Julie

So, let’s get back to the here and now.

Giovanni kicked me to the curb like last nights trash. Plain and simple, without a word or worry. I’d seen him at the club with another girl just one day later, and that pretty much cemented things for me. I also figured out he didn’t want to see me. His sudden disappearance from the club didn’t go unnoticed either.

He was supposed to be here today, and I was doubtful that he would show. We’d had our first court appearance earlier today, and his father, brother, and Sofia were there… he wasn’t. They’d asked me about him, and I only shrugged. They were expecting him and assumed I would know. Apparently, he hadn’t broken the news to them. Well, they were his family, and it wasn’t my place. Michael and Sofia thought it odd, but the knowing look on his fathers face told me he’d figured it out.

Oh. In case you were wondering, we got off. The charges seemed to have vanished into thin air.

Still, although I doubted he would still come, I was going to be anxious until I had my answer. In my depressing state, I opted for a pair of sweatpants and a ratty t-shirt. I went to find my mother in the kitchen. When I laid eyes on her, I nearly gagged.

She’d gone all out on her makeup and was wearing a dress that made it look like she was going clubbing. When she heard me, she spun around. “Hey, there honey.”

I laughed, so now I’m honey. “Mom.” I greeted her. “What did you decide on?”

She shrugged casually. “You know, some chicken marsala.”

She really was going all out. “Oh ok.” I twisted my hands. “I was thinking about just staying in my room. I've been under the weather.”

If looks could kill… “Your boss is going to be here! You cant be rude like that. It wouldn’t kill you to sit and have dinner with us like a family.”

Right. Family. We were just one big happy family.

Fuck.

So this is what we’re doing today?

“Sure thing,” I muttered and sat down at the table. I pulled my phone and began playing candy crush. A game I haven’t touched in ages, but I needed the distraction.

The bell rang. My entire body tensed and my nerves were shot to hell. I was surprised when Taylor was the one to jump up and open the door. It hadn’t escaped my notice that she didn’t seem particularly comfortable around Gio.

I listened as footsteps approached, apparently more than one. I didn’t turn around, afraid of meeting his icy gaze. “Julie.”

Fucking hell. I knew that voice, but it damn sure wasn’t the voice I was expecting. I turned around slowly and had to work overtime to loosen my jaw enough to grit out a greeting. “Victor,” I said back.

He grinned at me, mockingly. The fucker. Why the fuck was he even here? “Why the fuck is he here?” I asked.

Taylor scowled at me, but his grin widened. “Oh honey, I’m hurt. I thought you’d be happy to see an old friend.”

“Friend.” I sneered. Right. More like a dead man walking if he keeps pushing my buttons. I decided it would be best if I ignored him as to avoid a murder tonight.

Taylor and Victor sat at the table. They took the two seats on the other side of the table but further down, good. I didn’t want either one of those assholes next to me. I didn’t want to care, but I couldn’t help but wonder what the hell my sister was doing back with him.

I sat in awkward silence as they chatted it up like they were having the time of their life. When the clock rolled around for 7:15, my mother’s hope started to deflate. She started procrastinating pushing off serving up dinner. Meanwhile, my hope began to blossom. That is until 7:22 rolled around, and the bell rang. My mother brightened up like a kid at Christmas and practically ran to the door. I watch Taylor frown as she typed away furiously on her phone. Her phone beeped a minute later, and she wore a shit-eating grin. Did she seriously have Victor sitting beside her as she texted another man? Sad.

I could hear my mother chatting away from the door. My body felt ready to snap as I waited for them to enter. I heard Gio’s deep laughter. They entered the kitchen, and he placed a bottle of wine on the table next to me but didn’t acknowledge me. He was here to torture me. Why couldn’t he just leave me alone? I accepted it, and now he was rubbing my face into it.

“I’m sorry I’m late.” He announced to the room. “A meeting ran over, I got here as soon as I could. I wouldn’t have missed this.”

My mom sighed dreamily. I didn’t dare look up from the table.

“We can begin dinner now.” My mom announced cheerily.

I heard a chair scrape across the floor on my side, not directly next to me though. My mom noticed and said, “why don’t you sit over there, at the head of the table.”

“Sure,” Gio said smoothly.

