Chapter 35: No More Hesitating

Pauly’s POV.

“Set it up.” My voice is thick as I barked the demand through the phone.

I find myself having to work hard to not completely succumb to the emotions that press against my chest. My arms are wrapped around Eleanor as we watch the traffic outside the window of our apartment.

I imagined that it was Ren and Cheska leaving the city. It was Eleanor’s idea—a way of finding closure. I didn’t want to follow my sister and Ren downstairs. Didn’t want to see her get into a car and drive off. I didn’t think my soul could bear it.

“Pauly? You, okay?” my cousin asked me, hearing my voice cracking.

“Set up the dinner with the Italians.” Eleanor stiffened under my arm as I held her tighter to my chest.

“F-For when?” Mo stutters trying to catch up. “Pauly, you need to help me catch up here.”

“No more hesitating, Mo. It’s time to put an end to everything here. I’m tired of playing games.”

“Alright. I’ll call you once I have details,” Mo says, hanging up the phone.