- VANESSA -
Everything is all in place, and Mom has finally started to relax. Dad convinced her to drink a glass of wine, but just having him here has a calming effect on her. That's what they do for one another. There have been a few times I can remember that one of Dad's guys has quietly requested Mom's presence to diffuse tension.
Instead of pacing in the foyer and watching out the windows for everyone to arrive, I pour myself a bowl of cereal and walk around the bottom floor of the house to give my feet something to do. My thoughts return to last night—to Jimmy and the detective. It hurts that I won't be going back to Theo's. My coworkers were starting to feel a little bit like family.
My phone buzzes with a message from Mia. I feel bad, because we didn't have much of a chance to talk last night. But she seemed to enjoy herself anyway. It's an entirely different environment than she's usually in, and sometimes that's entertainment enough. That's why I like working there, after all.
'Are you really quitting?' Her message says.
'Yeah. Last night was a little weird with that detective recognizing me.' I type back. 'It's just too risky.'
'That's too bad. I know you love it.'
'Yeah. It's a bummer. Did you like talking to Chris?'
'He's nice.'
I chuckle to myself, realizing exactly what that means. Chris is too nice. I get it. Nice is great and important, but it's not enough--not when we've grown up around a bunch of professional criminals.
A nice guy kind of seems like someone who will get eaten alive if they end up in the wrong situation in our world. I want someone who makes me feel safe and who can handle himself if my brother or dad decides to give him a hard time.
Dad catches me walking back to the kitchen. "Cereal for lunch? With all the food that's out there right now?"
"I'll still be hungry. I haven't eaten yet today."
"It's important that you eat, Vanessa." The drop in his voice alerts me to the danger of this becoming a serious conversation, and that's the last thing I want today.
Both my parents worry far too much about how much I eat and when. You would think I'm on the verge of starving to death. Thankfully my favorite little boy comes running into the kitchen to save me.
"Nonno!"
Little Dex runs right into my dad's arms, and the happy grandpa scoops him up, chuckling. "There you are, Jr. I was just looking for you."
"You were?" Dex Jr.'s eyes get big.
He's so stinking cute, I can't take it. I want to squeeze him, but Dad will probably hog him like usual. Mom and I both have to fight to get our own time with him. He's grandpa's boy.
"Yes, I was. I need someone to help me taste test these desserts," Dad says. "We need to make sure they're good enough for your mommy. It's a big job."
"I can do it." Little Dex grabs his own belly with both hands. "I am a good taster."
"You are a good taster. Let's get to work."
They both head outside before I even get a chance for a kiss.
"Did Nonno Saul steal him again?" Raya giggles, walking into the kitchen.
She looks so cute with her round belly in a beautiful pink dress that flows around her all the way to her feet. Rory comes in right after wearing a floral dress, and the two of them together are just too much.
"He sure did. Oh my gosh, look at you both." I squeal and hug them. "You're both beautiful and glowing."
Rory chuckles. "That's sweet, but I feel so big, Vanessa. I can't see my toes."
My brother walks in and wraps her in his arms. "You are beautiful, tesoro. I never realized how sexy a pregnant woman could be, but with you carrying my child…" The rest of his sentence becomes a whisper in Rory's ear that makes her giggle.
Luciano caresses her belly, and I groan. He is even more publicly affectionate than our dad.
"I made Vanessa blush." Luciano says it to Rory but loud enough for me to hear.
"Did not." I roll my eyes. "Where's Dex?"
"He was carrying in a few things from the car." Raya looks behind herself expectantly.
"More than a few things," Luciano chuckles. "Dex Jr. doesn't travel light."
"Oh, does he need help?" I push off from the island. "I know Luciano isn't much for helping, but I am."
My brother grabs a grape from the fruit platter and throws it at me, but I dodge it.
"Ha! Missed me."
When he reaches for another, Dex walks in and drops a few of the bags he's carrying.
"Hey, Vanessa." He gives me a one-armed hug since his other arm is still full. "How are you?"
Before I can answer, Luciano pegs me in the arm with a grape this time.
"Ah! I'd be great if Luciano wasn't picking on me already," I chuckle. "How are you?"
"You started it!" Luciano says, pointing an accusing finger at me.
You would never guess my brother is the underboss of a criminal organization. When he's home, he acts like he's twelve.
"I didn't throw anything at you, Luci!"
"Want me to hit him for ya?" Dex asks with a wink.
Dex is the cousin I had a crush on when I was little. He was way nicer to me than Luciano, and he always seemed so much more mature than any of us kids. He's always been bigger than my brother, too. I have no doubt he could kick Luciano's ass if he actually tried.
"I'll do it," Rory offers, and when she turns to smack Luciano, he catches her arm and pulls her into a kiss.
"I'm going to see if Zia needs any help," Dex tells Raya and then kisses her cheek.
Ugh. I am surrounded by cute couples who are head-over-heels in love with each other. It's way too cute.
"Yeah, let's go say hi and let your mom know we're here." Rory tugs on Luciano's shirt. He grabs the fruit platter to carry out with them and throws another grape my way.
"Stop hitting me with fruit!" I fake yell and fake hit him, which only makes him laugh. "You better clean that up before mom sees a mess."
Maybe this is why it's more traditional for baby showers to be exclusively women. It keeps the annoying brothers at home.