Savage Pride

14

“Oh, that’s great news.” Elena gently touches my arm. “Everything here going okay?” “Perfectly smooth. A few guests have already begun to gather out back. I was going to help receive people while Gia kept an eye on the refreshments.” “You don’t need to do that,” Zeno announces. “I’ll stay up here and greet people. You two head outside and mingle.” “Are you sure, dear?” his mother asks. Z places a kiss on her cheek and offers her an uncharacteristically gentle smile. “Yes, I’m fine. You two go on.” No matter how detached he may appear, he has a soft spot for his mother. Seeing the briefest glimpse of his armor slip tugs at my conscience. He may have hurt me in the past, but his father just died. I would never be so uncaring toward anyone else in such circumstances. No matter how thoroughly he attempts to suppress his emotions, I know he has them. I know who he used to be underneath the stoic mask. He used to be my friend, and while I can’t write off his mistreatment toward his brother and me, I also don’t want to believe he’s totally heartless. Maybe it’s naïve of me, but my common sense of decency demands I show some compassion. “You want me to bring you a drink and maybe a plate of food?” The offer tumbles from my lips without thought. It’s the least I would have offered to anyone else who lost their father, and Zeno should be no different. “Some water would be appreciated … thank you.” He seems almost as surprised by my offer as I am. I nod and flee toward the kitchen to escape his penetrating gaze. Bottles of water sit on the counter, but they’re warm. After a little digging, I’m able to find a chilled bottle in the back of the fridge. I wrap a paper napkin around the cold plastic to help with the condensation and head back to the front of the house. Zeno is greeting two couples, both in their mid-sixties by the looks of it. I pause, tucking myself away where I can watch them without interrupting. Z shakes hands with the men and smiles appreciatively at their wives, accepting their condolences graciously. One of the gentlemen pats him heartily on the back while saying something they all nod to in response. Zeno motions toward the back of the house, and they wander off to join the gathering. When they are out of sight, his head falls back, and his chest heaves on a tormented breath. His unguarded display of weariness draws out my own breath until my chest feels hollow and cold. My inner skeptic whispers that Zeno is simply annoyed at the imposition of hosting, but my gut is convinced that’s a lie. Zeno isn’t as immune as he’d like everyone to believe. I step forward, drawing his gaze. Blue eyes, infinite as a clear summer sky. “Here’s your water. Are you sure you don’t want anything else?” I extend the bottle, and our fingers brush in the exchange. Ribbons of electric current unravel up my arm and bury themselves deep in my belly, where a pool of warmth gathers. I do my best to ignore the sensation. “No, nothing else.” His voice is the gentle rumble of distant thunder, sending a chill down my spine. I offer a thin smile and turn to leave. “Luisa,” he calls, hailing my attention. I pause and peer at him over my shoulder. “Thank you … for being here.” I don’t know what to say. Shock ties my tongue. Instead, I nod and flee from the confusion that threatens to overthrow my system. I don’t know what’s going on. Why did he thank me if he doesn’t want me here? Is he merely out of sorts, or maybe he’s playing games with me? No, that doesn’t seem right. I saw him moments ago when he thought no one was watching. He wasn’t in a place to be playing games. Even if it isn’t a game, that doesn’t mean he won’t go back to being his aloof self as soon as his grief passes. He’s shown me over and over who he is through the years; I won’t let a couple of days of civility dupe me into believing he’s something he’s not. I shake my head, trying to clear my jumbled thoughts. Stepping onto the flagstone patio, I spot Grace talking with Gia and make my way over. Respectful of the somber mood, we greet each other quietly and fall into light conversation. In half an hour’s time, the patio is teeming with people, all talking amongst themselves in a mostly reserved fashion. I spot a number of familiar faces—the governor and his wife, a woman I believe to be one of our senators and a handful of B actors and singers. I’m sure other famous people are present, but I’m not the best at names and faces. Regardless of who they are, there is one commonality among them all. Everyone around us reeks of money. Having grown up around the wealthy, it normally doesn’t bother me, but even I feel out of place in this setting. “Can you guys believe this turnout?” Livia hisses when she joins our circle. I cringe. “Liv, it’s a wake, not the red carpet.” “I know.” She rolls her eyes and crosses her arms over her chest. “That doesn’t mean it’s not a great place to meet people.” Her irritation suddenly fades, and her eyes brighten. “Look over there, by the pool. See that gorgeous guy with the tattoo on his neck? That’s Renzo Donati, underboss of the Moretti family and totally available.” “How do you even know that?” Liv shrugs. “I asked Daddy.” “Asked me what?” Dad appears unexpectedly behind us with Mom at his side. “The names of the available deep pockets here tonight. I’ve got my sights set on Renzo. Think I’ll go introduce myself.” Her eyes are glued to her target, and I’m already feverish with embarrassment. “Livia Banetti, don’t you dare!” I hiss, then look at my dad for reinforcement. Dad purses his lips and rolls back on his heels. “Livy, this really isn’t the place.” Not exactly the admonishment I was hoping for. “Come on, Tony,” Mom cuts in. “If not here, then where? It can hardly hurt for her to say hello. Here, Liv, take my drink. It’s always easier to flirt with a drink in your hand.” Jesus Christ. How do I share DNA with these people? Dad says nothing as Livia strolls coyly in the direction of her target. I’m contemplating crawling under a table when a microphone clicks on, and tapping resonates across the crowd. We all turn toward the house, including Mr. Donati’s group, effectively cutting off Livia’s access to him. I breathe an enormous sigh of relief. Her efforts won’t be thwarted so easily, but for the time being, it’s safe. “If I could have your attention, please.” Zeno’s commanding voice lassos the crowd, and I am no different.