Forest Hills is a seemingly ordinary town. Tired of her father's alcoholism and with a desire to meet her older sister she didn't know she had, seventeen-year-old Mac decides to move back to her hometown. She even applied to the same restaurant whe...
It was finally time for movie night at the mansion, a monthly tradition the inner circle had kept for years. A large, L-shaped sectional sofa filled the space, covered in rich, dark fabric. The centerpiece was a massive screen that dominated one wall, currently displaying a scene from Game of Thrones. A few art pieces adorned the walls, adding a touch of personality and character to the otherwise sleek and modern room The room, equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, promised an unparalleled cinematic experience. The atmosphere was relaxed, a welcome respite from the usual tension that accompanied their missions. As the opening credits rolled, Mac couldn't shake off a question that had been lingering in her mind.
Mac and Noelle were nestled comfortably in one corner of the sectional, wrapped in a blanket with Mac leaning against Noelle's chest, feeling the rhythmic rise and fall of her breath. On the opposite end, Marley and Massimo were similarly cuddled up, sharing a quiet moment together. Madison and Derek sat close to each other in the middle, the tension between them palpable as they exchanged occasional glances and subtle touches.
As the credits began to roll, Mac turned to the group. "Hey, can I ask you guys something?"
Noelle, who had been playing with Mac's hair absentmindedly, looked down at her. "Sure, what's up?"
Mac hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I noticed yesterday that the boss at Olivia's was working double shifts. He even offered me a managing role because there were no more managers. Did you all quit?"
Madison exchanged glances with Derek, who shrugged in response. The room grew quiet, and the others exchanged glances.
"Yeah, we did," Madison started, "we've been talking, and it just didn't make sense for us to keep working there. We don't need the money and, honestly, we spend more time here than anywhere else."
"We haven't had a meeting there for weeks. Olivia's was a good cover, but we don't need it," Noelle added.
Mac nodded understandingly. "I get it. I just didn't expect it. It felt weird seeing the boss struggling without you all there."
"And no offense to Olivia, but I've had better meals here," Carlos said, adjusting his glasses. A subtle laughter spread through the room. He wasn't wrong. Marley, taking a sip of her drink, added, "I don't know about you guys, but I'd choose this over waiting tables any day."
"Our priorities have changed since you joined, Mac. Capo spends more time in the villa now. We need flexibility and focus for what's coming next," Madison said, referring to the inevitable fight between the two mafia houses, which honestly, was the real reason they quit, but they weren't going to tell Mac that, yet.
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Later that night, Noelle found herself sitting at the edge of the pool, with a strong drink in her hand. She sipped it slowly, savoring the warmth that spread through her chest. Her mind wandered, replaying the events of the day and thinking about the upcoming big mission ahead. She found the sound of water gently lapping against the pool's edge calming. The sky was clear, and the moon hung in the night sky like a glowing pearl, casting a gentle shimmer on the rippling water of the pool. She traced patterns on the surface with her fingertips while her mind was racing. She wore a silk bathrobe over her swimsuit, just in case she decided to go for an night swim.
