Page 22 of Crow
“Kind of. Where did you bump into him?”
“He was at the apartment I’d just left for that preliminary investigation. I mean, I was totally shocked when I saw him. What are the chances of that? I’m starting to think that he must’ve just moved here because I’ve never seen him in town until this past week.”
“No, he’s lived in Alina for a long time. He’s been coming to the deli for the last few years.”
Angie met Regina at her aunt and uncle’s deli shortly after arriving in Alina. Regina worked part-time at Bella Vita while studying for an MBA. The two of them had a lot in common: both were Italian-American, had overprotective brothers, loved foreign films, enjoyed dancing, and didn’t want to be in a committed relationship.
“I wonder why I’d never seen him. I was working full-time for a couple of months after I first moved here.”
“I know. Maybe he came in, but you just didn’t notice him.”
“There’s no way I wouldn’t have noticed him. He’s real good-looking, don’t you think?”
“In a rugged bad-boy way. He looks like he’d break a million hearts. Those biker guys are real macho. Several of them come into the deli, and they all have a badass vibe and a don’t-fuck-with-me attitude. I think guys like that would be too domineering, and we know what that feels like with our pain-in-the-ass brothers.”
Angie laughed. “You’re right about that. I’m not interested in going out with him; I just think he’s handsome and a bit intriguing.”
“Whoa … You better watch yourself, or you’ll be on the back of his bike in no time. Those guys work pretty fast. I hear they have wild parties at their clubhouse.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. I’ve bumped into him three times this week, and he’s been with two different women two of those times. He’s a definite player, so, no, I’m not interested in someone like that. Been there, done that, you know?”
“After what that dirtbag did to you, I get why you don’t trust men. I think Crow is a nice guy to chat with at the deli but not to date. I’m sure he’s got more than a couple of women he’s juggling. Those motorcycle guys are bad news, but women find them exciting.” Regina laughed. “I like the quiet type, you know, the bookish ones.”
“I wouldn’t describe Vinny as ‘bookish,’” Angie said.
“He can be. He’s also domineering, and that’s why I keep him at arm’s length. I don’t need an overprotective boyfriend in addition to my brothers.”
“That would be awful,” Angie said with an exaggerated shudder. “I can’t imagine having a guy as overbearing as mine are.”
Regina laughed. “Brothers can be worse than dads.”
“For sure.” Angie smiled. “Deep down, my dad’s an old softie.”
The waiter set a plate of lasagna in front of Angie and a dish of baked ziti and sausage in front of Regina. He whisked away the empty bread basket and replaced it with a new one brimming with homemade Italian bread, crostini, and focaccia.
Two hours later, Angie popped the last bite of her cannoli into her mouth and leaned back in the chair. Regina had devoured a generous slice of chocolate and hazelnut torte and was now sipping a cup of cappuccino.
“That was so good,” Angie said, dabbing the corners of her mouth with her napkin.
Regina laughed. “I’m going to have to do double-time at the gym.”
“I was going to get some work done when I got home, but after this meal, all I want to do is veg in front of the TV.” Angie took out her wallet and put her credit card on the bill plate.
“What are your plans for the weekend?” Regina asked as she added a credit card next to Angie’s.
“Joey and I are going to dinner on Saturday, and Sunday is the usual family dinner.”
“No blind dates?” Regina teased.
She giggled. “Never again. Are you hanging out with Vinny?”
“Yeah. Maybe you can join us at the High Dive after dinner on Saturday.”
“I don’t know if Joey will be up for it, but I’ll let you know.” Angie pushed her chair back and stood up. “Are you working at the deli tomorrow?”
“No, I have to study for mid-terms, but I’m working on Saturday.”
“I’m glad grad school is behind me. It was a ton of work. I feel for you.”
