A Heart of Gang (The Centofanti Gang Book 1) Page 9

  "Well, I thought maybe we could take Ava to the zoo with your dad. It's supposed to be nice out all day and I'm sure she'll love seeing the animals."

  "That sounds like a wonderful idea," Clara said. Leo nodded in agreement as he searched for the business section.

  “I’ll give Dad a call and see if he can go,” I said before munching on a slice of bacon.

  "When you get back, we'll have a family barbeque. I promise, it won't be crazy like last night," Clara winked at me. I felt my cheeks begin to burn from embarrassment as I tried to remember what happened last night.

  "Was it bad?" They started laughing at my question; it wasn’t in a mocking manner, which relaxed my worry just a tiny bit.

  "No, it wasn't bad," Leo spoke first. "It was rather cute, watching you dance with Sky and letting go for a night."

  "Don't be embarrassed, baby. You were having fun. Nobody was or is judging you, I promise. Besides, it’s safe to say you earned a night of fun," Paul said before kissing my cheek. "I'll get Ava cleaned up and dressed for the zoo. When you're ready, we'll pack a bag and go."

  Once they were gone, I turned toward Leo and Clara. They both were smiling at me, amusement on their faces.

  "Alright, tell me the truth. Was I that bad last night?"

  This time, Clara spoke up.

  "No, dear. You weren't that bad at all. Like Paul said, don't be embarrassed... you're allowed to have fun. And that's what you did. Now, go get ready for the zoo and enjoy your day with your family." She made a shooing motion with her hands and I got up from the table, grinning back at her in response.

  I dialed my dad’s number and waited as it rang. He answered on the fourth ring and declined the zoo trip because he had a meeting to attend with the corporation’s bosses. He told me to give hugs and kisses to Ava, and we hung up a minute later. Quickly changing into shorts and a tank top, I made sure Ava's diaper bag was packed with snacks, an extra pair of clothing, sunscreen, and extra batteries for the camera. Once I made sure everything was in the diaper bag and my purse, I headed back downstairs to meet Paul and Ava in the foyer.

  Paul insisted on driving, so I buckled Ava into her car seat, and we headed for the zoo. I was glad Paul suggested the zoo because I hadn't been able to take Ava there since her first birthday. She was too young to remember going then, so now she would have memories of being at the zoo with her mom and dad.

  Paul and I took turns with the camera, although he took more of Ava with me. We saw the monkeys first, since that was Ava's favorite animal. Then we saw the elephants and the tigers. As we went to each exhibit, Paul pointed out the animal to Ava and had her repeat the name back to him. They even made the sounds for each animal. Ava was having a blast, squealing over the exhibits, and running a few feet ahead of us as we walked throughout the zoo.

  After we had seen the animals and taken lots of pictures, we decided to take a snack break. Ava was happily sipping on a juice box while she sat on my lap, the shade cooling us down from the sunshine.

  "Are you having fun?" I asked her. She nodded, smiling widely.

  "Good, because Daddy has a surprise for you," Paul grinned at her round eyes.

  "What is it?" She asked, momentarily taking the straw out of her mouth.

  "You'll see," he winked. "Come on, I promise you will like it. Both of you."

  He led us toward the aquarium exhibit, but instead of going inside, he rounded the left corner and headed to the back. Slightly confused, we followed him to what looked like a small granite swimming pool. An instructor smiled brightly at us as we stopped near the ropes where the line would begin on a busier day.

  "Do you want to pet a stingray?" He asked. I looked to Paul in awe and he shrugged.

  "It's a new addition. I thought maybe you two would like it." He motioned to Ava and she went to him. "Look in the water, baby girl. Those are stingrays."

  "You can pet them if you want," the instructor walked over to us. "Just stick your hand in the water with your palm flat. When they swim by, gently touch their backs. Don't touch their tails or their bellies. And please don't touch the babies, they're not ready for human contact just yet. Okay?"

  "Okay," Ava said and the instructor handed Paul a step stool for her. We knelt on either side and did what the instructor told us to do. The look of joy on Ava's face was priceless. I asked the instructor to take a picture, which he agreed to do happily.