“Actually mom, another one of my friends are coming to dinner. They should be here – “ she was cut off when the bell once again rang. I was ready to die, I didn’t think I could take any more guests.

Taylor hopped up like her ass was on fire and practically ran to the door. It wasn’t but a half a minute when the sound of heels followed behind my sister's footsteps. Just great, she invited one of her whorish friends. Would the embarrassment ever stop?

“Oh, Julie. Hey!” A familiar voice squealed.

I looked up and when I saw Rebecca everything in me went completely still. Why was she here and since when did she know my sister? “Rebecca,” I said. “I didn’t know you would be here.”

She frowned. “You didn’t? I thought I mentioned it to you the other day.”

She was fucking lying through her red stained lips. “You didn’t.”

She shrugged, but I could see in her eyes she didn’t give a shit that I called her out. “Oh, I thought I did.”

She took the seat on the other side of Taylor, which put her right next to Gio. My mother began bringing dinner to the table, and I watched as Becca turned to Gio. “Giovanni, I didn’t know you were going to be here.”

And it clicked. Those bitches set me up. Well, set him up I guess. He was watching her with narrowed eyes, I’m assuming suspiciously. Then his gaze snapped to mine, and once again I watched them grow cold. The suspicion only increased as he looked at me. I wanted to laugh, he thought I had some part in this I’m sure.

The food was brought out, and we all began to dig in. I tuned everyone out, as there wasn’t a person in the room whose company I wanted. Well, that wasn’t totally true. I think deep down I’d always want Gio’s company. Not in this way where I was essentially the enemy, but in some capacity. I loved what we had, but I was not delusional.

“So, Julie, how do you like working at the club?” Becca asked. “I know that you’re bringing in dough with all the tips.” She grinned. “The guys just love her.” She gushed to my mother. “She just gives them a flirty face, and they’re gone just like that.”

Gio grunted. “I’m sure she loves it just as much as they do.” He said in a snide tone.

My head snapped to him. “What?” I asked.

Before he could answer, Taylor spoke up in a mocking tone. “At least some things change. We all know that men never liked you. Hell, you couldn’t even keep your only high school boyfriend.” She grabbed Victor's head and leaned over kissing him. “Could she baby?” she taunted.

I rolled my eyes. I couldn’t care less if he dropped dead at our table today. I wasn’t jealous, but fuck if it didn’t piss me off just a little to have her rubbing my nose in it. “You’re right. Guys don’t want me.” My statement was filled with hurt and anger. Sadly enough, none of it was aimed at them. It was all for the asshole sitting at the head of the table.

That made him smirk. “Someone hurt you, Julie?” He taunted. “Was it the guy who had his hand up your skirt the other day?”

I felt like I was slapped. My head dropped down to my plate where I began to just push my food around. I felt like everyone at this table was out to get me. I watched as my mother cut a piece of chicken and offered it up to Gio. I damn near vomited when he accepted it and gently caressed her shoulder in thanks.

Becca took it up a notch. “You know, I thought you two were dating.” She said.

I paled, then felt like there was no lower I could get when Giovanni answered. “I don’t date Becca, you should know that.” He looked over at her and eyed her up and down licking his lips. “I fuck.”

Bile rose in my throat, and I knew I had enough. My eyes burned with unshed tears as his words began running on repeat through my head. My sister's hysterical laughter filtered through. “Holy shit.”

I looked at her, and she was damn near in tears. Victor caressed her back looking confused. “Babe, what’s so funny?” he asked. 

She couldn’t speak because she was laughing too hard. Eventually, she calmed down enough to choke out, “holy shit. Julie doesn’t have a snide remark to come back with.” She shook her head still trying to control her laughter. “I think you two broke her. Oh my god, this is the life.”

My blood boiled, and I felt myself on the verge of getting extremely angry. It wasn’t worth it. None of them were. Without a word, I stood and threw my filled plate into the sink before stalking off to my room. I didn’t miss how everyone in the room laughed at my reaction. Fuck them, fuck them all.

I wasn’t going to cry. I wasn’t, I told myself that a million times it seems in the last two minutes. Fuck if my emotions once again let me down. I plugged my headphones into my phone and curled up after I crawled into my bed. Of course, the first song that came onto Pandora was one about love lost and heartache. I couldn’t help but laugh at the irony. So much love lost in this house tonight. At least for me, everyone else seemed as though love was about to boil out of the pot.

