ELENORA

"COMING!" I shout, rushing to the door after washing my face mask off.

Why is it that someone always shows up when you are completely indisposed? I check the peep hole and see Ruben. He grins back at me then leans in, giving me a closeup of his eyeball. I shake my head, smiling before I open the door.

"Happy Birthday, girl!" He hands me a bouquet of flowers and balloons.

"Thanks Ruben, you didn't have to get me anything." I place the items on the counter and give him a hug.

"Well, this is embarrassing, 'cause I didn't get you any of that. I just got you this." He smiles sheepishly as he hands me a gift card to the coffee shop around the corner.

"Hey, I love that place, so thank you!" I hug him again, not liking that he's embarrassed by his gift.

"So, who's your secret admirer?" Ruben looks over the flowers and balloons and he wiggles his eyebrows as he picks up the card, clearly wanting me to open it in front of him.

"What?"

"You've been getting a lot of gifts, notes lately," he points out and I scrunch my eyebrows realizing he's right, but I've been so preoccupied about the dumpster fire that is my life that I haven't paid attention.

"Open the card," he urges me.

I rip the back of the envelope and pull the small card out reading the short note:

"Thinking of you on your special day."

"Mrs. Jones told me you have a new friend?" Ruben winks at me. "Are these from him?"

I roll my eyes. "No, I don't. You know how she likes to spread shit around."

I turn the card over to see where or who it came from, but it's blank. "And 'the friend' Mrs. Jones is referring to, doesn't know it's my birthday. It's probably a client." I tell him, but an unsettling feeling comes over me as I look over the stack of mail.

"Speaking of clients, I'm still a client right? I mean, we planned for our family photos around the holidays, but I'd have to book something now, considering how fast availability fills up," Ruben tells me.

"Yes, of course. I'll put you down to take your family pictures." I smile.

"So what's the plan for tonight?" He asks and then he gets serious. "Please tell me you do have plans to go out for your birthday."

I roll my eyes at how serious he suddenly sounds. "Yes, I'm going out. Clara is probably on her way over, will you send her up when she gets here, please?"

"You got it," he assures me. "Well, have fun, but not too much!"

I wait for him to close the door as he leaves then start going through the mail that's been collecting. I sift out four letters that were delivered in the mail without a return address and then the large envelope that Ruben gave me a couple days ago.

My name and address is typed on each one. The first is dated two weeks after I left to stay with my parents. My hands tremble as I open it.

"Where did you go?"

The second note is post-dated a month after.

"Enjoy your vacation while you can."

The third letter is dated last month.

"I will find you, Elenora."

My breathing has accelerated and my hands are shaking so much that I struggle to open the last envelope. "Your parents can't protect you. We have unfinished business."

I drop the note and hold onto the counter, as the ground begins to sway under me. I jump and scream at the loud knock on my door. I move fast, snatching up my purse and pull out the small knife.

"Nora! Open up, it's Clara!"

Relief floods through me as I rush to open the door. "Happy Bir—"

I cut her off as I wrap my arms around her. "Nora, I can't breathe, girl!" She laughs, but then concern takes over her features when she pulls away. "What's wrong? You look so pale."

My eyes scan both directions of the hallway before I pull her into the apartment. "I have to tell you something."

A worry line appears in between her eyebrows as she waits for me to continue. "I...I've been getting these random notes...gifts." She takes the notes from my hands and scans over them; the worry line deepens.

"This rose came the night of the speed dating event." I gesture at the wilting single rose sitting on my island counter in the kitchen. "These came today." I glance at the balloons and the bouquet of flowers.

"And then there's this." I hold open the large unopened envelope.

"Well, let's open it." Clara grabs the envelope from my hand and tears it open. Photographs spill on to the floor. I bend down and pick them up looking over the black and white photos of me.

"What the hell is all this?" Clara looks over my shoulder.

I can't hear anything other than the sound of my heart. "You don't think it's the guy who—"

I jump when my phone rings. But I look back at Clara answering her unfinished question. "They never caught him, remember?"

"Have you told your parents?"

"Are you kidding? This is exactly the reason they want me to marry that ridiculous Paolo. If I show them these, they'll force me to marry him tonight!" I shriek.

"Easy, take a deep breath, Nora." Clara inhales deeply and then exhales and tells me to do the same.

"What about the police?"

I shake my head. "What good did they do last time? But I guess it isn't their fault there was no evidence or leads on who attacked me."

My phone rings again and it's Jackie. One more deep breath and I answer it, hoping I won't sound as panicked as I feel.

"Happy Birthday, Nora!" Both Jackie's and Luna's voices come through the speaker and I cringe.

