Page 40 of Jackpot Joker

Do you remember that cream couch covered in red roses that Nonna got rid of a few years ago?

Gio

The fucking hideous one with the broken spring?

Luca

Yes.

Dario

I think I'm sleeping on it.

I fluff the pillow behind me again and reposition the blankets underneath me. The broken spring isn’t giving me as much grief anymore in my new position, but my body is too long for the piece of furniture, and I can’t get comfortable. It would explain why I'm awake in the middle of the night after only a couple hours of rest.

Gio

Where the fuck are you?

Dario

Jasmine's.

Luca

You slept over?

I contemplate my brother’s question. I did sleep over. I never sleep over. What is it about this woman that has me going against everything I’ve ever known about myself? Before I can dive into that conundrum, my phone lights up again.

Gio

What part of “don’t fuck our attorney” did you not understand?

Dario

If I were fucking her, I wouldn’t be on the couch, now would I?

Gio

I don't pretend to know your kinks.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. This must be what Gio feels like most of the time.

Dario

There was a man at the club tonight. I need you to find him.

Gio

The man she was with when I left you?

Dario

Yes. His name is Ben.

Gio

We’re not hunting people down because they fucked a girl who isn’t yours.