“Antonio. Your brother has expressed concern for you. The both of us think it would be best if you finish your studies here in LA, where he can keep tabs on you.”
“Wha-” I raise my hands in exasperation, but he cuts me off with a glare that suggests I not test him. I’m not stupid, so I shut my mouth and drop my hands on my lap.
“You can intern at Neptune during this time, get a hands-on feel for the business, like you did this past summer while you complete school. If and when you complete school to the terms of Vince’s arrangement with you, then you may take over Neptune as he promised.”
I puff up my chest with a breath, ready to speak, but Vince continues quickly, knowing I’m gearing up to put up a fight.
“I will have my realtor look at some apartment options for you to keep you out of the tower and away from the mansion. That way, you can have some needed space to feel like you’re still on your own.”
“How generous.” I chide.
“Antonio San Giovani!” There's my father's anger I was waiting for. He’s become too serene in retirement.
“You will listen to your brother and follow his orders. He is your boss now. Understood?” I bite down on my tongue, punishing myself for being on the other end of Pops’ wrath again.
“Yes, sir.” I nod.
“And, while we’re at it,” Pops motions for Vince to continue.
“Yes,” Vince turns towards me, narrowing his eyes.
“I think a constant female presence in your life will be good for you. Jess has made me a better man, and in time—” I really hope he’s not about to say what I think he’s about to say.
“You’ll find that someone like Stella will be good for you. Marriage is-”
I can’t take it anymore, so I interrupt.
“Okay, hold up. I haven’t even taken this girl on a first date. Why the actual fuck are we talking about marriage.”
“Antonio.” My father scolds, but Vince gives him a look that says he’s got it. I scoff at this interaction. Like I’m some sensitive problem needing to be dealt with.
“A union between the Lombardis and San Giovannis could mean their regaining of territory in New York. The entire family— Madame Lombardi, her daughter-in-law’s family, three sons, and their families— are going to bring us aid. A new era is a lot harder than the glamorous concept I presented last year,”
“Do tell me, oh great and wise one.” I roll my eyes, and he ignores my sarcastic interest.
“Marriage to their family also means we can permanently push the cartels out of LA. That’s a major step, Antonio. This is a trusted position of authority we are giving you. It’s vital for the new era.” Oh, goody. I love being talked down to and told about things I could easily comprehend without him shoving it down my throat.
“So what next? When’s my wedding?” I hope he regrets giving me this responsibility.
“Well, we can wait on that for a second.” He acts like I’m being serious. Surely, he hasn’t lost his sense of social awareness. Clearly, he’s taking me at face value to be even more insufferable.
“What I wanted to add to our deal is that if you can successfully unify our families and graduate Harvard with honors, then you can take over Neptune, no questions asked.” He says this like it’s a good thing, like he hasn’t just changed the entire deal to get what he wants. I suck in my bottom lip, holding in the burning urge to yell in their faces.
“Do we have a deal?” He tilts his head down, trying to meet my eyes that have found the floor.
“Yeah. Fuck it.” I grit. More like fuck me.