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Tony Moretti sighed as he stared out the window of his third period history class, watching the raindrops slide down the pane. At 17 years old, he felt the weight of expectation from his family's name, though he had no desire yet to follow in his uncle Marco's criminal footsteps.
All Tony could think about was Maria Salazar, the beautiful new girl who had just transferred to Franklin High last week. With her long dark hair and dazzling smile, she had totally captivated him. But what were the chances a Good fella like himself could ever get a girl as kind as her?
The bell finally rang, pulling Tony from his daydreaming. Grabbing his books, he hurried out into the hallway, hoping to catch Maria at her locker. Pushing through the crowd, he spotted her elegant figure up ahead.
"H-hey Maria," he stammered as he approached.
Maria smiled warmly as Tony greeted her by her locker. "Hi Tony," she said in her soft voice.
Tony's nerves were on edge, but he managed to reply. "Uh, so there's a dance this Friday. I was wondering if maybe you'd like to go...with me?"
He held his breath, hoping against hope she'd say yes. Maria's smile brightened, and Tony's heart soared. "I'd love to!" she replied.
Tony could hardly believe his luck. As they walked to their next class together chatting and laughing, Tony thought this must be what heaven feels like. But a familiar voice cut through his happy daze.
"Well, well, if it isn't my cousin the wannabe Romeo," said Vinny Moretti as he approached with a smirk.
Tony sighed inwardly. His cocky cousin Vinny had never liked that Tony kept away from the family business. "What do you want, Vinny?"
Vinny eyed Maria up and down. "Just making sure you aren't forgetting who you are. Wouldn't want this pretty girl knowing what your family's really about..."
Tony didn't like Vinny's implication. But before he could respond, the warning bell rang.
At the end of the school day, Tony waited by Maria's locker hoping to walk her home. He saw her coming down the hall, chatting with some friends. As she approached, Maria smiled to see Tony.
"Hey, ready to go?" Tony asked shyly. Maria nodded and said goodbye to her friends.
As they walked outside, Tony felt emboldened. "So, I know we've only just met, but you seem really great. I was hoping this dance could be the start of something "
Maria's smile grew. "I'd like that." Tony's heart soared. But then Vinny appeared, blocking their path with a sneer.
"Cousin, you should leave the girl alone. We don't want her thinking she's part of the family." Vinny moved closer intimidatingly.
Tony stepped between them. "Back off, Vinny."
"Or what?" Vinny taunted. Before things could escalate, a honk sounded. They turned to see Uncle Marco pull up.
He fixed Vinny with a stern look. "Leave the boy be. Get in the car." Glowering, Vinny shoved past Tony and got in.
Marco nodded to Tony and Maria. "You two enjoy your evening." He drove off, Vinny glaring from the passenger seat.
Tony turned to Maria apologetically. "I'm sorry about him..."
Maria smiled. "It's okay. I'll see you tomorrow?" Tony beamed. "It's a date."
At school the next day, Tony searched for Maria but couldn't find her. When lunch came, he spotted her sitting with friends but hesitated to approach.
As Tony debated what to say, Vinny suddenly appeared. "Aww looks like lover boy's date fell through. Too bad."
Tony scowled. "This is your fault. Why do you always have to cause trouble?"
Vinny shrugged. "It's what I do best. Maybe you should follow my lead instead of playing house."
Before Tony could retort, the teacher called Vinny over. As he walked away laughing, Tony noticed Maria watching sadly. Steeling his nerve, Tony went to her table.
"Maria, please talk to me. I want you to know my family's business doesn't define me," Tony pleaded.
Maria sighed. "I know, Tony, it's just...complicated. Can we talk after school?"
Tony nodded eagerly. At least she was willing to hear him out. As he went to sit down, Tony shot a glare at Vinny, determined not to let his stubborn cousin ruin this.
