Amy Carnevale Jamie Fuller Novels & Stories

I figured that was a safe option and considering that I was to the point of starving, I didn't care what late as long as it would fill me up. Cain turned back to the speaker and ordered the food, speaking German to the sleepy-sounding woman who was taking the order. "Drink?" He asked. "Water." He finished the order and pulled around to the window. The woman handed us the bag of our food as he handed her his card to pay for it. Smelling the hot, salted fries made my mouth water instantly. I rummaged through the bag to find Cain had ordered two boxes of nuggets and ample amounts of fries.

The aroma of fried bacon hung in the air. "Big match today. Wondered when you'd be by to fill up those engines," an older waitress said while she grabbed two menus. Joel gave her a brief hug before introducing us. "Maggs, this is Cami Avesque from a Cleveland newspaper doing some articles on The Slam." Maggs didn't look twice at my dress. With a warm smile she shook my hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm glad you brought this man in for his meal. It's good luck for him to eat our half a pig, dozen egg special before a match."

Carmela may have meant that as a joke but it was very sensitive, she has no idea what Leila has had to endure, being seen as an impostor in that position. Leila's heart lurches and she glances at Carmela, then at Tatum who holds a completely emotionless look in his eyes, sitting beside Carmela, while she, his wife, sits at the far end of the table. “You should try the beef kebabs Carmi, they’re very good,” Tatum says to break the eerie silence that followed Carmela’s joke, his cold eyes lighting up with affection as he put the food in Carmela’s mouth with his hands.

Bert didn't say a word after receiving delivery of them last week. I glance sideways to see Jack is staring at Carmela’s face openly, and shamelessly. “What the hell . . .” I mutter under my breath. I try to kick him under the table but there's vacuum down there. Carmela notices Jack staring too and gives him a lively smile. Jack extends his hand. “Jack Travis. And you are, bellissima.” Carmela raises an eyebrow. “Carmela Giuseppe. Dana is your sister?” “Jackpot.” Jack attempts an Italian accent but it comes out sounding terribly off. “Ah, Carmela . . . bella Carmela. You paint-a da soul, no? I see it in your eyes. Deep-a like da Mediterranean.”