“We’d be boring if we weren’t. Be a dear and go set those meatballs on the dining room table. We’re just about done here.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I teased, saluting her.
“Smartass. You’re all the same.”
“Touché, Aunt Mar.” I wished I had used a potholder to carry the damn bowl.
For the first time in forever, I felt like I had a family again. I belonged somewhere. Although they were my cousins, I loved them like we were more. We’d spent our youth together, tearing shit up and causing trouble in the neighborhood.
That was until Joe and I had gotten into just enough trouble to make Auntie Mar and Uncle Sal pack the kids up and leave town. It was the worst feeling ever.
I stared around the dining room table, looking at each of the chairs, and said to myself, “I’m a lucky son of a bitch.” I left out the bit about Race.
Just then, Aunt Mar yelled, “Dinner!” as she carried the gnocchi into the dining room with the potholders I’d decided not to use.
“Thanks,” I said as I turned to her.
“For what?” she asked as she set the bowl on the table.
“For being my family,” I replied, and then I gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“Who knew you were such a softy, Morgan?”
“This doesn’t go any further. Got me?”
“Too late,” Joe said as he walked in the room. “I’m going to buy your ass a purse to carry around all those feelings in.”
“Don’t you start, Joseph,” Aunt Mar warned him. “You aren’t as tough as you look, son. People in glass houses—”
“Yeah, yeah,” he interrupted. “I got ya.”
“What did I miss?” Izzy asked as she walked in behind Suzy, carrying Mello. Or maybe it was Rocco. I couldn’t tell them apart yet.
“Nothing, Izzy. Let’s eat,” Joe said as he pulled the chair out for his wife.
One by one, everyone entered the dining room, taking their spots at the table. Even I had my own chair. I was a full-fledged member of the family.
This time, I wouldn’t do anything to fuck it up.
Chapter Fourteen
I’m Totally Fucked
Race
Ihated Sundays.
They were useless.
I’d always planned to spend my Sundays on the beach, sipping wine, and reading a good book, but it never happened. Typically, I sat home, did laundry, and worked in my pajamas.
I hadn’t been able to get Morgan off my mind. I knew I shouldn’t want to be with him, but I wanted it more than anything in the world. I wouldn’t survive him. I knew that.
When I checked my e-mail before settling down to watch a movie, what popped up on my screen rattled me.
Race,
He can’t help you. No one can. You’re in my crosshairs and I’m coming for you when you least expect it.
