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“But if all goes well tonight, Gio and I are hoping to have rotating locations for future galas.”
“Oh, that would be great!” The couple perked up. “We should ask Francesca to host the Hartford one.”
They began excitedly discussing plans for a gala in their region. But the wine-guy was not mollified. His mustache twitched indignantly as he pouted.
“Maybe we can feature your wines next year?” Ana offered encouragingly. “You’re from Pennsylvania, right?”
“Yes,” he said stiffly. “An old friend of your family.”
“Ah.” Her eyes darted to Auntie, whose expression only grew more severe. “Sorry, I didn’t catch your name?”
“Claudio.”
He offered a hand.
“Claudio Vitello.”
Damp heat poured through her fingers as she shook his hand in shock. Quickly masking her expression, she fell silent as one of the others asked him about his wineries. The ones that Gio had just shut down.
Shit.
How awkward.
Although each Family business was independent, many of them relied on central funds for subsidies and loans. If they didn’t receive help, they could turn vengeful. Vitello, she feared, was one such man. He must have been furious when Gio shut down his business.
Ana shifted uncomfortably. All she had worried about before tonight was being well-mannered and social. It hadn’t dawned on her until now that her new role would also invite the attention of business owners and others looking to gain the Don’s ear.
But how could she speak on behalf of Gio? They had decided to split up during the welcome reception to cover more ground during the meet-and-greets. She couldn’t pull him aside to ask for his opinion on every conversation.
Racking her brains to recall what else Gio had shared about Vitello, Ana asked, “Your vineyards in Napa are still thriving, I believe?”
“Yes," he sniffed delicately, "a popular brand with celebrities.”
More like obscure social media stars, from what she’d heard. But the others looked mildly impressed.
“We’ve done remarkably well,” Vitello bragged. “Even without support.”
The barb hit its mark as Ana’s blood heated. Annoyed by his audacity, she found herself retorting before she could stop herself. “There is always support with the Family. I know Gio was truly appreciative of your time reviewing and providing him with the list of staff who needed employment. We’re so glad we could place so many of them and save their livelihoods.”
Vitello opened and closed his mouth.
“That’s so generous of you, Claudio,” the lady from Hartford praised.
“It truly is,” another echoed.
“We could’ve avoided all that if we kept the staff with us,” Vitello grumbled. “The wineries were their home.”
Son of a–
He just couldn’t drop it, could he? She knew she should let it go, but she could not let him malign her husband in front of all these other guests. Stifling her irritation, Ana said, “Businesses are a tricky thing,” as if explaining to a petulant child. “I launched a couture line–”
“Oh, I have one of your dresses!” a guest gushed.
“Thank you.” Ana smiled gratefully, momentarily distracted by the praise. “I'm really so glad you and so many others have been enjoying them. But…it involves many sacrifices. I’ve had to go without a salary since my launch, just so I can invest in the business and keep the staff paid. It isn’t easy." She shrugged. "But you have to do what’s right, especially for the good of the Family. And I know my husband will do whatever it takes for the greater good, even if it requires difficult decisions.”
Everyone in their circle began echoing the sentiment, lauding Gio for watching out for them and making hard calls as their Don.
Ana avoided Vitello’s reaction, but his discontent was potent. His eyes narrowed on her, the surly anger there disturbing her.
