A Baccano Love Story

An Unwelcome Surprise

When Charlie went to perform for the Gandors the next day, she was a little surprised by the change that had come over their subordinates. Their greetings when they saw her were less familiar and more formal. Those who had begun calling her 'Charlie' now called her 'Miss Charlie.' Compared to their usual relaxed selves, they seemed to almost be at attention when she passed them or talked to them.

"What's that about?" she asked the three brothers.

"Did that unnerve you? Sorry about that," Luck said.

"It's because you're Luck's girl now," Berga said. "They don't want to be disrespectful."

"Oh, is that all?"

"Do you want it stop?" Luck asked.

"I guess I don't mind either way. But they don't have to be so tense."

"Hey, guys! Charlie says to relax!"

Berga called out loud enough for everyone in the building to hear.

"But not too much," Luck said.

"But not too much!" Berga added.

Charlie smiled wryly.

"Shall I get started?"

Keith nodded.

Charlie went over to the piano and prepared to start playing. She was warming up when the door opened and in walked a young woman who was dressed for a night out. Her dress looked expensive and waisted none of her curves, which could be seen when she opened her fluffy fur coat. Her long strawberry-blonde hair was elegantly arranged in waves that fell past her shoulders, and her dark brown eyes were striking. This woman oozed glamour and sex appeal.

Luck's eyes widened when he saw the woman. He hadn't laid eyes on her in four years, and there she was: a ghost from his past.

"Uh-oh. Here comes trouble..." Berga said.

One of the men who was newer to the organization approached her and said:

"I'm sorry, but we haven't opened yet."

Charlie continued to warm up, not paying much attention to what was happening. That changed when, out the corner of her eye, she saw the woman hurl herself at Luck.

Before Luck could react, the woman had thrown her arms around him and pressed her lips against his in a kiss.

Charlie stopped playing and stared, stunned.

She wasn't the only one who was shocked. Some of the men were staring, too.

Luck finally reacted and held the woman away from him, ending the kiss.

"You—"

"Luck! I know it's been years, but don't you recognize me?"

"I know exactly who you are, Emilia."

Luck continued to hold her away from himself. His eyes flitted to Charlie, and he saw that she was definitely watching them. The expression on her face was hard to read.

"You can't just go around kissing people like that."

"What's wrong with a kiss from one lover to another?"

Charlie stood up when she heard that. She started making her way over to them.

"That was a long time ago."

"Why are you being so cold? You used to love me so much..."

Luck really wished she would stop talking like that in front of Charlie. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her down to the reception room.