me over the balcony and — "
"I'm right here!" Nathaniel tugged at my purse. "Don't give me a coronary."
"You? Shit. What about me?" D turned and walked back toward the kitchen as the sound of Marco laughing filled the hallway.
"I'm just practicing on how to win over this cop." I shrugged like my heart wasn't racing in my chest and walked out into the midmorning sun. It was beautiful, and springtime had shown up almost overnight. Flowers lined the edge of our property, and the brilliant reds and pinks my mother had chosen and planted the year before were a testament to her still being near us somehow.
"You're not going to have a problem winning over a man. Just be yourself." Nathaniel gave me a warm smile as I turned to look back at him.
"Why aren't you married? You're far too handsome to be single." I tilted my head and studied the blond-haired, blue-eyed hunk.
"I love my job, but it's dangerous. Until I find a woman that I love more and leave this life, I'm good with just dating here and there. Why, you offering?" He smirked.
D moved out onto the driveway and popped him in the stomach. "No, she's not. She's got a line of men waiting for her to whisper “Yes,” and you aren't even invited in the line. Get out of here, Izzy. You're making us crazy with that fucking dress."
"You flatter me." I lifted my key fob and hit the button, bringing my Porsche to life.
"Be safe, and come back here when you're done. I want to tell you what I've found out about your mother." He slipped his hands into his slacks and watched me with his dark gaze.
I wanted to kick off my ridiculously high heels and go back into the house to find out what he knew, but my father expected me to help fill this need we had, and I would — without fail.
"Tell me tonight then." I walked to the car and got in, letting out a quick sigh and checking myself in the rearview mirror to ensure that my makeup still looked perfect.
I waited a minute longer and pulled out of the long driveway, slowing only as I approached the edge of our massive property to get a closer look at the flowers.
"Beautiful," I whispered and blinked in quick secession to keep my tears from falling. I wouldn't soon get over losing her, but then again none of us would.
*
"Izzy. Good to see you again, dear." Armstrong Kelley stood up from the table he was sitting at in the center of La Griglia and gave me a warm hug.
"It's good to see you too." I smiled up at the large guy who'd been my father's best friend for as long as I could remember.
"Jonathan is running a little late, but I'll stay and visit until he gets here if you're okay with that."
"That sounds great." I moved toward the table and took the seat that Armstrong pulled out. "How is Joe? He seemed very much like himself at the funeral, but I know how much he loved your mother."
"He's doing okay, I think. He's pulled back a lot from the business, but I honestly had hoped that he and Mother would do that soon anyway. Everyone deserves the chance to retire." I glanced up at the server and ordered a water and glass of white wine.
"I agree, no matter what business you're in." He leaned back and dropped his hands into his lap. "Who's going to take his place when he's done? Marco? You? Demetri?"
"I'm not sure, though I would assume that Marco would be the best fit. D's never been one to sit behind a desk and order people around."
"This is true. I miss the days of being on the force and working with you guys. It was like the best of both worlds."
Another voice spoke up from behind us. "You reminiscing again, Dad?"
"I am." Armstrong chuckled and lifted his hand toward the handsome young cop dressed in a button down and slacks. "Izabella, this is my son, Jonathan."
"Nice to meet you." I lifted my hand and shook his firmly as he moved in to take the seat across from his father but next to me.
"Pleasure is all mine." His eyes moved across my face but never dropped any lower.
He was handsome but in a military sort of way. His green eyes were beautiful, his features very masculine and his hair cut in a tight buzz cut against his