"Get your ass over here, Nora!" Luna says. "I know you're still pissed at Pop and Ma, and you don't want to see Paolo, but they're still your parents and they miss you and want to see you for your birthday."

"What's keeping them from visiting her here?" Clara jumps to my defense.

I smile at her, but considering what I just found, I want to see my parents. I know I can't tell them about it, but I know that at least seeing them will comfort me. "I'll go but only for a little bit."

"Good, see you soon, then!" Jackie says before the call ends.

After I get ready, we rush out into the hallway. I try to close my door quietly, but as always, Mrs. Jones has the hearing of a bat and her door opens as I turn, trying to push Clara forward.

"Oh, there you are, Nora," Mrs. Jones comments as I groan. "Well, hello Clara it's been a while, how have you been?"

"I'm good, Mrs. Jones and yourself?"

"I can't complain, but my sciatica has been acting up. I think it's the change in the weather. Nora, I haven't been able to catch you since you had that handsome man here the other night." She winks at me and I see Clara from the corner of my eye look at me with curiosity.

"Yes, I've been busy trying to get back into the swing of things and I've had a few jobs lined up so..." I give Clara a tiny shove to get her walking again.

"And how is Federico? I haven't seen him come by at all. Please tell me you didn't drive him away dear." I have to clench my jaw to keep from snapping at her. "He seems like such a nice man, looking after you that night and he stayed for some time after, too."

I never wanted to hit an old person more than I do at this moment.

"I know it's hard to trust your feelings after heartbreak, but if there's one thing I've learned in my seventy three years is, love is always worth the risk; trust me dear," she advises.

I plaster on a smile. "I will keep that in mind, thank you Mrs. Jones, but we really must be going now."

"Oh, yes, I see you're all glammed up, it's your birthday dear, isn't it? Having a girls night out?"

"Yes we are," Clara smiles.

"Ah, I remember all the fun I used to have with my girlfriends, those were the good ol' days. We'd get so drunk we couldn't remember how we got home or who we'd wake up next to sometimes." She chuckles.

"Anyway, you two enjoy yourselves and be safe." She finally retreats into her apartment.

"So, when were you going to tell me you had Federico over?" Clara clicks her tongue as she watches me when we enter the elevator.

"It's not what you think, he drove me here after that dinner where I tried to tell my parents I wasn't going through with the arrangement. And of course, Mrs. Jones being who she is, took it upon herself to introduce herself and spill details of my failed relationship to him. And I haven't talked to him since. So don't give me that look."

"Be careful around him. Word is Rico's been arrested for drugs and some other petty crimes. He's been to prison, Nora."

"He has?"

Clara nods. "You know that double date I went on with Jackie and Luca, before he ghosted her like a fucking douche? Well, Luca didn't go into detail but he told us Federico nearly beat someone to death and should still be in jail because of it. But because of the family name, he only served an eighteen month sentence. He was nineteen when it happened but he turned his life around when he got out, and went to Columbia with Luca."

I process the information carefully and realize how stupid I was to be alone with him. I don't know anything about him and now with this small piece of information, I know I should stay away from him.

"Well, considering I can't stand him, you don't have to worry. But speaking of Luca, what do you think happened? He seemed so into Jackie."

Clara scoffs. "Another one bites the dust. Fucking men."

"Nora, que hermosa te ves!" Ruben exclaims from behind his desk and smiles at us. (you look beautiful)

"Thank you, Ruben."

"Have fun and be safe!" He calls out as we walk through the doors.

______________

When we pull up to my parents house, I narrow my eyes when I recognize the fancy Italian car parked outside the house. "What's he doing here?" My heart rate quickens realizing he's here again and I doubt it's a coincidence.

"Who?"

"Rico."

"Are you sure that's his car?"

"Positive," I tell Clara as we step out of the SUV and I instruct our Lyft driver to wait while I go in and talk to my parents.

"Maybe he's a new client for your dad?"

Something tells me that's not the case. I mentally prepare myself to face him remembering our last conversation in my apartment.

"Nora, Happy Birthday big sister!" Maya, the youngest of my sisters runs to us, when we walk in through the front door. I nearly fall as she slams into me, making me lose my balance.

Luna and Jackie walk down the stairs also wishing me a 'happy birthday' again.

"Ma and Pop are in the study with Mr. Tie me up, tie me down." Luna wiggles her eyebrows.

"Are you guys talking about Paolo?" Maya questions.

Luna laughs. "What? No. I meant Federico Barone, hello?" Maya shrugs and skips into the kitchen.

"Hurry up Nora, the club gets packed quickly and I don't want to wait outside for hours if we are going to dinner first," Jackie states.

I head to the study, and I notice the door is open when I hear the voices within.

