Chapter 6
Ma.: Okay. A date then.
A few minutes passed, and he thought she wouldn’t reply to him tonight. But as soon as he left his phone on his desk, the screen lit up and his phone chimed.
Me.: You make it sound like you’re doing me a favor, so I’m going to pass.
Ma.: What? No, that’s not what I meant.
Me.: But that’s what you said.
Marco was getting frustrated. This woman was driving him crazy.
Ma.: What I was trying to say is that even though I don’t do dates, I would like to take you on one. Since you don’t drink and clearly have trust issues, I’m not suggesting dinner—which would include me picking you up from your place—but instead, I offer again an ice cream date.
Me.: Will Johnny be there? And I don’t have trust issues—just a healthy sense of self-preservation.
Ma.: If it makes you feel more comfortable, he’ll be there. Self-preservation? Do you think everyone walking around you is a potential organ harvester?
Me.: I would feel more comfortable, so thank you. And no, I don’t think everyone is a potential organ harvester. They could be serial killers, cannibals, child abusers… plenty of options, according to the crime shows I’ve watched. So, better safe than sorry.
Ma.: Okay, I’ll bring Johnny to this date—but not to the next one. Also, crime shows are not documentaries. Don’t believe everything you see.
Me.: What makes you think there will be a next date? And I’m not naïve. I just choose to be cautious.
Ma.: Because once you spend time with me on our first date, you’ll know you want to see me again. And there’ll be nothing to be cautious about.
Me.: Hmmm. Overly confident. Red flags are being raised left, right, and center.
Ma.: I hope you know I’m joking. I meant it when I said I don’t do dates. This is new territory for me.
Me.: I know you’re joking, and I’m sorry. I turn sarcastic when I’m uncomfortable.
Ma.: Did I make you feel uncomfortable?
Me.: I just moved here a few days ago. Everything makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. So, I’ll say the cliché: It’s not you, it’s me.
Ma.: Ha ha ha. Okay—how about we take it slow and see how it goes? We’ll go for ice cream and walk around. I can show you the city, and then at the end of the date we can evaluate how it went and whether you want to see me again.
Me.: What makes you so sure you’ll want to see me again?
Ma.: You’re too interesting not to want to see again, bella. And besides, I don’t like sharing.
Me.: Like “Joey doesn’t share food” kind of sharing?
Ma.: Ah, a fan of the classics. I’ll be sharing your attention with Johnny, so I already know I’ll want to see you again to have your full and undivided attention.
Me.: Are you jealous of your dog?
Ma.: In general, no. In this situation—yes. You seem more eager to see him than me.
Me.: I’m sorry if I made you feel that way. It’s just that the whole “I don’t do dates” thing put me on the defensive. I’m obviously not expecting any commitment after one date, but taking something off the table from the start kind of makes it feel like my options are limited—and I don’t like having limited options. Plus, I don’t like situations that are pre-defined. If you already know what it’s not going to be, then you’ve decided what it is—before we even know anything about each other. I’m not sure if I’m making any sense. As for Johnny, you’re right. I’m very eager to see him.
Ma.: You do make sense—and I’m sorry for that comment. I think he’s very eager to see you too.
Me.: Was it not true?
Ma.: It was. But I do want to go on a date with you.
Me.: Why?
Ma.: Because you challenge me—and it’s refreshing. People usually act very timidly around me and do whatever I say.
Me.: You mean women.
Ma.: I mean people. But yes, mainly women. You say what you think. I like that, bella.
Me.: Hmm. Me not having a filter has never worked in my favor, but hey—new city, new rules.
Ma.: You can say exactly what you think when you're around me, bella. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Me.: Thank you.
Ma.: Okay, it’s late and you should go to sleep. How about 17:00 tomorrow? I’ll text you the address of the place. If you’re comfortable enough by the end of our date, I can drive you home.
Me.: Sounds like a plan. I will see you tomorrow. Goodnight.
Ma.: Goodnight, bella.
Marco left his phone on the desk and smiled. Tomorrow, he had a date.
He gave up on working, walked to his car, and drove home. When he lay down on his bed, he kept thinking about Melina and everything he had learned about her. Her fixation with crime shows amused him, but he also wondered how she would react when she found out that he was the leader of the Italian Mafia.
He shifted uncomfortably as a voice in the back of his head told him she might not accept him. He would have to be careful with how and when to tell her. Even though he didn’t yet understand exactly what he was feeling, the thought of her rejecting him for good made his chest tighten.
He would do everything in his power to keep her by his side. He was determined about that.
Before closing his eyes, he messaged Alessio and asked him to place a couple of their men around Melina’s building to keep an eye on her discreetly. He had a lot of enemies, and he didn’t want her to be in danger.
He finally closed his eyes, excited about the next day—and their first date.