Page 343 of John + Siena: The Complete Duet

FIVE

“Listen to the two of you—bickering like babies.”

Pink scoffed hard and loud. “Babies don’t bicker, man.”

“Nah, they whine and cry,” Andino returned just as fast, “and your whining and crying is getting on my damn nerves.”

“Everything gets on your fucking nerves.”

“Starting with you.”

“Yeah, but it keeps you at your best, Andi,” Pink returned.

“That’s debatable.”

“Or true,” Michel added, joining the conversation. “Otherwise, why would you have kept Lev around for this long, anyway? Someone else with his mouth and bullshit, and you would have put them in a shallow grave before anyone knew what happened. That’s facts.”

“That’s what I’ve been saying for years.”

John had to agree with Pink and Michel, but unlike them, he knew better than to point it out to Andino. That would likely lead to a whole other discussion that would only make his cousin feel defensive. Andi didn’t like to admit when he cared for people, never mind when he needed somebody around. He much preferred for everyone to believe he was the cold asshole with a heart of stone.

Frankly, John understood why.

Mostly.

“You know what,” Andino muttered, “you’re both working my nerves now. Lucky I fucking like the two of you.”

Laughter filled the restaurant’s rear office between three distinct men as John approached. The chef behind the prep station lifted his head and nodded at the passing man; he returned the gesture to Andino’s employee. One of the few that he actually liked but that was mostly because the man could cook like nobody’s business. He had an attitude, but most people who were successful at something were a little too cocky for their own good.

Even John.

“Who’s bickering about what now?”

John’s question at the three men in the office turning to find him standing in the doorway. When one couldn’t find Andino doing business outside of his favorite restaurant, and the man also wasn’t eating at one of the tables or the private section, then he could always be found in his rear office. It was probably supposed to be for the manager of the business but seeing as how this was where Andino did the majority of all his work—well, the manager likely made it work elsewhere. John never cared to ask.

“And that’s my sign to get going,” Michel said, standing from his chair with a chuckle where he had been sitting beside Pink. “I have to drop Antony off to Ma because Gabbie won’t have time today.”

John stepped aside in the doorway to let his cousin pass. “You’re handling that issue today for me, aren’t you?”

“The Capo with the racket trouble—it’s on my list.”

“Thanks, man.”

Michel clapped John on the shoulder as he passed and then waved two fingers over his shoulder to say goodbye to the other two men he left behind in the office. With a nod from Andino, John closed the door behind Michel and shut out the rest of the restaurant. Not that any of the employees would have anything to say about the business and discussions they likely overheard day in and day out, but one couldn’t be too careful in this life. Andino had great employees that he vetted like nobody’s business, not to mention paid very well to turn their cheeks to his activities, but still …

No chances.

“How’s Siena?” Pink asked, standing from his chair before removing the coat he’d set along the back. “Feeling any better?”

John grinned at the thought of his wife. “Much better.”

“Good to hear. I’ll be out in the dining room when you’re ready to get a start on the day, John.”

“Sounds good. Leonard is coming—let me know when he gets here. I promised him breakfast and a chat before I do anything. You don’t mind waiting for that, do you?”

Pink shrugged. “Not at all.”

“Multitasking?” Andino asked after Pink exited the office.