  When we were done, we washed our hands and arms, then headed for the little gift shop by the carousel. I picked out a T-shirt and a stuffed monkey for Ava. Paul managed to sneak in a stuffed elephant while I was checking out and I looked at him questioningly.

  "For you," he said, kissing me on the cheek.

  I smiled, blushing as I grabbed the bags and we headed home. Not even five minutes of being in the car, Ava had passed out, clinging to her new monkey. I smiled at her sleeping figure before turning to Paul, resting my head against the back of the seat.

  "Thank you for today," I said, causing him to smile and reach for my hand, giving it a slight squeeze.

  "Anything for my queen and princess."

  Back home, I carried Ava upstairs to her room while Paul went to go help his mom with any last-minute details for the barbeque. Once Ava was tucked into her bed, I quietly shut the door and almost plowed into Lola. I groaned inwardly as I prepared for her outburst, hoping her yelling wouldn’t disturb Ava too much.

  "Jade, I was just looking for you."

  "You were?" I must have sounded shocked because she blushed and ducked her head guiltily.

  "Yes. I wanted to apologize for the way I treated you that first day. I was mean and bitchy, and you didn't deserve any of it. And I wanted you to know, I wasn't actually after Paul.”

  “You weren’t?” I gaped at her confusingly. “But you said…”

  “I know what I said but I didn't mean it.” Lola looked down at her feet shyly. “I grew up with the Carmichaels and Paul is like my big brother. He’s my best friend and I just didn't want to see him hurt again. But I had no right to come after you like that and I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?"

  "Uh, yes. I forgive you. And I'm sorry for the way I acted. It was just a bad day for me. If you're not after Paul, then who are you after?"

  Her face turned as red as her shirt and she gave me a small smile. Her next reply almost knocked me off my feet.

  "Alpo."

  "Wait, what? Did I hear that right?" I teased her, bumping my shoulder into hers and she giggled.

  "Yeah. I've had a crush on him forever, but I don't think he even knows I exist."

  I thought back to the parties Clara has thrown since I came back into Paul's life and realized maybe Lola was wrong. A light bulb went off in my head.

  "Oh, girl. I think you're wrong. But, I have an idea and it just might work." I whispered my plan to her, and she nodded. I pulled her into my room and hollered for Sky. Within a minute, she appeared, and I told her the plan. Quickly, I locked the door and we set to work.

  Almost an hour later, we were finishing up when Paul knocked on the door. I went over and cracked it just enough so he couldn't see Lola as Sky ushered her into the bathroom.

  "Dinner's almost ready. What are you doing in there?"

  "Okay. And don't worry about it, you'll see in a little bit. Can you send Clara up here though? I need her opinion on something."

  "Um, sure." Paul turned to go downstairs but stopped and looked at me. "Sometimes, you scare me babe. I don't know if it's good or bad."

  "Just go and send your mom up!" With that, I shut the door and we burst into a fit of giggles. A few minutes later, there was a soft knock on the door. I opened it and ushered Clara inside before locking it again.

  "May I present... Lola."

  Sky knocked twice on the bathroom door and pretended to be Vanna White as Lola emerged. She was dressed in one of my vintage sundresses, the color of raspberry against her sun kissed skin. Her hair was curled and pinned back on one side with a matching flower clip. She smil
ed shyly at Clara, Sky and I standing on either side of her.

  "What do you think?" I asked.

  "You look beautiful, Lola. You girls did a wonderful job. If Alpo doesn't get this hint, he's a fool for sure."

  I looked at her, my mouth hanging open in surprise. I'm pretty sure Lola and Sky had the same dumbfounded looks on their faces. Clara laughed.

  "Did you really think I wouldn't notice all the puppy looks you give him?" She asked, walking over to Lola and taking her hands. "I've known for years, darling. And I know you'd make a fine woman for Alpo. Now come. It's time for dinner."

  We followed her downstairs, Sky going first with me behind her, then Lola. Clara and Sky walked outside, but I stopped when I noticed Lola hesitating.

  "Hey. You look amazing. And he's stupid if he doesn't realize you're the one for him." I held out my hand and she took it. I gave her a squeeze before letting go and heading to the backyard. The conversations seemed to pause as every head turned to look at Lola, who blushed furiously. I gave her a thumbs up and a smile, which she returned. Clara spoke up at that point.

