Undressed By The Mafia God novel Chapter 417

Chapter 417: I’m Sorry To Do This

David gave a polite smile. "I’m sorry to do this, but I own the property opposite your store."

"Oh, you bought Heritage Slices?" Vee asked. Her tone was polite enough, but her eyes were already measuring him.

"Uh, yes," David said, giving a modest little smile. "I... uh... might need your help."

Vee stared at him. Tony looked up from the counter. "You want me to help you?" Vee asked slowly. "We are competitors."

David laughed quickly and lifted both hands. "Oh no, no, no. I know nothing about pizzas. It’s just a café," he said. "Coffee, tea, parfaits, ice cream, youghurt, that kind of thing."

"So what do you want?"

"I’m new around here," David said. "Don’t really know anyone yet, so I was thinking we could have some sort of arrangement."

"What arrangement?"

"If my customers need slices of pizza to go with their drinks, you could have them delivered. It’s just a short walk. I would rather support a neighbour than start making terrible pizza myself."

Vee glanced toward the front window. Across the street, Heritage Slices looked bright and clean. A café there could bring foot traffic. Foot traffic meant customers. Customers meant Scalese Pizza might live again, despite the whispers. "We aren’t open right now. I just came by to discuss with Tony here about managing the shop."

Tony straightened slighty.

"I own the place with my sister," Vee continued, "and she is expecting a baby. I have other commitments, so I guess you are in Tony’s hands now."

David glanced briefly at Tony. "I hope they are capable hands."

"The best," Vee said without hesitation. "He has been with Scalese Pizza for years now."

"I will see you around, Miss Scalese."

"Apparently, you’re across the street, so yes. Very likely."

His smile widened a little. "When I get the staff settled in, I will invite you over for a cup of coffee. I’ll keep tea available too in case. And congratulations for your sister."

"Of course. Thank you."

David gave one final polite nod and walked out of the shop. The bell jingled above the door as he stepped back onto the sidewalk, crossed the street, and returned to his new shop, Heritage cafe.

Only then did her guard relax. This was the life she had to get used to now. Being suspicious of every stranger who came within a foot of her.

She turned away from the window and looked at Tony. "What do you think?"

He shrugged. "I think it will help us get some more people in here. Or at least get orders."

Vee looked around the shop. The repairs were good. Better than she expected. The walls had been repainted, the counter polished, the broken glass replaced. The old warmth was coming back slowly. "You really think people will come?"

Tony’s face softened. "People love pizza, Vee. They forgive almost anything for good pizza."

She smiled faintly, then grew serious again. "So you think you can manage this by yourself? We will only come in a few days a week or whenever our schedules allow."

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