Gus's Possession

Chapter 8: L'Uomo Della Mafia

"I do not want to do that," Franny bluntly stated like a protest from a child.

However, Beth was undeterred as she pressed on. Her determination radiating through the crowd as she weaved past small tables and fancy dressed groups of people.

"Sorry, but we have to go over there!" she replied, her anger clear in her voice.

Franny was very used to this tone that Beth acquired when she didn't like something. It was her 'bitchy tone' as Franny called it.

"Beth!" Franny exclaimed, trying to pull her back as she clutched onto her bicep, but Beth's strength was proven too hard to force back.

"I'd literally rather have my teeth pulled out!" Franny whined, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks as she was practically dragged through the bar, clinging to Beth's arm like a lifeline.

"Oh my god" Beth rolled her eyes dramatically.

"Beth, can we please not do this?" Franny's voice trembled slightly, the embarrassment pooling in her stomach.

"This is even more embarrassing," Franny muttered, trying to muster any shred of dignity left.

"He didn't even fucking reach out to you," Beth replied, her voice a mix of sympathy and exasperation, pushing them closer to the group.

Franny couldn't argue with that. The memory of Gustavo's rejection stung, but she didn't want to confront it—not like this.

It wasn't Gustavo or Frankie that noticed them first. Franny dreaded the moment one of them looked over and recognized them. Instead, a younger guy, about their age, caught sight of them, his brow furrowing in confusion as he pulled a cigarette from between his lips.

Franny watched as his head turned towards Gustavo, her heart racing. It felt like the world was moving in slow motion. Gustavo, leaning back in his chair, exuded an air of superiority, his smirk widening as Frankie animatedly told a story, hands flying about as if conducting an orchestra. The cigar dangled from Gustavo's mouth, the smoke curling up into the air like a signal of his relaxed confidence.

The younger guy gestured subtly toward Gustavo, urging him to look over. Franny felt her breath hitch as, almost as if time had frozen, Gustavo turned his head. The smirk on his face vanished, replaced by a serious expression that made Franny's stomach drop.

Frankie caught on next, and his reaction was immediate. His features twisted into something resembling anger, as if he couldn't believe who had just walked into his line of sight. Franny's heart sank further, the realization hitting her like a cold wave. The weight of their stares bore down on her, amplifying her nerves as they continued to approach the men.

Beth, on the other hand, seemed either oblivious or indifferent to the tension swirling around them, her determination propelling them forward. Franny's palms felt clammy as she clutched her dress, the fabric suddenly feeling too tight against her skin. Every step felt like a monumental effort, each heartbeat echoing in her ears.

"Just a few more steps," Beth encouraged, her eyes sparkling with excitement, completely unaware of the storm brewing inside Franny.

Franny could barely manage a nod, her throat dry. The atmosphere shifted, and the laughter around them faded as she braced herself for the inevitable confrontation. She couldn't shake the feeling that all eyes were on her, that the room had narrowed to just this moment.

It was like walking into a lion's den.

"Hello, gentlemen," Beth announced, her tone bright and bold, her hands on her hips.

The men looked up in disbelief, some confusion flickering across the unfamiliar faces. The younger guy leaned back in the leather booth, an amused glint in his eyes as if he were watching a live performance. Frankie, however, had a serious demeanor, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, studying them closely. Gustavo's jaw clenched, tension radiating off him as he stiffened, leaning back in his seat like a predator assessing its prey.