  "Lola, you look absolutely beautiful."

  She grinned and made her way to a table, passing Alpo whose mouth was open and gaping like a fish out of water. I nudged Paul, who noticed and looked at his best friend in confusion.

  Leaning over, I whispered in his ear what Lola had said and he grinned. He then nudged Alpo hard in the ribs, who nearly jumped out of his seat and snapped back to reality.

  "What was that for?"

  "You're drooling," Paul snickered, handing him a napkin.

  "No, I'm not," he growled before wiping his mouth self-consciously, earning a chuckle from Paul.

  "Maybe you should go snatch her up before someone else does," I said, leaning against Paul's back.

  "What if she says no?" Alpo hesitated.

  "Trust me, she won't." I winked playfully at him. He must have gotten the message because he stood up and smoothed out his jeans.

  "Here goes nothing," he said and walked over to her. I could see them talking, but couldn't hear what they were saying. Alpo held out his hand and Lola took it, letting him lead her toward the makeshift dance floor. He pulled her close as some slow song began to play. Paul chuckled in amusement.

  "Well, would you look at that. Alpo and Lola. I never thought I would actually see them together. They’re both pretty shy around each other. Good work, babe."

  "It’s the least I can do for them. They have both helped so much with Ava since we got here. I'm happy for them," I smiled at Lola's disbelieved expression as Alpo twirled her around.

  "I am too. Care to dance?" Paul asked, looking at me.

  "I'd love to," I took his hand. He pulled me toward him and began singing softly in my ear to Hero by Enrique Iglesias. I rested my head on his shoulder as we swayed to the music.

  "I love you, Jade."

  "I love you too, Paul.”

  * * * * *

  Everyone was still mingling and dancing in the backyard when I excused myself to check on Ava. Satisfied that she was still passed out, I quietly headed back downstairs, pausing when I noticed Skylar was sitting in the kitchen and didn't look up when I entered the kitchen. She seemed to be a little sad since the whole thing with Daniel blew up.

  I grabbed a couple of martinis from the refrigerator and sat down next to her at the island counter.

  "You okay, Sky?" I set a glass down in front of her.

  "Yeah. It's just a little weird... being newly single and all. Three years is a long time to be with someone, of course you know that. I’m not sure how to feel, I guess," she shrugged, still looking at her hands. She took a deep breath and looked at me. "How did you manage to get through the pain of breaking up with Paul?"

  "I had an amazing best friend who was there to make sure I didn't have a nervous breakdown. And I had a daughter who depended on me to take care of her." I smiled at my best friend and put my arm around her. "I'm here to help you and so is the rest of the family. You need something, just let us know. You’re a part of this family now, too. You don’t have to deal with things on your own, and you will never feel alone again. We’ll take care of each other, just like we always do."

  "Thanks, Jade. It means a lot to me," she smiled back and leaned her head on my shoulder. We sat there for a few minutes until we heard someone clear their throat beside us.

  We looked up and noticed a man in the doorway of the kitchen. He looked similar to Paul, except he had icy blue eyes and was a lot taller. I was fairly sure Skylar and I were both staring awkwardly at the mysterious man, who watched us bemusedly. Shaking my head, I managed to speak first.

  "May I help you...?"

  "I'm Nick. Do you know where Clara is?"

  "Out back," I pointed, and he noticed her through the patio door. He smiled at the sight of the older woman.

  "Thanks," he said before meeting Sky's gaze. "I'll see you later."

  With a wink at her, Nick walked out to the backyard and tapped Clara on the shoulder. She turned around and squealed, throwing her arms around his waist. We could hear her inside the kitchen.

  "Nick! I thought you weren't going to make it. Oh, you almost gave your mother a heart attack! You know better," she pretended to scold him, swatting his arm playfully. He laughed and hugged her.

  "I know I said I couldn't make it because I was going to Christine's cousin's wedding. But we had sort of gotten into a fight over it and now I’m here."

  "What do you mean, sort of had a fight?" Clara asked, concern in her eyes.

  "She broke off the engagement because I didn’t want to miss out on being here instead of going to the wedding," he said sheepishly. Clara closed her eyes and crossed herself like the Catholic woman she is.

