I know…” I said gently. “I was getting annoyed with them. I wanted to show them I was more than what they thought of me.” I said turning to look at the table of girls giving me evil glances.

  After my fourth song, I had gotten tired and hungry and begged Lorenzo for me to leave the stage. When I had stepped off, I searched the crowd for my parents. I hope I made them proud.

  They each gave me the confirmation I needed.

  I then searched for Stefano but he was nowhere to be found.

  “You haven’t tried the turkey, Rae. It’s delicious!” Gigi said dragging me back to our table as I chuckled.

  Chapter 6

  Raelyn

  “God, I feel pregnant.” Gigi sighed and closed her eyes, rubbing her flat stomach. I playfully rolled my eyes. Of course she is full. She’s been pigging out since I’ve seen her. “You know, you probably shouldn’t say that so loudly.” I said leaning in to whisper in her ear.

  It was Gigi’s turn to roll her eyes at me. She couldn’t talk back, she knew I was right.

  My gaze then shifted to random older men wearing tuxedos. Like most Italians in the town, they were well polished and very well dressed. My eyes danced from one tux to the next, trying to locate Stefano. I had no serious plans to go up to him, but I couldn’t stop thinking about him and I hoped maybe if I just stared at him long enough, my fascination with him would die.