"I am sorry for not fulfilling my end of the bargain, but after much consideration, I do not think I or my family can provide the protection you are seeking, Signor Borelli," Paolo states, his Italian is hard to pick up with how fast he's speaking.

"Yes, I understand, Paolo. But perhaps this is for the best, things have not been the same with Elenora since that night you arrived. And Federico has made an alternative offer that we feel will better protect our family against the threats from the Gallo's." My father responds and my mind is working overtime trying to process everything I'm hearing.

Paolo chuckles. "Of course, but I do not think Signorina Elenora will like this offer either. Everyone in this room has seen and knows how strong willed and stubborn she is."

"She will fight this as hard as the arrangement with Paolo," My mother agrees.

"Let me worry about Elenora," Rico responds in Italian. "She is headstrong, but I think she'll come around with time, considering this arrangement could mean the difference between life and death for you and your family. I may not know her that well, but her pride will not stand in the way of doing what's necessary to protect her family."

Life or death? What is he talking about? And threats? What threats? Do they know about the letters?

"In the meantime, Signor Borrelli, I would suggest you increase your security. And I would be happy to supply you with some manpower if necessary, just say the word. From personal experience, threats from the Gallo's should be taken seriously."

"If there was only a way to change the past." My father sighs.

"You couldn't have known this would happen, amore," My mom consoles him.

I've eavesdropped long enough and knock before I walk in, avoiding the resentment filled glare thrown my way by my nonno. My parents' surprised faces turn into smiles as their eyes shine with tears. "Elenora, we're so happy to see you. You look beautiful, tesoro mio." My father stands walking around his desk and engulfs me in a huge hug. (My treasure)

He pulls back and kisses my head and then my mother hugs me. "We've missed you, cucciola." (little cub) She pulls my face down to pepper it with kisses. "This dress is a little short, no?"

I sigh, fighting not to roll my eyes. "If you're going to lecture me on what I'm wearing, I can't wait to hear what you're going to say when you see Luna's dress." If you can even call it a dress, but then again, I've always admired her confidence.

"Signorina Elenora." Paolo grabs my hand in his sweaty one and kisses it. "A pleasure to see you again, you look absolutely ravishing." His eyes move down over the champagne lace halter neck bodycon dress I'm wearing.

I pull my hand from his, wiping it discreetly. "Thank you."

"What's he doing here?" I refer to Rico and my nonno makes an angry growling sound.

"Nora, manners please," My mom mutters.

"Oh, I'm sorry, forgive me. What the hell is Signor Barone doing here?" I fake a smile at my parents then direct it at Rico before I let it fall from my face. My father stands when he sees my nonno moving towards me and gets in his path, surprisingly.

Rico chuckles in apparent amusement. "Just here for some business, nothing to worry your pretty little head about, Elenora."

I narrow my eyes back at him before I turn to my parents. "Can we talk?" Their eyes flicker to Rico and Paolo. "Alone?"

"Actually, I'm glad you are here, cuore mio," My dad tells me. "Please have a seat." He gestures to the couch. I take a seat and Rico plops himself down next to me, resting his arm along the back of the couch. (my heart)

"To cut to the chase, the arrangement with Paolo is over." My father pauses as he clears his throat. "As you know I started as a criminal defense attorney for the first five years of my career before I switched to corporate business. I had worked on a case where it ended with me sending one of the mafia's prominent leaders at the time to prison.

"During the trial, the Don had his family and associates intimidate me and my team to drop the case, or to do whatever necessary to cause a mistrial. The things they did then were horrific but we pushed through. However, the case made me realize, if I continued, I would make more enemies. You and Jackie were so little then and I didn't want anything to come back to you and your mamma and that's why I moved over to the business side of law."

"Who are they? Are you saying you sent someone to prison who was innocent?"

"No, they were very much in the wrong as much as the members of the family I was defending at the time. I just happened to do my job better." My father shrugs casually. Rico makes a sound with his tongue but I focus more on what my father is telling me. "But the family of the Don I sent to prison and other associates from the same circle they run with are making it known they are now coming for me and my family."

"How are they making it known? With threats? And why now?"

He looks at my mom with concern, she gives him a subtle nod before he continues.

"This happened more than twenty years ago." He sighs running a hand through his salt and pepper hair and stress is etched on his face. "But a couple of months ago the brakes were taken out of one of the cars I was driven home in. Luckily, Carlo was able to plow into a field and the muddy conditions helped us get traction and stop the vehicle.".

"Why didn't you tell us?"

"I didn't want to worry you, and you were going through your own troubles." My dad looks back at me with sorrowful eyes. 

