My breath hitched when I saw myself. He had cut out the pictures from the different magazines and newspapers we were printed in. Not just a few… but every single one.
“I see you made the wall.” I jumped as I turned to see Rome’s youngest sister, Bee, leaning in the bedroom doorway.
“Sorry,” she laughed, “didn’t mean to spook ya. I just came to see if you were awake. My mom made breakfast.”
“It’s okay,” I waved off. “Any chance you have some…” I paused and looked down at my exposed legs, “Well, pants I could borrow?”
She laughed again and nodded. In a flash, she was back with a stack of clothes, “I brought you options, pick whatever you want. It’s probably not up to your standards, but they should fit okay.”
I smiled kindly, “No standards here. I just don’t think it would make a great impression on your mom if I wandered down with no pants on.”
Bee waved off my comment. “She’s simply thrilled you and Rome are officially together.” She turned to leave the room and glanced over her shoulder, “We all are.”
She closed the door behind her, and I was left stunned by her kindness. I knew I was a catch in my social circles. I had money, influence, and a stellar societal standing. Being in a relationship with me meant any door you wanted could be opened.
But that was my world. Rome’s world was different. They didn’t look at what I could do for Rome and their family. His family just wanted him to be happy and feel loved. They wanted someone who would support him, and he could support in return. It was a kind of love I had once thought was impossible, and at the very least, rare. I never thought I would experience it.
Rome was proving me wrong.
I quickly changed into the leggings and sweatshirt that Bee had left behind. I would have preferred to stop by the bathroom to try to clean the mess that I knew my face was, but I didn’t know if Rome’s mom would appreciate me opening random doors in her home.
“I can do this,” I mumbled to myself as I opened the bedroom door. Luckily for me, the stairs were within eyeshot of the doorway, and the sound of chattering was my guide.
Mornings in my house when I was growing up were fast-paced occasions, as we were all too busy to sit down together. Though, the idea of having to sit with my mom and dad each morning was painful. Will and I simply wanted to get out of the house as fast as possible.
It seemed this household had a different opinion on breakfast. I stepped off the final stair and turned to see a beautiful sight. Every member of Rome’s family sat around the dining table. The table was piled high with pancakes, eggs, bacon, and various forms of cereal. Everyone was still dressed in pajamas, including Mateo and Lucia. Mateo spotted me first and smiled.
“Why, good morning, Bec,” he greeted.
The table quieted down at his announcement, all heads turning my way.
Rome’s eyes went wide as he stood, rounding the table and stepping in front of me. “Shit, I’m sorry you woke up alone. Bee said you were still asleep,” he murmured and cradled my face in his hands. “How’s your head?”
I leaned into his touch, not even caring about our audience. “The cut stings, and I have a headache, but it could be worse.”
He sighed at my explanation and kissed my forehead softly before leading me to the table where his family awaited. There was an extra chair pulled up next to Rome’s spot, and I sat happily between Rome and Bella.
I had expected a full-court press on what had happened yesterday, or my relationship with Rome. Neither was the case. The family simply returned to their earlier conversations, and Rome helped me dish up a plate of various foods from the table.
“I asked him what his favorite color was,” Aria explained to the group. “His response? ‘Mommy said Daddy stares at you too much so now she does drop off.’ Like what the hell? I need a new job.”
Bella chuckled, “What did you expect when signing up to teach six-year-olds?”
“She’s an elementary teacher,” Lucia explained from the other end of the table and turned to Aria, adding, “We have a guest, context would be beneficial.”
Aria turned to me with an apologetic expression. “Sorry, I’m not really used to…” she trailed off.
“Any of us having a partner to bring to family meals?” Livia interjected.
Aria nodded and pointed to her sister, "Precisely."
‘Hey,” Luna protested, “I’ve been with my boyfriend for years now.”
“There’s a reasonheisn’t invited to family meals,” Rome mumbled under his breath. This earned him a glare from Luna as well as a flying piece of cereal aimed directly at his head. “Hey,” he protested, “injured girlfriend next to me. Save the flying projectiles for later.”
Luna rolled her eyes and turned back to her breakfast.
“Is it always like this?” I asked Rome under my breath.