I thought to myself, I wonder what woman was going to get lucky with Gio. Would it be my too old mother, or would it be his lovely fling or girlfriend or whoever the fuck Rebecca was to him? I’d believed him so immensely before when he told me about them, and now I was stuck wondering how stupid I was to believe his bullshit. I could’ve gotten myself out of this long ago before I got in too deep. I mean, at that time I was just stepping in. My feet were barely getting wet, and I had it in me to try to walk away. It would’ve hurt then, but it was nothing like the crushing pain that I felt now. When did life get this complicated? Furthermore, when did I start to care?

I was zoning out to the music praying for sleep to claim me when the covers I buried myself under were torn off. I sat up, my heart beating frantically from the unsuspected and unwanted interruption. I looked over my shoulder to see a man there. I frowned not expecting to see him.

“Sweetheart.”

I scowled. “I’m not your sweetheart,” I said angrily.

He smiled. “Ahh, it would appear that’s what you think. But I assure you, that’s not the case.”

I frowned. “What do you want? And what are you doing in here?” When he didn’t answer, I continued. “I didn’t expect you to be here tonight, and we both know how we left things, so I will only ask again. What. Do. You. Want?” I asked.

His cold smile turned calculating, and it sent chills down my spine. “Simple. I want what’s mine.”

I felt a holy shit at the tip of my tongue, but it never escaped. Something was going on here that left me confused, and I couldn’t quite figure out, but there’s one thing I knew for certain. “I’m not yours. I’m don’t belong to anyone… I belong to myself.” I said.

“You’re mine sweetheart. Always have been, and always will be.”

He turned around and moved to shut the door behind him, but the bit of light filtering in through the window was enough for me to make out his movements. He was advancing on me, and my body shuddered. It wasn’t a good shudder it was a weary one. I shut my eyes and began saying my mantra…

Find a way to keep the darkness at rest.

The footsteps came closer. Fuck. I’d been so busy in my head I tuned out. I had no idea what was going on around me, but I needed to.

A hand touched my shoulder, and I screamed only no sounds came out. I felt like I was absorbed back into those days.

My heart thumped. Oh my god, oh, my god. I wouldn’t be able to stop my anxiety. It was hitting me tenfold. I was going to lose it. Officially.

I cradled my knees to my chest with my arms and shut my eyes tight. I was not going to let anyone hurt me.

 

*****

Giovanni

I wasn’t going to show up tonight. That’s why I was confused and disappointed with myself when I found myself ringing the bell. I told myself that it was another way to torture her, but I knew for sure when I saw her the only person I was torturing was myself.

She obviously didn’t dress for the occasion compared to everyone else. That pissed me off too. I felt like she didn’t think her present company – Me – was worth her time or effort. That’s why I took pride in the little jabs I was able to throw her way.

That was until her sister lost it. When she claimed that Becca and I had broken her, I was hit with a bit of clarity that made me sick to my stomach. For the first time, I’d realized what I stepped into. It felt like I was in on a roast and Julie was the target. Not one person at the table had a nice thing to say to or about her. Other than Rebecca, but that was more of a hint about her and numerous possible guys.

The second thing I realized was the guy. His name was Victor, and I had a sick feeling this was the douche that she told me about that took her virginity. I knew her sister was a bitch, but it was apparent that she was the one to invite both Becca and Victor. I wonder how she even knew how Becca had been a complication in our relationship. Did she know? From what I’m gathering from her, she had to. She was a demented little bitch that was having the most pleasure out of tormenting and embarrassing her sister.

I thought about what Angelou said when he had asked me if I was sure why she didn’t want me around or why she didn’t want to tell them about us. Probably because of this. They probably knew, or at least her sister did. That’s why she set out on embarrassing her and inviting this bitch Rebecca. I shook my head as I smiled to myself.

Fucking Rebecca. I was truly done with this bitch. From the shit she pulled before, I know she had to be a part of this. Then the flirting, she still thought she had a chance to get in my pants. I’m going to have fun ripping her ass apart.