"I've kept in touch with my old colleagues from the defense team we had on that particular case. And they have also received threats, or have been assaulted coming or leaving from work. One of them died from their injuries. And now their families are also being attacked, cucciola." He leans forward with a steady gaze. (little cub)

"These people, they've started sending pictures of you, your sisters and your mother, when you are outside of the home, letting me know they are watching us."

I feel a chill run through me, maybe this is connected to the notes and pictures I've received too. But I shake off the thought as soon as I have it. No, it can't be. The notes give off the impression that whoever it is, they know me. My focus shifts when Rico's fingers graze the exposed part of my shoulders and I shrug him off and lean forward.

"But you're still with the mafia papà, why won't they protect you after all the work you've done for them?"

He runs his hands down his face. "I cut ties with a lot of the families when I switched to being a business lawyer, cara. And to some, I'm seen as a traitor because of it. They have their own codes, believe it or not." (dear)

I scoff and then feel Rico's fingers tracing patterns on my back so scoot forward more so he can't keep touching me. "And what does this have to do with Rico?" I glance at him and his gaze is focused on my father as he rubs his index finger over the stubble of his jawline, resting his elbow on the arm of the couch.

Paolo mutters something in Italian I can't really hear, but it sounded like. "Here we go."

"Your mother and I accepted an alliance with him and his family. Hoping it deters our enemies from continuing with their threats knowing we are associates of the Barone's since they are a high profile and respectable family. They would not do something that would bring attention to them from the media," My father tells me. He leans back as he awaits my reaction.

I look over at Rico, who turns his gaze lazily to me, and a slow smile spreads across his face. "And what kind of alliance are we talking about?" I question before I turn back to my father.

"Well," My father's eyes flicker between Rico and I. "You will need to appear as if you and Rico are involved...dating."

I can not believe this is happening again. "What? How is this different from being engaged to Paolo?"

"There it is," Paolo says under his breath.

My father holds his hands up. "It's just for appearances, Elenora."

"Why me? Pick Luna, she'd jump at the chance!"

"Oh no." My mom shakes her head. "Luna is much too young. You are much closer in age to Federico." And then her eyes light up as if she has an epiphany. "More so now, since it's your birthday cara mia." She stands and gives me another hug as I groan. (my dear)

"Had I known it was your birthday, I would have brought you a present, bella." Rico stands and engulfs me in a hug, pinning my arms to my sides. He dips his head down and places a kiss under my ear discreetly away from the eyes of my parents. I squirm to get out of his hold. (beautiful)

"You're already failing at being a boyfriend, shocking," I state in my bitchiest tone; he lets me go and the corner of his mouth lifts.

"How old are you, anyway?" He brushes some stray hairs back from my face and I move my head back. I want to respond that it's none of his business, but I know my parents will answer even if I don't.

"Twenty three."

"Hm, you look much older than you are. Maybe it's all the makeup you're wearing tonight."

I catch the look my parents exchange from the corner of my eye, as they watch our interaction. I scowl at Rico, surprised at his rudeness in front of my parents and fold my arms. "And how old are you?"

"Guess?"

"If I went by your immaturity, I'd say twelve."

"Nora!" My mother exclaims, while Rico laughs.

"I'm twenty-eight."

"Oof," I suck in some air. "I would have said older, too. Guess it's true what they say, prison ages you." The cocky smile on Rico's face drops. He wasn't expecting me to know about his little prison vacation, apparently.

"Tell me, what's the longest relationship you've had? A few weeks? Months? Or is it the eighteen months you spent in prison being someone's bitch?" I smirk. The fire behind his eyes burns bright and hot as he levels me with a heavy stare, his jaw muscles ticking away.

"Elenora Maria Borelli!" My mother exclaims in shock.

"If you don't control this degenerate daughter of yours I will!" My nonno shouts pointing his finger at my father.

"I'm so lucky to have a family who thinks so low of me to first try to marry me off to someone who only wants to use me as a breeder and now wants me to be involved with a psychotic criminal." I look back at my parents. "How long will this charade last?"

My father sighs in frustration. "Until things settle down, maybe a few months. There will be a few family dinners and events you must attend to sell the image and in the meantime, maybe I can figure out a way to appease them without it leading to any more violence." It's clear he doesn't believe his own words.

My life has completely turned to shit. I stand there for a few moments before I turn to leave. "Nora, where are you going?" My mother asks me.

I look over my shoulder at them before I reach the door. "I'm going to go celebrate my birthday by getting stupid drunk, whoring it up and praying I either get knocked up, alcohol poisoning or I slip into an alcohol induced coma; all three options are better than pretending I'm in love—let alone—like this asshole." I hold up the peace sign over my head as I walk out.

***