“I look good,” Carina announced, completely content to be a fool in a way only she could be as she opened the car door. “You’re the one who sticks out.”
When they got into the car, Brianna worked on folding and condensing their supplies into the large travel bag Carina bought. It was a nice distraction against every mile that brought them closer and closer to Tino.
She brushed her hair at least fifteen times.
She tried the concealer, but it was too dark for her fair skin.
She tried Carina’s lipstick, but something about the deep red hue had her rubbing at her lips with a tissue, trying to get the stain off because it looked all wrong in the light of day. It reminded her of stage makeup, which caused a fresh bout of anxiety.
“Oh my God, what am I gonna do about the show?”
“You needed a break.”
“Not this kind of break,” Brianna snapped at her. “This is a ‘lose my job’ break. I can’t just disappear.”
“It’ll make the understudy’s life. Consider it a pay-it-forward type of thing,” Carina suggested.
“Carina, I know you understand,” Brianna chastised, because Carina might not have to work another day in her life, but she did understand what it was like to have a gig she loved.
“I’m sorry,” Carina whispered, her voice cracking, making it obvious she was tinkering on the verge of tears like Brianna was. “I’m sorry my nonno is doing this to you. I’ll fix it. I’ll call him or—”
“That’s a bad idea.” Brianna instantly forgot about her job. “I don’t think you should trust him anymore, baby. I think that might be dangerous.”
“No. He loves me.” She sounded broken and childlike, which was helped along by the big glasses still covering most of her face. “He was just confused or something.”
“And Tino?” Brianna couldn’t help but point out. “Does your nonno love him?”
“My family is complicated,” Carina argued. “But things work out.”
“Usually with someone dead,” Brianna reminded her, because they were all still reeling over Nova killing their father a few years back. Moretti family disputes were deadly. “Do not call your nonno. Promise.”
Carina was quiet for a long time.
When she did talk, she whispered, “Fine,” because she was world wise and savvy about survival, even on days when it hurt her. “Don’t worry. Nova will probably ice him too and solve the problem. The way I’m going, I’m not gonna have any family left.”
“I’m your family,” Brianna said softly, knowing that Carina had a lot of reasons to be every bit as upset as her. “I’ll always be your family.”
“I know,” Carina agreed with another sad smile. “Why do you think I’m dragging my happy ass through Kentucky?”
Chapter Four
Garnet County
So, there was Kentucky country.
And then there was Garnet country.
The latter was much more country than Brianna had anticipated. She wasn’t real sure how Tino, the original New Yorker, had survived here for almost three years.
She was sort of horrified.
Carina, of course, was predictably enamored with it since the small town was new and shiny and completely different from what she was used to. So because of that, they ended up in an old-fashioned diner in what Brianna assumed was the midtown of Garnet.
Carina unrolled her silverware and fidgeted with putting it in place as their waitress walked up.
“Hi, my name’s Nancy. I can take your order if you’re ready. Sorry for the delay. We’re on a light crew. They’re having a party down at the cellar.” The waitress put waters in front of them. “Where are y’all from?”
“New York,” Brianna said as she studied the menu. “Can I just have a salad? Maybe with grilled chicken and some lemon juice.”
“Order real food,” Carina snapped. “You’re gonna lose your job anyway.”
“Oh, thank you, Carina.” Brianna glared over the edge of her menu. “’Cause my nerves aren’t already frayed.”
“I think I want fried chicken and biscuits and gravy.” Carina looked up at Nancy with a smile, because Carina was one of those irritating women who could eat whatever she wanted and still have a body to die for. “Is it really good? Like sinfully good? Better than sex?”
“It’s so good,” Nancy assured her. “You know, we got some fellas here who’re from New York.”
“No kidding,” Carina said conversationally, her eyes wide in mock surprise. “What’re they’re names? Maybe we know them?”
“That would be a coincidence.” The waitress laughed. “Romeo Wellings. He’s famous. He used to be a big deal in MMA.”
“Wellings.” Carina looked at the ceiling, as if rolling it over in her mind. “He sounds sorta uptight. Probably not my kinda crew.”
“He’s got a brother, Tino Moretti. He’s a fighter too.”
“Oh, well, with a last name like that, he’s probably unnaturally good-looking and charming.” Carina batted long eyelashes at the waitress. “I heard things about Morettis.”
“Honestly, he is one to look at.” The waitress giggled. “You don’t even know.”