Julie had run off some time ago and I wanted to go find her to figure out just what the fuck was going on but I didn’t know how to. I fucking sent her away with nothing but a MetroCard and a kiss my ass. Yea, I was a bastard. And yea, she was probably pissed as fuck at me. The biggest issue is that I don’t apologize. Thinking about having to say the words made me feel like I was going to vomit.

I looked around the table trying to figure out my next steps and frowned when I looked over to Victor’s empty seat. He’d gotten up about five minutes ago and never came back. I looked at her sister who was watching me with a knowing grin, and I felt dread bubble up. Fuck. I got up without a word, cutting her mother off midsentence talking about whatever the fuck and made my way through their house. My eyes locked on a closed door down the hall and I quickened my pace.

Victor’s voice came faintly through the door. “Oh, Julie. You can deny it, but we both know you do.”

I saw red. I opened the door with more strength than necessary sending it slamming into the wall. He jumped startled and turned around. He had been leaning over the bed hovering over Julie who was in the fetal position, eyes shut tight, rocking herself like a baby. The fuck?

I didn’t know what was happening until Julie was practically wrapping herself around me to get me to stop. Victor’s shirt was torn and in my hands. He was hanging limply, bloody and unconscious. The only thing holding him up was my grip. I released him, and he dropped like a rag doll.

“Gio, you got him. If you keep up, you’re going to kill him.” Julie said, her voice trembling.

Her mom ran over and dropped down to his side. “Is he even still alive?” she asked looking for a pulse.

I shrugged. “I couldn’t give a fuck if he was or not.”

Her mother looked up at me confused. “I – I … what happened?” She asked.

“Ask your fucking daughter what happened,” I said pointing at Taylor who had enough brains to pale at the realization I knew her ass was in on it. “This fuck was in here fucking with Julie.”

Her mother looked at me confused. “But… I don’t understand. I thought he was here with Taylor… and you were just Julie’s boss.”

I scowled. Is that seriously all she gave a fuck about? “And so what if I’m just her boss. She didn’t want his ass in here let alone coming onto her. What type of fucking man would I be if I let him do something to her? I wouldn't give a fuck if I was a stranger.” I ran a hand through my hair. I needed to get the fuck out of here. The longer I stayed, the more fucked up this shit was getting.

I pointed to Julie. “Grab some shit and let's go,” I ordered.

She frowned. “What?”

“Are you deaf? Grab some shit, because you’re coming with me.”

She crossed her arms. “Thanks for what you did…” she bit her lip and shook her head. “But, I’m not going with you.”

You want to bet? I was getting pissed all over again, and I took a step back in case I lashed out. I’d rather it be anything but her. I pinched the bridge of my nose to try to get some control. I gave her a hard look and a small nod. “Put a bag together, I’ll put you in a hotel, but you’re not staying here tonight.”

There.

My offer.

I’d compromise. She was all about that shit.

She looked at me like I’d grown three heads. “That’s insane… and no. I don’t want to go anywhere with you.” She admitted softly.

Time’s up, and I was done negotiating. “Get your shit, or I leave with him and chop him up into little pieces and deliver them back cooked and force your sister to eat it for Sunday dinner. GET. YOUR. SHIT. NOW JULIE!” I roared.

She blanched but gave me a small yet defiant nod. Glare all the fuck she wants, but she’s leaving here even if I have to take her kicking and screaming. Everyone watched in silence as she grabbed a duffle and began putting her stuff in. She wasn’t even paying attention just throwing things in a bag. I watched her every move. “Get your shit for school too,” I ordered.

She glared at me, but grabbed her books and my laptop and forcefully put them in the bag. I shrugged at her defiant behavior, and she huffed. “I’m not ok with this.” She said trying to make a point.

My eyebrows flew up. “I know that already, and quite frankly I don’t give a flying fuck. It’s not your choice anymore Julie.”

She tried to storm past me, and I grabbed her shirt pulling her in front of me. I listened as everyone took in a deep breath like they thought I was about to hit her or something. If only they knew, she was the last person to need to worry about that. Well, apparently she knew it by the way she sassed me and punched me in my chest for manhandling her. “Stop fucking sulking. You know you don’t want to be here any more than I want you to. You wanna be pissed because of the fight we had and because I was a dick, then fine. Be mad at that. But don’t let it make you stupid. You’re going to come to my place, so accept it.” Not able to help myself having her so close I yanked her in and kissed her lips hard. “If it helps, ma sent some lasagna.”

