CHAPTER FIFTY SIX – WHAT’S THE DEAL

Back at the penthouse, Joan tried to push the strange encounter from her mind. "Thank you for today," she said, curling up next to Vito on the couch. "It really did help take my mind off the interview disaster." Vito kissed the top of her head. "I'm glad. And hey, there will be other interviews. Better ones." Joan nodded, but doubt still gnawed at her. Not just about her career prospects, but about the glimpse she'd gotten into Vito's world. There was clearly more going on than he was telling her. As they settled in for the evening, Joan resolved to do some digging. She needed to know more about the Fratelli family and their business. Something told her that understanding Vito's background might be crucial to their future together. For now, though, she pushed those thoughts aside. She was emotionally exhausted from the day's events. Tomorrow, she decided, she would start fresh. Maybe she'd call her dad or Tim for advice on how to bounce back from a bad interview. As she drifted of