With half-moon shaped booths in midnight-blue leather and a million neon stars scattered on a black ceiling, the atmosphere echoed the eclectic food and drinks, especially the latter, with names like Midnight Sun, Pink Cloud and the famous Moonshot.
As Joey stepped inside, he saw Lucky and Jackson seated at a corner table. Flagging a waitress, he ordered a double scotch, then slid into the booth.
Whos watching Niccolo?
Joey scowled at his brother. You know damn well whos up there with him. Why in the hell did you stick your nose in my business? I was handling things.
You were handling things, all right. Lucky turned to Jackson. You should have seen it, Jacky. Joey was in the bathtub with his shoes on, juggling my screaming nephew like he was a slippery eel. Mio fratello can make a hundred grand a day pushing buttons on his computer, but when it comes to
Shut up, Lucky.
When Jackson chuckled, Joey nailed his best friend with an ugly look. I dont want to hear what youre thinking. Save it until Im in a better mood.
Jackson schooled his grin. I wasnt going to say anything, Joe.
Like hell you werent.
Well, maybe I was going to make one small comment. An observation.
Just one?
Yeah, one. I was going to say, Im glad
its you and not me. Becoming an overnight father, I mean. Jackson glanced at Lucky. Did you get pictures? Niccis first bath with Daddy? We could put them on Mas conversation wall at Caponellis.
Joey swore, then reached for the glass of scotch before the waitress could set it down. After hed inhaled it, he said, Lets get drunk.
Drunk? Lucky grinned. Hell, yes. Lets. It always makes me feel better.
Jackson elbowed Lucky. Joey doesnt need to get drunk. Neither do you.
Yes, I do, Joey argued. I just moved Rhea into the penthouse.
Joey ignored Jacksons shocked look and reached for his drink. When he realized it was empty, he looked at Lucky, who appeared more surprised than Jackson. Get me another bottle, Lucky. No, get two.
After Lucky gestured toward the waitress and held up two fingers, he said, Things are never black and white. This morning you wanted revenge. Obviously, after getting a good look at Rhea, youve decided on something a little more uplifting. His rugged mouth curved into a wry grin. Hell, I cant blame you for that. Those photos didnt do her justice. Must have been a poor job of develop
Shut up, Lucky. Joey rubbed the back of his neck, the days events giving him a helluva headache. Hes afraid of water, he said absently.
Whos afraid of water? Jackson asked.
Niccolo. Thats what started this whole mess tonight. There was some kind of accident at Santa Palazzo. Joey shoved a fifty-dollar bill at the waitress when she brought the two bottles of scotch. Niccolo was on the beach with Rhea and somehow he was dragged under water. He looked over at Jackson. His friends grin was gone, and so was the mischief in his green eyes. Youre sure Stud Williams is on his way to prison, right?
Jackson nodded. He confessed yesterday.
At least thats one problem solved. I dont need to worry about him with Rhea back in town.
Sunnis relieved, too, Jackson offered.
Sunni Blais was Jacksons soon-to-be wife. Hed been assigned to protect her a few weeks ago. It had been a scary couple of weeks, but in the midst of the craziness, Stud Williams had been charged with murder and Jackson and Sunni had managed to fall in love.
Lucky said, Letting Rhea stay with Niccolo should make her happy.
Should I care if Rheas happy? Joey didnt mean for the question to be answered. Its Niccolos comfort level Im concerned with. But right now, all he cares about is his teddy bear and his mama. You should have seen him when he laid eyes on Rhea. He just about flew out of my arms to get to her.
He was just scared, Joe, Jackson reasoned.
He was scared, all right. And I didnt know what the hell to do or say to calm him down.
Thats not your fault, Lucky argued.
Joey knew his brother and Jackson were trying to make him feel better, but it didnt ease his stinging pride. I thought I had it all figured out this morning. The nanny was going to start tomorrow, Rhea was in a room three floors downand then all hell broke loose.
So maybe you shouldnt have moved her in, Lucky considered. If you want Niccolo to start relying on you, then
Rhea pointed out that I dont know a damn thing when it comes to Niccolos needs. And shes right. I dont have a clue.
Hes a kid, Joe, not a high-tech robot, Jackson pointed out. How complicated can he be?
Lucky motioned to Jackson. We can help out.
So now you two are experts on how much juice my son needs to prevent constipation?
What?
Never mind. Joey stole a cigarette from Luckys pack on the table and lit it. Taking a long drag, he reached for his glass of scotch. You hear anything from Frank?
No. Hes still in Florida. Theyve got hurricane winds beating the coast. My guess is hell be knocking on your door sometime tomorrow if he can get his plane off the ground.
Jackson let out a low whistle.
Joey thought it was in anticipation of his confrontation with his father, but as he followed his friends gaze to the bar entrance, he saw whom the whistle was meant for.