She practically swooned, and it wasn’t from my kiss. I could only shake my head. “For me?” she asked panting. Fuck she looked like she was turned on. She probably was knowing her, she loved ma’s cooking.

“Yes, Julie. Now, are you gonna cut your shit and come with me?” I asked.

She nodded and began walking out. “But you’re sleeping on the couch.” She said over her shoulder.

“Wait a minute. Are you two dating?” Her mom asked.

Before I could respond, Becca who looked like she was going to be sick spoke up. “She met… she met your family?”

I grinned at her evilly. “Yes and yes.” My eyes narrowed on Becca, then transferred to Taylor. “She’s mine. It would do you well to remember that.” I gestured to Victor who seemed like he was starting to come to. I wouldn’t want that now, would I? I lifted my foot up and bought it down onto his chest hard before pulling my foot back and kicking him in the face and watched the blood fly out of his mouth. I gestured to the fuck with my hand. “Bad shit starts happening to people who mess with what belongs to me.” It was a warning, and both of those bitches better heed it.

I drove us back to my place in silence. She didn’t even spare me a glance, and I knew she was fuming. For what exactly… there was a long fucking list of possibilities, so I left her to it. I wanted to ask her just what the fuck happened in that room but to be honest, I didn’t think she wanted to talk about it, and I don’t know if I could handle hearing it right now. That fucker was still alive – against my better judgment – and the last thing I need to do was turn the car around and put her through the horror of having to watch me kill him. My only saving grace was that I didn’t think he actually touched her.

She fumed the entire elevator ride up, and I told myself I would sit her down and talk this shit out when we got inside. It was overdue by now if you ask me. Those plans were thwarted, when I walked into my condo to a pacing Angelou.

“The fuck?” I asked.

He crossed the room. “Where the fuck was you?!” he asked. “We’ve been trying to reach you for hours! I didn’t know what the fuck to – “

He cut off when he looked past my shoulder. “Julie.” He greeted her warmly.

She stepped past me and gave him a tight hug. He looked over at me confused and hesitantly as he stood there awkwardly with her arms around him. She needed some comfort, and she didn’t want it from me. I gave him a nod. He looked even more confused as he consoled her. I noticed Dante who looked shocked and confused and we all stood there silently until she released him.

I looked into her eyes and saw she was drained. I reached out to her, and she flinched making me drop my hand to my side. “Why don’t you go in the room and get comfortable. Take a shower or whatever you need. I’ll heat up some food and bring it to you in a minute.”

She hesitated then gave me a nod as she went to my room with her bag. They waited until the door shut quietly behind her before asking, “what the hell happened?”

I gestured to the living room to get as far away from her so she wouldn’t have to overhear. We barely made it in the room before Dante frowned. “Seriously, what the fuck happened?”

“Long story…” I mumbled.

“Dude, you need to talk.” He gestured to my shirt. “Do we want to know?”

I looked down at my white button up to realize I had that fucks blood on me. Shit. I poured us all drinks first before I rehashed the night. By the time I was done, they were both fuming for Julie. I could only nod in agreement. They’d had done the same thing if not worse.

“So you two are back together?” Angelou asked.

I sighed. “Nah, she’s pissed at me. But, I’m going to talk to her. I think she’s had enough for tonight though. I certainly didn’t help although I’m happy as fuck I was there.” I shook my head as the rage came back. “If he would’ve touched her…” I couldn’t even finish it.

Dante nodded. “I understand.”

I nodded in thanks. There was no way I could get those words out. “We’re going to head out so you can get shit straight here bro, call me,” Dante said.

He wasn’t my bodyguard right now, he was my brother. “Thanks, D.”

Angelou patted my back. “Stay strong.”

I nodded. “Don’t tell Franny,” I warned.

He chuckled. “So she can start another war? I’m good.”

I looked at Dante. “And don’t you dear tell Pac and Pa, you big mouth.”

He grinned. “Normally I would. But this… no.” he guaranteed.

With that said, I said goodbye to my brothers and made my way to the kitchen. I realized, I had some groveling to do.