several times and is considering moving to the DC area to be closer to Jesse.
His parents haven’t flown out, but we have been to Kentucky to see them three times with a plan for a fourth visit around Christmas.
Every morning, he leaves for work in the metro area while I have a job closer to home at an accounting firm. It’s a family-run business that handles personal accounts as opposed to corporate. It’s a nice place to work and perfect for me.
I climb in the shower and wash my hair, listening as Jesse comes in and brushes his teeth. When he’s done, he climbs into the shower with me as I’m rinsing the conditioner.
He starts washing me while I put shampoo in his hair. When it’s rinsed out, I lather him up, and then we kiss until our fingers are prunes.
This is what we do.
Sienna says we’re pathetic and too codependent. I have yet to argue with her. We were a couple brought together by the need to escape. We protected one another. He killed for me, and I took a bullet for him. If that doesn’t bond two people, then I don’t know what does.
While our cocoon in Maryland has been wonderful, I am happy to be back in New York to see my family.
Tonight, I’ll see my father outside of prison for the first time in eighteen months.
Jesse and I spend the day driving around. I have a few shops I want to go to and buy a new dress for tonight, and I really need to see my hairdresser for a fresh set of highlights. We shop for a few hours and have lunch at a restaurant on the water, and then he drops me off at the salon. While I’m getting beautified, he busies himself doing … well, I have no idea what he’s doing, and I’m okay with that. By the time I leave, I have a gorgeous blowout on my caramel-coated mane along with a manicure and pedicure done. I changed at the salon and slid my heels back on.
When Jesse picks me up, he’s changed into a black suit with a white shirt and no tie.
“Gorgeous, as always,” he says as he holds the car door open for me.
I slide into the passenger seat. “Few things feel as good as a fresh set of highlights.”
“I can think of a few,” he teases as he turns the car on.
We drive up the winding hilltop and through the gates of Villa Russo. The attendant is at my door as Jesse gets out of the driver’s side.
When we’re inside, my uncles are on us like tonight’s occasion is in our honor.
“There’s our girl.” Uncle Joey is the first to hug me while another uncle shakes Jesse’s hand. I’m surprised they knew we were coming.
Uncle Enzo puts his hands up in the air like he’s being arrested. “Careful. The Fed is in the house. Cut your wires and hide your weapons,” he jokes, and everyone laughs.
My aunts are all full of lovely words about how pretty I look and ask about my new place in Maryland. A few want to know why there isn’t a ring on my finger. I try not to act uncomfortable as I explain that we’re not in a rush while Jesse approaches my uncle Frankie and shakes his hand. They’re chattering in light conversation while my aunt is chatting in my ear about how old I’m getting and if I want to start a family.
Sienna is at my rescue, pulling me up to the bar. “Damn, girl, I missed you like crazy. You’ve been home for an entire day, and I’m only seeing you now!”
I laugh as I slide onto my stool. “I had things to do. Plus, we have all day tomorrow. You’re coming to the barbecue at my parents’, right?”
“Of course. The entire family. This is like one crazy, long celebration.”
“I know,” I say with a smile. It’s an exciting time.
A bartender walks up and gives Sienna her usual. I haven’t been here in a while, so he doesn’t know me or what I’d like.
“She’ll take a Moscow mule. Use the fresh-squeezed lime juice, not the bottled stuff,” Jesse says as he slides an arm onto the back of my chair.
Sienna shimmies her shoulders. “I knew you two would end up together. You’re like the perfect couple. I’m so envious. Jesse, do you have any hot cop friends? I badly need a hook-up.”
He laughs. “You think your father would be