Blood, Sweat and Roses: A Mafia Romance

Chapter One-The Lords

Josie is sitting by the mirror, staring at her reflection. Her dark curly hair tied up in a messy bun, her green eyes filled with tears she dare not shed.

She threw her head back and stared at the little cracks on the ceiling, seeing herself in those delicate fissures. The only difference between her and those cracks is that, they can be fixed.

She turned her head to stare at the other girls chattering and laughing as they apply their make ups to get ready for the night.

Thinking of the night, Josie became nervous, she traced her slightly trembling fingers over the make up brush on the table, unsure of what to do with it.

"You do realize that's just a brush right?, not a grenade". A voice spoke from behind, startling her which caused the brush to fall off her hand.

"Uh, I'm so sorry". Josie bent over and picked up the brush.

"For what?". The girl sat on the table and took out a stick of cigarette from her jacket and lit it.

Josie's mouth slightly parted as she got a clear view of what the girl looked like. Her eyes were the most beautiful shade of blue Josie has ever seen, her dark complexion glowed with a warm, golden undertone.

"You're very pretty but I'm not into girls". The girl spoke flatly.

Josie felt embarrassed knowing she's been caught staring. She cleared her throat and apologized which made the girl roll her eyes.

"Jane". Jane introduced herself and extended her hand to Josie.

Josie smiled and shook her hand. "I'm Josie".

Jane took another drag of her cigarette and blew out a stream of smoke, the vapor dancing in the light before dissipating. "Just a heads up...if you want to last here, don't say sorry to nobody especially not any of the girls".

Josie slightly nodded, although, she felt confused why it has to be so but she decided not to think too much about it maybe its how things are here.

Jane observed Josie carefully as she continued to have a difficult time applying her make up. "First time huh?". She asked.

A nervous chuckle escaped Josie's lips. "What gave it away?".

"Uhm, everything?". Jane replied and they both laughed. "Girl, you look like you fought with an alligator and got ran over by a bus on the way to the hospital".

Josie couldn't help but laugh more at Jane's humor. She felt a lot of relief chatting with her. Its like they've known each other all their lives.

Jane had such a charm. She could light up any room she walks into and Josie just knew they'll become the unlikely yet perfect duo.

Jane got up from the counter with an exasperated sigh. She was about to have a meltdown watching Josie struggle to put on her make up so she offered to help."Let me help you with that before I lose the last thread of sanity I have left".

Josie wanted to decline as she didn't want to inconvenience Jane but when she saw the stern look on Jane's face, she knew she didn't come to play.

"Here". Jane handed her some wipes. "Wipe it ALL off ".

Josie took the wipes and began to wipe off her make up. Once she was done, Jane took over and started applying some primer on her face.

"Can I ask you a question?". Jane asked as she finished applying the primer and was now looking for the perfect shade of foundation for Josie's skin tone.

"What is it?". Josie asked, her eyes narrowing.

"Why the hell are you here? cause you clearly don't fit in and by the looks of it, it's your first time doing something like this". Jane's words were tangled with a pointed observation as she spoke.