Page 32 of The Capo's Nymph
“What happened to me is not an excuse for you to lock me up.”
“I’m not locking you up, but you will heed my rules, and I warn you not to disobey me again, Matilde."
"But-"
"No, buts. It's late, and I don't want an argument. I must keep you and my children safe. Whether or not you believe me capable of that.”
He misinterpreted my words in the limo earlier, thinking I was referring to him not protecting his wife when she was shot instead of his role in my mother’s death. I probably shouldn’t, but I feel bad for that.
“I know we are safe when you are here. Why don’t you let me take over so you can rest?”
He holds Lucia a little closer and nods at Amadeo in his crib. “They are mine, my responsibility. Go to bed.”
Oh Dio, this man! “Very well…sir.”
I can’t even take any satisfaction in his frown as I go. The rejection and his restrictions have my resentment festering. He’s making it a hundred times harder for me to see my sister, yet he still doesn’t trust me to soothe his children at night.
After flopping on the bed with an angry shriek, I’m determined to figure out a way to see Maddalena, to hell with his rules. I will never endanger the children, but he can’t follow me around all the time, and I refuse to miss the opportunity to connect with the only family I have left.
15
Matilde
Walking the city streets alone has my belly tightening with fearful memories, but Primo won’t lose an eye because of me. Luckily, Nico is convinced his word is law and that he knows exactly where I’ll be at this hour of the day.
“Grazie a Dio,”I exhale, escaping the chilly weather and taking a seat opposite my sister at the pizza parlor. We’d agreed to meet here the night Nico forced me to move in, but she hadn’t been able to make it, texting her apologies the next day.
“Any trouble?” she asks, concerned.
“No, but I feel guilty. I have never done this,” I admit.
“You flew across the ocean alone to a strange city, but you’ve never skipped school?”
Her incredulous expression makes me laugh, and we clasp hands. My heart still leaps every time I see her. She orders a Chicago-style deep dish for me to try, and we chat about pizza and other ordinary things until the pie arrives.
“Was everything okay the other night? I was worried when you did not show up. I wanted to come to your apartment, but Primo was being stubborn.”
“Oh yes, I’m fine. I had to clean at Mr. Barzetti’s, and he wanted to talk to me about my future plans. I don’t want to jinx it, but I’m very excited.”
“Jinx? I’m not sure of that word.”
“Like bad luck.”
“Oh, I see. Barzetti?” I repeat next, remembering Gia’s terrible husband. I didn’t like his brother or nephew either. Dante called them snakes, and Gia agreed with that. And I’m almost positive that Giacomo licked my hand instead of kissing it at my birthday party.
“Yes, I clean for them. I clean whatever houses Mrs. Esposito tells me to, but they are the most important Trio family that I serve.” I frown as Maddalena takes a long sip of her soda. “I hope this doesn’t upset you, Matilde, but I was thinking of you all last night.”
“Why would I be upset? I think of you, too,” I reply.
It’s true, but I can’t help blushing when I recall some of the other things I think of at night, things that involve my annoying, controlling employer.
“Would you like to see where our mother is buried?” Maddalena asks, softly.
My eyes glaze over, all impure thoughts involving Nico immediately banished when I murmur, “Yes, please.”
***
The cemetery isn’t far from the pizza place, and I’m quiet as we walk. Maddalena understands. “Mat and Mad,” she says, decidedly at last.
