41 • I'm Getting Hitched

Mariangela, Umbria

◆ MAXIMILIANO ◆

"Why'd you get another haircut?"

"I was bored." With a half-empty wine glass, I flumped down in the chair beside my grinning drinking buddy tonight.

My cousin snickered. "Looks good on you." Covered up by a dark tracksuit and sneakers, Ricchar took a drag, his eyes narrowing into slits. "You look so grown up, bambino."

I scoffed at his attempt to mimic my mother's voice. "Just tryna look like a respectable corporate guy," I mumbled, cringing at my own words.

But it wasn't a lie. This shorter haircut should be able to somewhat improve my image, and make me look like I had my shit together. The people I worked with and the clients I handled on a regular basis wouldn't take me seriously if I kept looking like just another a drug-addled frat boy.

"Did Magnus contact you again?"

"This week?" I shook my head while my borderline alcoholic cousin poured more red wine into his glass. "Why? He called you?"

"No."

"You need to talk to him?" What for? Di