Chapter 132
It was obvious Elio was having a bad evening, and Massimo knew why.
“My doctor has a great skill of cutting directly to an issue,” Massimo said as he looked directly at his brother–in- law.
Judging by the jolt in Elio’s posture, Massimo knew he had guessed right. Elena’s words had struck Elio’s conscience and made him feel guilty for his words.
Massimo was extremely pleased that he had identified another person’s complex feelings on his own. He nearly smiled, but he stopped himself. He needed to deal with Elio’s current issue first.
“I would strongly suggest,” Massimo said, trying to mimic Elena’s slow and calm tone, “that you find your wife and apologize–remember why you got married in the first place as you’re talking to her.”
“Do you really think that will work?” Elio asked hesitantly.
“You’ll be taking action at least,” Massimo replied, “and a man who doesn’t go after what he wants is bound to lose them. No risk, no reward.”
“This is hardly a game of poker though,” Elio said.
“It isn’t,” Massimo agreed. “But my doctor has never misdiagnosed anyone. And I doubt that perfect record ends today with your wife, Elio.”
Elio steeled himself and, with a quick nod, he left the restaurant, too.
That left only Massimo and the two married couples at the table. Massimo did his best to continue the polite small talk and keep a relatively calm and casual atmosphere. As the dinner went on, he was less confident he did a good job at either task.
Massimo couldn’t stop thinking about how Elena would’ve chimed it or made a joke or just effortlessly created a pleasant atmosphere. His attempts to mimic her behavior were surely falling flat. Compared to how Elena would’ve done things, Massimo was almost definitely failing his guests when it came to social niceties.
Luckily, the dinner couldn’t go on forever. At the end of the meal, Massimo rose to shake hands with the other don at the table–as was the mafia tradition.
“You’ve been very accommodating to us today,” Nico said with a grin. “Don’t think we haven’t noticed or appreciated such efforts, especially considering how nasty things were between us just a few short months ago.”
Massimo picked up on the reference to the old traitor don, but he figured now was not the time to mention that man. Elena would probably think talking about near death experiences wasn’t polite conversation.
“I did what any host does,” Massimo simply replied.
“Still, you’ve been a wonderful host, and you’re not even in your territory,” Nico continued. He looked briefly at the restaurant door and his face fell.
“Tomorrow,” Nico promised, “the Conti family will show you and your doctor three times the hospitality and kindness you’ve shown today. You have my word on that.”
Massimo exited the restaurant and returned to the hotel lobby. He was surprised by how well the dinner had gone. He felt a smile start to creep up onto his lips.
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