Read Online Accidental Mobster by M. M. Cox - Free Book Online

phone) and e-mailing, he has a large network of friends. The rest of the week rushes by in what seems like minutes, and I find myself easily becoming accustomed to the Vigliotti lifestyle. Ronnie cooks amazing meals every night, and I am already packing on a few pounds—I’ll have to be a little more careful if I am going to try out for wrestling. Going to Mass on Sunday is quite a new experience for me, and not completely unpleasant. My only church experience so far has been at Reggie’s Baptist church in Ridley, which is extremely different from this one.
    Someone is letting Baxter into my room at night (although I always forget to ask who), and I hate to admit that I enjoy walking the little dog around the fancy neighborhood. Vince often joins me on these walks, even though he spends most of the time teasing me about getting attached to a dog that is really more like a rat. I don’t mind the teasing or the dog, and I decide that if and when I go back to Ridley, I will force my parents to get me a dog to make up for traumatizing me. But maybe I’ll ask for something a little less girly than Baxter. Julia ignores me as easily as she ignores everyone else at the Vigliotti house. Whenever I see her, she makes an effort to show me just how little I matter in her life. I could care less—she is certainly gorgeous, but after meeting Portia, Julia’s snooty attitude makes her slightly less attractive. In fact, I’m glad that my lack of interest seems to irritate her.
    â€œShe’s usually worshipped by boys, so she’s offended by any male interest that is less than extreme,” Vince tells me. “I’d show her some attention if you want her to be friendly.”
    I just shrug, but am thrilled with the little power I hold.
    The day before school begins, I am finally becoming comfortable with the idea of attending Newcastle High. High school would be a challenge regardless of whether I went to Ridley or Newcastle, and Newcastle may actually be a better experience because I have the connections and the clothes that I never had in Ridley. However, I know my reputation as a good wrestler at Ridley won’t matter at Newcastle unless I prove myself. What if I’m not as good or can’t make the team? This motivates me to go jogging and work out in the Vigliotti’s home gym, especially with all the pizza Vince and I have been consuming. Vince mocks me when I work out and has no intention of joining me.
    That same day, my mom shows up on the Vigliotti doorstep. I am still damp from my after-jogging shower as I answer the doorbell and am ashamed of the panic I feel when I see her. Mom looks terrible. Her bleached hair is pulled back from her face in a limp ponytail, and her face is clear of the usual five pounds of makeup she applies daily. The bruise on her left cheek is conspicuous in the glaring sunlight. Her green eyes are bloodshot, and the wrinkles around them seem to have been etched overnight. I would never have considered my mother beautiful, but now she appears weary and miserable. A battered Volkswagen sits in the driveway; I remember it belongs to the lady who owns the salon where Mom works.
    â€œHi,” I say quietly. “Are you okay?”
    She nods, her eyes brimming with tears as she notices the stitches in my head. “I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”
    â€œHave you come to get me?” I ask abruptly, even though I wish I didn’t have to hear the answer.
    But to my surprise, she shakes her head, a tear trailing down her tanned, crinkled face. I feel relief, but I don’t want Mom to cry, especially not out on the Vigliotti doorstep. I pull her inside the house. She immediately appears out of place in the luxurious environment. Is that how I looked when I arrived here? I wait as she takes in the impressive foyer and elegant staircase; she seems to be lost in thought, so I finally clear my throat. Mom turns to face me.