But she continues to puke. After five minutes of waiting, she opens the door with a cold rag pressed to her head. “I need to go home.”
“Okay, not a problem,” I tell her, and we walk back to the formal dining area.
“Sorry, Daddy. What were you saying?” she asks, taking a small sip of water.
“I rented the pub on the corner to celebrate, but you don’t look as if you’re up to it, princess.” He leans forward and kisses her cheek.
“No, Daddy. But I’ll send Liam to stand in, if that’s okay. Something I ate isn’t settling well, and I think I need to sleep it off.”
Concern is written across his face, but he concedes and tells her to lie down in his room instead of leaving. Victoria agrees, and I follow her down the hallway. The room is fit for royalty with a California king bed, gold fixtures, and carpet so plush it feels like I’m walking on clouds.
Victoria climbs on the mattress and settles under the comforter, placing the cool rag over her forehead and closing her eyes.
“Don’t embarrass me at that party,” she mutters.
“Is this a setup, or are you really sick?” I heard her throw up, but I still don’t trust her. She’s used shady ass tactics before.
Victoria grunts. “Fuck you, Liam. I feel like shit.”
I hold up my hands. “Okay, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t keep everyone waiting,” she snarls, then rolls over on her side, dismissing me. I turn on the lamp next to the bed and turn off the main light, then walk out. At least if I want to leave the party, I’ll have an excuse, so that’s a plus. Maybe being alone with her family will be a good thing. I won’t have her beady eyes watching everything I do or listening to every word I say.
Johnny tells Victoria goodbye, and we head to the pub. On the way over, he passes out Cuban cigars and pats me on the back with his strong, bone-breaking hand. “I’m glad I didn’t kill ya, Liam,” he tells me as we enter the building that’s full of people.
“That makes two of us,” I say. Johnny introduces me to his longtime friends, and I can’t help but wonder how each of them is connected to his business. Regardless, they all look like they’re the types who have guns and money.
After I make my way around the room, introducing myself to those who don’t know me and answer where Victoria is at least fifty times, I go to the bar and order a drink. I need it more than anyone can understand because all this acting is fucking exhausting. As I sit on a stool, drinking scotch, Johnny plops down next to me. My nerves are on edge because I know every word I say is being analyzed.
“When do you plan on moving to Vegas permanently?” he asks, not segueing into the conversation whatsoever, but that’s who he is, sharp and rough around the edges.
“We’re still trying to work out the details, but I’ll be here for all appointments.” I hope my answer is good enough, but when he narrows his eyes, I have a feeling it’s not.
He scowls, then orders Irish whiskey. “You need to be here for your wife. My daughter shouldn’t be second place in your life.” His voice is gruff and commanding.
“She’s my number one,” I say, but I think about Maddie when the words leave my mouth. A small smile touches my lips when I remember the good times we’ve shared over the past few months. So much has changed. The thought of her brings the strength I need to talk with Johnny. Then I get an idea that might give me answers that Victoria won’t share.
“I do have one favor to ask,” I say, finding my courage. Victoria thrives on control, which means Maddie is somewhere she’s familiar with and can access anytime she wants. No doubt it’s someplace she or her family owns. “I’d like to take Victoria somewhere secluded, away from all the hustle and bustle. A babymoon, I guess they call it, and since we didn’t have a honeymoon, it could count for both. Maybe help take her mind off everything and relax a bit, but I’m not sure where to take her. Do you have any suggestions?”
He eyes me curiously. “I have a few properties you could go.”
“Really?” I want to ask where, but I impatiently wait for him to continue.
“Got a condo in New York and Colorado, a cabin in Montana, a lake house in Tahoe, beachfront property in Florida, and a few other places,” he brags proudly. “Victoria really loves the mountains, but I’m sure you know that already.”
“Of course,” I say immediately, faking pride in my voice.
“Montana’s always held a special place in her heart. Probably because the house is so big and luxurious. Completely secluded and miles away from town. Beautiful scenery this time of year too. If you want to take her there, let me know, and I’ll make sure the plane is reserved.”
I give him a smile. “Absolutely. Thank you.”
“You’re family now. We take care of each other,” he states, which sends shivers down my spine. I don’t want any part of this damn family.
I nod, agreeing, and shoot down my drink as JJ sits on the other side of his father. This is as close as I’ve been to him since Victoria and I got married. My glass is refilled, and I can’t help but think about all the different places Maddie could be. If I know Victoria as well as I think I do, she more than likely brought her to one of the family properties.
Johnny turns and narrows in on JJ who’s going on about someone he saw recently.
“And the bastard looked at me like he saw a goddamn ghost.” JJ laughs. “Mickey isn’t anything other than DeFranco scum.”
The room stills and conversations move to hushed whispers as everyone turns to JJ. Johnny snaps at him and shakes his head, as if telling him to shut the hell up. I swallow, wanting to know more, but know I shouldn’t push my luck. But I am a part of the family now.
“Who are they? The DeFrancos? Mickey?” I ask, keeping my voice low.
Johnny glances at me over the rim of his cup. “Dead, if they come near us.”
I nod, repeating the words Victoria has said to me in the past. “Any enemy of yours is an enemy of mine.”
He slightly raises his glass and chugs the rest of the amber-gold liquid.
Victoria texts me and says she’s going home because she’s feeling a tad better, and I send her a thumbs-up emoji. Johnny is still annoyed about the mention of the DeFrancos and looks as if he’s chewing rocks as he takes several shots. His hair is a mess, and he looks completely unhinged. Leave it to JJ to ruin a semi-normal night. I mean, hanging out with mobsters is never normal, but no one spoke of killing anyone until he opened his big mouth. If Victoria were here, she’d be pissed and would’ve already slapped that grin right off his dopey face.
After another hour, I tell everyone goodbye and schedule an Uber to take me back to Victoria’s. When I walk in, she’s sitting on the couch watching TV with her feet propped up in fuzzy slippers as she drinks water from a straw. I sit on the loveseat and look at her. She almost looks normal with her hair piled on top of her head while wearing comfy clothes. Pregnancy sickness has made her the nicest I’ve ever seen.
“So how was the party?”
“Fine. Well until JJ brought up the DeFrancos. Then it got weird.”
Victoria stills, then sits up and narrows her eyes. “Why the fuck would he bring them up?”