  "Well, good riddance to her anyways. I never really liked her," she said, smiling at her oldest son. Paul walked over to his brother and shook his hand.

  "It's good to see you, Nick. Have you met my fiancée?"

  I grabbed Sky's hand and pulled her outside with me. Paul grinned and gestured to me; I gave a friendly wave as we walked over to the group. Nick smiled at us, looking slightly awed.

  "We just met in the kitchen, but I didn't catch her name. Or her beautiful friend," he winked at us playfully. Paul rolled his eyes.

  "This is Jade," he wrapped his arm around me. "And her friend is Skylar."

  "Nice to meet you both. Properly," he added teasingly, shaking our hands. As he held onto Sky's a little longer, Alpo came outside with Ava. She ran over to us and threw her arms around Paul's leg. Alpo looked a bit sheepish as he followed her over to where we were standing.

  "She woke up from her nap calling for you guys," he said, standing next to me. "I changed her top since she spilled juice down the front."

  "Thanks, Alpo. I really appreciate the help," I said, shooting a smile in his direction.

  "You're welcome. Hey Nick, I didn’t know you were making an appearance."

  "Hey Alpo. Me neither, but it was a last-minute decision, and the fact that I left Christine. Who's this little cutie?"

  "This is Ava," I beamed down at her.

  "Our daughter," Paul added. Nick's eyebrows went up in surprise and it was as if a light bulb clicked in his mind.

  "Oh, that’s right, you're the girl Paul was drooling after! It all makes sense now. Well, I'm glad to see he came to his senses about you," Nick teased his little brother, who glared in return. "Seriously though. I'm happy for you two. I hope the best."

  "Thank you," we said in unison, then laughed at each other. Clara beamed with happiness as everyone joined in the laughter.

  I excused myself to feed Ava and Sky followed us as Paul and Nick continued to talk with Alpo. We sat down at a table a few yards away from them and Sky kept sneaking glances at Nick. I laughed and shook my head.

  "Why don't you stop drooling and just go talk to him?" I asked, handing Ava a piece of fruit.

  "I don't know. I feel like maybe it's too soon to move on from Daniel," Sky
slumped back into her chair.

  "There's nothing wrong with being friends," I pointed out. “Besides, you deserve better than that lying scumbag. You should be happy, too.”

  "I hope I'm not interrupting," Nick cut in, looking from me to Sky. "I was wondering if I could steal Skylar away for a dance?"

  "Um, sure. I'd like that," Sky took his hand and shot me a smile as he led her to the dance floor. I giggled and turned my attention back to Ava. She was busy munching on a carrot when a crash followed by the sound of broken glass and screaming made me jump out of my skin.

  Paul and another man were on the ground, a table full of food broken underneath them. I held onto Ava as they got up on their feet and went for each other's throats. I couldn't get a good glimpse of the other man and it wasn't until I heard Sky scream for me that I knew who it was. My blood went instantly cold as the words left her mouth.

  "Jade, take Ava inside! It's Daniel!" Sky yelled, Nick holding her back. Without a second thought, I took off for the house with Lola on my heels. Once we got inside, she held her hands out for Ava.

  "I'll take her upstairs to her room. Go see if Paul is okay!"

  I handed Ava over and kissed her head before running back outside. The scene had escalated quickly in the few short minutes since then. Daniel and Paul both had their guns out, pointing at one another. Leo, Nick, and the other gang members present all had their guns drawn on Daniel. There was a look of crazy terror in his eyes, his gaze shifting from person to person. Sky was yelling at Daniel from behind Uncle Leo and Nick.

  “How could you do this to me, Daniel? You’ve lied and kept secrets from me the entire time we were dating! And you helped that sick man get away with kidnapping my best friend and her daughter? It’s over, we’re done! Just go away and leave us alone!”

  “It wasn’t like that, Skylar! You have to believe me!” Daniel looked at her, panic in his face. “I couldn’t tell you anything because I was trying to protect you! Please, Skylar. I can’t lose you too!”

  “Well, doesn’t that sound familiar, Alpo?” Paul asked, sarcasm heavy in his voice. “I remember someone telling me that I was a coward because I kept secrets from the woman I claimed to love. Isn’t that what he said?”