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As Lou cheers and Fee and Zip shake their heads with fond smiles, I feel something shift inside me. This isn’t my usual world of deals and danger. It’s something softer, warmer. Something I didn’t even know I was missing.
I catch Zip’s eye, and he gives me a knowing look. I straighten my tie, suddenly feeling like I’m on unfamiliar ground. But as Fee’s hand brushes mine while she reaches for her purse, I know I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Shall we?” I ask, holding the door open.
I can’t help but feel like I’m stepping into something new as we step out into the New York evening. Something that could change everything. And for once in my life, I’m looking forward to the uncertainty.
The rich aromasof garlic and tomato sauce envelope us as we enter Bella Notte. The restaurant is dimly lit, with candles flickering on red- and white-checkered tablecloths. The low hum of conversation and soft Italian music create an intimate atmosphere. Marco takes up a discreet position nearby as we settle into our seats.
I turn to Lou, a hint of amusement in my voice. “Would you like a kids’ menu?”
Lou scowls while Zip lets out a hearty laugh. “Lou’s been eating off the adult menu since kindergarten.” He chuckles, his eyes twinkling with pride.
“I have better taste than other kids my age,” Lou declares haughtily, her chin raised in defiance.
As I sit next to Fee, our shoulders brush, sending a spark through me. Throughout dinner, I find myself hyper-aware of her presence, our hands occasionally touching as we reach for breadsticks. Each accidental contact sends a thrill through me, and I catch her eyes darting to mine more than once.
“Do you ever worry that someone will try and hurt you here?” Fee asks in a low tone, keeping one eye on Lou as she eats her pasta.
I shake my head. “No. I have Marco, but Bella Notte is neutral territory. No one dares to start anything here.”
“Same with Perfezione,” Zip says. He leans back, swirling his wine glass. “You know, Angelo, Antoni always had a soft spot forPerfezione. He understood the value of a neutral ground in the neighborhood.”
“Oh?” I prompt, genuinely curious. “How so?”
Zip nods, a faraway look in his eyes. “He’d say, ‘Giuseppe, your shop is like Switzerland in a World War. Everyone needs a safe haven.’ So we had an arrangement. We’d stay neutral, help anyone who came through our doors, and in return, we’d be left alone.”
“That sounds like a fair deal,” I muse, my mind working through the implications.
Fee excuses herself to the restroom, and I seize the opportunity. Lowering my voice, I lean toward Zip. “I know about Antoni’s arrangement with Perfezione. Gino’s on a rampage, undoing everything his father put in place.”
Zip’s eyes widen, his fork clattering against his plate. “You know about that? But how?—”
“I have my sources,” I say quietly, mindful of Lou’s attentive gaze. “Gino wants to implement a reign of terror. He’s bitter about being exiled from New York, missing his father’s final moments.”
Lou, who has been quietly listening, suddenly speaks up. “Sometimes, when people are hurting, they want to make others hurt too. But that doesn’t make it right.”
I look at her, impressed by her insight. “That’s very perceptive, Lou. Where did you learn that?”
She shrugs, twirling pasta around her fork. “Mom says understanding people doesn’t mean excusing their actions. It just helps you figure out how to deal with them better.”
Zip laughs and leans over to plant a loving kiss on Lou’s head.
“Your mom’s a wise woman,” I say, feeling a surge of admiration for Fee.
As if on cue, Fee returns, sliding back into her seat next to me. Her knee brushes against mine under the table, and I feela jolt of electricity at the contact. Our eyes meet, and for a moment, the rest of the restaurant fades away.
“Did I miss anything?” Fee asks, breaking the spell.
“Just Lou schooling us all in psychology,” I reply with a wink at the young girl.
Fee laughs, the sound warming me from the inside out. “That sounds like my girl. Always full of surprises.”
As we continue our meal, the conversation flows easily. I find myself relaxing in a way I rarely do, drawn into the warmth of this unconventional family. Zip regales us with stories from the old days, while Lou peppers me with questions about everything from my favorite books to my thoughts on the city’s best pizza.
Throughout it all, I’m acutely aware of Fee beside me. The way she laughs, the gentle touch of her hand on my arm as she emphasizes a point, the sparkle in her eyes as she watches Lou and Zip interact. I realize I’m seeing a side of her that goes beyond the strong, independent woman I met in the shop. Here, surrounded by her family, she’s radiant.
As the evening draws to a close, I turn to Fee and Zip. “I think it’s best if Lou stays with you tonight, Zip. Just until we can get the shop properly secured.”
