Epilogue
Vinnie
One Month Later
“I think you’re totally insane.”Bianca fills a bowl with chips.“This is going to be a complete disaster.”
“It’s the only thing that makes sense,” I tell her just as the front door opens.
“Hello,” my mother calls out, her voice echoing through the mostly empty space because I haven’t had time to finish furnishing my new place.
“In the kitchen!”I yell out.
Bianca grumbles under her breath as she pushes the bowl of chips next to the dip on the center of the kitchen island.“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
The rest of my family is on the patio, waiting for my parents to arrive, and Bianca’s family will get here in just a few minutes.We also invited her brothers, even though they still don’t like the fact that I am dating their sister.
This is my one shot at turning the tide.Bianca told me what happened with her mother at lunch that day, and the last thing I want is for there to be anything standing in our way.I figured a party with both families was necessary for us to move forward.Either that, or the entire thing could blow up in my face and make the relationship even harder.
My mother rushes to Bianca and embraces her tightly, peppering her cheeks with kisses.“You look lovely, dear.”Ma steps back, taking in the new sundress Bianca is wearing.“You two are going to make some amazing babies.”
Bianca’s face drains of color.
“Ma, lay off.”I pull my ma away and hug her tightly while I mouth an apology to Bianca over my mother’s shoulder.
“Always stunning.”My father grabs Bianca’s hand and kisses the back.
My mother doesn’t last long in my arms because she’s never one to stand still for more than a moment.“Where are my manners?”She tugs on the side of her dress and straightens the material, always trying to look so put-together.“What can I help with?”
“We have it all done.”Bianca comes to stand next to me, but I snake my arm around her middle and haul her against me.
“Just have to put the steaks on.Bianca’s family should be here any minute.”
“I should’ve made coleslaw or something.”Ma shakes her head.“I don’t like coming empty-handed.”
My mother’s coleslaw looks and tastes like salad mixed with wallpaper paste.It’s one of the simplest things to make, but somehow, she finds a way to make it inedible.
“Sweetheart.”My father reaches for my mother’s hand.“I think Vinnie and Bianca have it covered.How about a drink?”
“I could use a drink,” Ma says, thankfully forgetting about helping us prepare the food.
“There’s a full bar set up outside.”I tick my head toward the patio and my brothers and sister who are outside drinking and laughing.
“Where are your parents, dear?”Ma asks Bianca.
“They’ll be here any minute now.”Bianca fidgets with a dish towel.
I grab her hand and pull her attention away from the rag.“It’ll be fine, baby.Stop worrying so much.”
“It’s always scary when the families meet, but I promise we’ll be on our best behavior.”Ma smiles and glances toward me.“I’ll make sure of it.”
Bianca nods at my mother.“I know it will be fine.”
“Give us a minute,” I say to my parents, needing to have a quiet moment with my girl.
“We’ll be outside.”Pop pulls Ma toward the patio.“Take your time.”
I grab Bianca by the shoulders and stare into her beautiful honey-brown eyes.“Take a deep breath.”
