Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 21649 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 108(@200wpm)___ 87(@250wpm)___ 72(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21649 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 108(@200wpm)___ 87(@250wpm)___ 72(@300wpm)
Back home, chaos reigned. The Grimaldi family war ravaged the streets of New York. But all of that feels like a distant nightmare now. The news of the captain's death had been a turning point, a catalyst for peace—if such a thing is ever truly possible with the mafia.
Lorenzo proved himself to be completely unpredictable. Out of the blue, he decided to take his first vacation ever and showed up on the island two weeks ago, shocking both of us. I’m pretty sure he was missing the close friendship he’s always had with Ryan and wanted to come and clear the air.
“Come help me with these coconuts.” Lorenzo walks out the back door and sets two coconuts on the glass-top table. He decided we need to have pina coladas in fresh coconuts to celebrate our last night on the island. I’m not sure where this different side of my brother came from, but I’m loving it.
I almost hate to return to Texas tomorrow because I’m going to miss spending all day, every day with Ryan and seeing this carefree side of my brother. But it’s time. School starts in three weeks, and I have so much to do. Plus, we have a wedding to plan—something small and intimate. Ryan asked me to marry him; actually, he told me we’re getting married, and I didn’t argue since it’s something I’ve wanted as long as I can remember.
Between getting ready for the upcoming school year, moving into Ryan’s home, and the upcoming wedding, I have no doubt I’ll be exhausted by the time school starts.
Ryan stands and sets his wine glass on the table. “Show me what to do.” He’s also making an effort to mend things between him and Lorenzo.
As Lorenzo and Ryan wrestle with the coconuts, their laughter blending with the sound of the waves, I take the opportunity to slip away. I step into the cool, shaded villa, intent on finding my book. There are only ten pages left, and I’m determined to finish it before we leave this sanctuary. Deep down, I know that once we return to Silver Spoon Falls, time for such luxuries will be scarce.
I find my book on the small table by the window, where the light filters through the sheer curtains, casting dappled shadows on the floor. The world is loud and chaotic, but reading has always been my escape, a way to anchor myself amid the storm. This final chapter is like a symbol of closure, or perhaps a new beginning.
With the book in my hand, I pause for a moment, gazing out the window at the scene outside. Lorenzo and Ryan are still engrossed in their task, the playful banter and shared effort creating a sense of camaraderie that warms my heart. It’s remarkable seeing them like this, considering the animosity that initially shadowed Lorenzo’s unexpected arrival.
I walk back outside, the warmth of the evening sun greeting me again. Settling into a lounge chair on the porch, I open the book to the final pages. The sound of their easy conversation confirms the progress we’ve made as a family, both mending old rifts and forging new bonds.
It wasn’t long ago that the tension between them was palpable. But here, in this peaceful paradise, there’s a shift happening, a tentative rebuilding of trust and friendship.
As I immerse myself in the book’s final lines, I steal glances at them. Lorenzo demonstrates the proper technique for splitting the coconut, and Ryan follows suit, finally managing to crack it open with a triumphant smile. Their camaraderie feels genuine, no longer forced, or tentative, and it reminds me of how they used to be.
"So that's how you do it,” Lorenzo says, raising his half of the coconut in a mock toast.
“To success,” Ryan replies, his tone momentarily serious before splitting into a grin. He catches my eye and gives me a wink.
I return to reading my book, happy things are falling into place. After reading the final page, I close the book and rest it on my lap, allowing myself a moment to just breathe. The setting sun casts long shadows across the back deck, and I watch as Lorenzo and Ryan clean up their coconut mess.
Once they’re done, they come back over to me. Ryan sits next to me while Lorenzo lounges against the metal railing.
As the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, I realize how far we've come in these few short weeks. They’re back to acting like lifelong friends.
“I called off the hit on you,” Lorenzo teases, looking directly at Ryan. At least I freaking hope he’s joking.
Ryan meets his gaze, the corners of his mouth lifting in a small, genuine smile. "I’m glad to hear it."
“Make sure you make an honest woman of my sister before you knock her up or I’ll take out another one. Actually, next time, I’ll take out a hit on something important to you.” Huh? He continues explaining his threat. “If you ever hurt Michela, I’ll have your dick stuffed and hung on my wall.” Ouch. Ryan grimaces and squirms at my brother’s threat.