“I guess so. I love City, but I love my girls too.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that, Suzy. It’s good to have some time apart. I’ve spent as much time with anyone as I do with Michael. I mean I love him, fuck most days I can’t get enough of him, but I needed tonight,” Mia said as she leaned back in the chair, resting her head against the high chair back.
“Are things okay with you two?” I asked, concerned about them. I loved Mike and adored Mia. I wanted them around and loved any time we were all able to hang out. Between all of our work schedules, it wasn’t easy.
“Yeah, things are great. Sometimes we get in arguments, but that’s when he wants to pull his man bullshit and I eventually put him in his place.” She laughed, bringing the cup to her lips. “Gallo men are a breed their own.”
“Yeah, no truer words have ever been spoken.”
“Are you ready for the wedding?” she asked me, tilting her head and twirling the cup in her hand.
“Ready as I’ll ever be.”
“You have that need for control like Mike. It’ll go off without a hitch, Suzy. Every Gallo will make sure it does. I’ll help too. I’ll do anything you need that day.”
“Thanks so much, Mia. I just want it to be perfect.”
“Perfection is overrated,” she said, smiling at me.
“On my wedding day, I don’t think it is,” I said, my stomach turning at the thought of anything going wrong.
“Suzy, it’s life’s imperfections that stand out and make memories. They’re what great stories are made of and we’ll tell them over and over again. Imperfections make the world more interesting. Think of about your relationship with City, how you began. Was it perfect?”
I shook my head, the power of her words calming my rumbling stomach. “Hardly. We hit some bumps along the road.”
“Does it make your love story less worthy or the journey less sweet?” Mia asked.
“No, it makes me hold on tighter thinking of what I could’ve lost.”
“Perfection isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Just enjoy the day. All that matters is that you’re husband and wife at the end of it all. Not if the cake was perfect or if the seating chart was right. Just Joe and you becoming one.”
I leaned forward, wrapping my arms around her. “You’re right, Mia. Everything else is trivial. Thank you for your kind words. I couldn’t have picked a more perfect person for Mike.”
“There’s that perfect word again. I’m far from it, but we’re a good fit,” she said, hugging me back. “Now, I’m ready to party my ass off with the girls and worry about the men and wedding later. You in?” she asked, releasing me.
“All in. Let’s do it,” I said, standing to find Izzy and Sophia. I was ready to dance. Clearly, I had too much to drink.
Chapter 6 ~ Making My Mark
“I can’t believe that shit can even be done,” Anthony said, holding his stomach as he laughed.
“She has mad skills,” Mike shook his head, all of us still stunned.
“When she shot that thing out of her pussy, I almost shit a brick.” Anthony scrubbed his hand across his face, shaking his head.
“A ping pong ball. Jesus Christ, I’ll never be able to see anyone play that fucking game again.” Mike grabbed the beer from the cup holder and downed it.
We were safely on the limo bus after a rather interesting trip to some shit ass dive strip club in Tampa. It wasn’t my idea of a good time, but since Mike and Anthony planned the entire night, I sat back and tried to enjoy the ride. I felt guilty watching strippers knowing that Suzy was off enjoying a peaceful night with the girls. Izzy promised me that they were just going for drinks and maybe dancing and that they’d be staying in a hotel room so they wouldn’t drink and drive.
“Why the fuck aren’t you talking?” Bear said as he nudged Tank.
I shook my head, laughing at the mix of guys on this bus. For some unknown reason, Mike and Anthony decided to invite Bear, Tank, and a few other guys from the Neon Cowboy. They knew each other from Inked since they were not only friends but also clients.
“I’m talking. Just listening about the pussy show.” I glared at Bear and then looked at Tank, tilting my head while I studied his face. “What the fuck is that smirk for?”
“You’re so pussy whipped.” Tank tipped his glass, his smirk turning into a smile. The corner of his eyes wrinkled as he chuckled and took a swig of beer.
“Fuck off,” I growled. “I’m not pussy whipped. Why look at ground meat when I have grade A platinum pussy at home? I know you boys don’t know the difference.” I smirked, looking to Mike. “Not you brother, you get the good shit too. You know what I mean.”