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Vincent didn’t stick around to find out what she meant by that

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The first weekend in June, Carmine received a call from Salvatore about a celebration for Corrado’s exoneration He begrudgingly got dressed that Saturday night and drove to Salvatore’s house at dusk, parking his car toward the back before hesitantlyhis way to the front door He pressed the doorbell and Abby appeared, seely relieved when she saw Carmine there

"Hey," he said when she ushered him inside "How are you?"

She smiled softly, her voice barely a whisper "Fine You, sir?"

"I’ that good"

"I’ to take his coat "You talk to me like I’m a person"

"You are a person, Abby They’re just too nasty to see it"

She stared at hi away to do her work Carmine headed for the den when so cold the second his eyes came into contact with Carlo’s The man sodfather didn’t overhear that exchange So tells me he wouldn’t be aht to control his te with saying hello"

"You said h he was going to say so else when Corrado walked over and interrupted "Carlo, Car young DeMarco that he should be mindful of what he says and who he talks to," Carlo said "If he isn’t careful, so impression"

"I didn’t--"

He was about to say he hadn’t done anything wrong when Corrado cut him off "Carmine’s sarcastic et the wrong impression if he didn’t have a snide remark here or there"

Car his defense

Carlo laughed bitterly "Just because it’s expected doesn’t mean it’s acceptable He needs to learn respect He was talking to that slave and--"

"Respect?" Corrado snapped "And I suppose you think you could teach it to hi like that in his presence? You’re well aware of his round, and you want to speak about respect? Maybe you need to learn some yourself"

"I’ve earned er clouding his face "I’ve proven myself and he hasn’t He needs to mind his superiors"

"So do you," Corrado said pointedly "Or have you forgotten I’otten that as well? Carmine’s rievance with me"

Carlo narrowed his eyes Corrado had struck a nerve "All I’ is maybe he shouldn’t mouth off so much"

"I heard you the first time, but I don’t see why you’d want to create a scene over it," Corrado said "It’s not that serious So he’s mouthy? It’s not like he murdered your family, Carlo"

Carmine froze when those bitter words caht in headlights as Corrado stared at hi a response that never ca between them, his expression stone cold serious "Perhaps we should have a sit-down later to clear the air, but for noe celebrate Go enjoy yourselves, have a drink, get to know one of the beautiful ladies here"

Corrado nodded obediently "Yes, sir"

Carlo echoed his words and walked off when Salvatore excused hi

"I don’t knohat you said, but he was right," Corrado said once they were alone "You do need to learn to watch your mouth"

"I know"

"You should’ve worn a suit, too," he said "You look like a slob"

Car-sleeved button-up shirt and slacks--he had just nixed the tie It wasn’t as if he had strolled in wearing faded jeans and a hoodie

He wished he had, though That way if he was forced to be miserable, at least he would be co s to know the fa them around such a heartless crowd Car curious questions about his father’s whereabouts (No, I haven’t heard fro the part of Principe, grandson of Antonio (Yes,men, I hope to be just like hi down the ti hours You’re already halfway there)