She stares at us for a moment. “You two would make beautiful children,” she says out of left field.
I practically choke on my own spit and start to cough uncontrollably.
Angelo places his hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “Ma, bring it down a notch.”
“I’m just stating the obvious.” She shrugs. “Do with it as you will. Now, I’m off. I’m meeting Mrs. Onorato for lunch at Piatto.”
“‘Dish’?” I ask, wondering who the hell would name their restaurant “Dish.”
“Yes, dear. You know Italian?”
“I spent a year in Italy with Mitchell. He was stationed there. I picked up a thing or two.”
“Oh. I like her.” His mother winks.
“Aren’t you late?”
“Seven,” she says again as she pushes the swinging door and disappears into the front of the shop. Neither of us speaks until the sound of her high heels fades.
“She’s intense.” I can’t stop myself from laughing as I turn around to face him.
“The entire family is crazy as fuck.”
“I’ve met them.”
“You haven’t seen them all in action.” He pulls me back into an embrace.
“I always wanted a big family. I’m excited to have dinner with them.”
“You sure? I can cancel, and we can go out alone.”
I shake my head, wanting nothing more than to spend a quiet evening with his family. “I’m sure, Angelo. They’re a part of you.”
“The crazy part.” He pulls me closer, holding me so tightly, I never want him to let me go.
“Being normal is never fun.”
“Be careful what you ask for. I worry they may be a little too much to handle all at once. At least so soon.”
“It’s always better to rip the Band-Aid off quickly.”
At least, that’s what I tell myself. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was a little nervous about tonight. I’ve met them all, and from what I can tell, they’re everything a family should be.
16
Angelo
I slide my hands up and down Tilly’s arms as we stand outside the bar. “This is your last chance to escape.”
Tilly turns and stares through the windows. “I think it’ll be okay.”
She has no idea what she’s walking into. My family as individuals are good. At least, for the most part. Put them all together in one room, especially with a newcomer, and shit can tend to get a little crazy.
“Just remember. If it becomes too much or you feel overwhelmed, let me know, and we’ll leave.”
“Too much for you or for me?” She laughs.
I lean forward and grab her chin with my fingertips. “I like your sass.”
