Chapter 78 - Mariano (1)

Just after Gael and Angela left, Riri and I exit the bar through the back door where our ride is waiting. This alley is inaccessible other than their family and heavily secured by Don Alessandro's men.

As we walk out the door, Val and Giovanni are talking next to a parked SUV. She's smoking, looking stressed, while he's casually leaning against the vehicle with one hand in his pocket and the other playing with a metal lighter. I've noticed him do that a couple of times before and I thought it was funny that we have a similar habit.

"Hey, we're heading out," Riri says as she goes over to them. I walk a step behind her.

"You need anything?" Gio asks as she embraces him and he kisses her cheek. We nod in greeting.

"No, we're good. Thanks, Zio." Riri then turns to Val and pulls her in for a big hug. "Hey, call me if you need someone to talk to, alright? I love you," she tells her.