Page 19 of The Mafia’s Girlfriend

I narrowed my eyes, refusing to back down. “A real one.”

“Those things take time. Even if you have a good track so far, fighting in those ranks is complicated. There’s a whole different consideration for politics and representation. My money passed. More egos to cater to.”

I rolled my eyes. He wasn’t going to change his stance. Not tonight. While he pissed me off with his decision, I tried to appease myself with the fact that Ben and I had exchanged numbers. I had a direct link to him, and if I had to, I’d go over Jimmy’s head and arrange something myself.

“I’ll text you when I’ve got something lined up for you,” he said.

I lifted my hand in a half-ass wave, already walking away. I was tired. I was hungry and irritated and not in the mood for him. Instead, I headed home to give up for the day.

Mom was still up, watching a documentary about the oceans. After I showered and grabbed some leftovers, I joined her in front of the TV. “What are you watching this for? The ocean’s right outside.”

She shrugged. “How was work?”

“Fine.”

“That’s it? Fine?”

I paused eating. “Oh, Randy and Alyssa are having another baby.”

“Already?” Her brows shot up as she smiled.

I chuckled. “Yeah. Already. So he’s hoping to work a lot to be ready for it.”

“He’s such a good father.” She smiled, glancing back at the TV for a moment. “I’ll have to start on another baby blanket soon then.”

I wasn’t sure how she could with her joint pain. Crocheting took a lot out of her, but it was a labor of love.

“I remember what a hellion he was—both of you.”

I grinned, thinking back to my rougher boyhood days on the streets with Randy.

“He’s settling down like such a well-rounded young man though.”

“I’m not sure thirty is young anymore.”

She shot me a look. “Ha. Wait ’til you’re my age.”

I resumed eating, looking forward to going to bed.

“I wish you could find some time to settle down a bit too.”

If I could fight higher than where I’m at, I’d have that time to do so, dammit.

“I’d need to find someone first.”

“A good girl.” She nodded. “You need to make time to find a nice, decent woman.”

It’d been a while since I had the free time to go out and look for someone to hook up with. Oddly, I didn’t feel like I was missing out at all. Casual sex helped pass the time, but if I had to choose between getting some pussy or having a few more hours to sleep and relax, I’d pick the latter.

Fuck, I am getting old. That mentality made me sound like an old geezer, worn down from working too much.

“What about that nice woman who moved in upstairs?”

I furrowed my brow. “The woman who’s married to the cop?”

“Oh.” She blinks. “I thought they were sisters.”

I shook my head.