I smiled as Max’s father stood, raising his glass. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to him.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, “I want to extend a welcome to Rosalie, who will be joining the family. We are pleased to have you with us tonight, and by the looks of it, you’ll fit into the Romano family well.”
Max’s mother raised her glass. “To new beginnings,” she toasted.
“To new beginnings,” everyone echoed, and we all drank.
As the dinner progressed, I couldn’t help but notice the tension that seemed to weave its way through conversations. Max’s cousin—the one with the furrowed brow and the agitated tone—repeatedly voiced his concerns about the way my uncle gambled. My uncle, not one to back down, criticized Max’s cousin for his incessant griping and inability to keep his useless opinions to himself.
It was subtle, but it was there—a small reminder that our families wouldn’t merge seamlessly. Across the table, Sean kept exchanging looks with my father, which did nothing but spike my nerves.
The Romano family wasn’t one you wanted to cause problems with. They were the second most powerful family in New York City. The Genovese family was the first, and they were here tonight.
Vincenzo, Max’s cousin—the one who caused more problems than he solved—joined the conversation. “Max tells us you have a good head on your shoulders. That’s important in our world.”
I nodded, scared he’d give me a backhanded compliment. I knew what my father said about the Romanos. I was expecting countless insults, but I’d heard nothing but good things so far.
“Thank you,” I said with a smile.
Max squeezed my hand under the table.
“So,” Vincenzo said with a mischievous grin, “have you heard any stories about our family?”
I glanced at Max. “No,” I admitted cautiously. “I’m sure there’s a lot I don’t know, for obvious reasons.”
Sean chuckled from a few seats down. “Oh, there are plenty of stories. Some of them true, some ... embellished.” He glared at Vincenzo.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Vincenzo shot back, his tone defensive. “Are you calling me a liar?”
“Vincenzo,” Max demanded. “Take a walk.”
“All right, have it your way.” Vincenzo stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. He shot a venomous look at Sean before storming out of the room.
“I apologize for my cousin.”
As he left, the first course was served: a platter full of a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables. The flavors were rich, which was exactly what I expected on a yacht like this.
The conversation shifted to lighter topics. My momma started to talk to Max’s Aunt Maria, who had a stern face but kind eyes and an eye for heels. They’d get along well, I was sure.
The main course arrived: pasta (which didn’t have half a cup of salt in it), seafood, and roasted meat. It had everyone digging in.
Soon after eating, everyone got up to walk around. Max had a huge family—it would be impossible to meet all of them tonight. I mean, he had twenty-six cousins on his father’s side alone. It was impossible.
Max led me to the bar, where he ordered me a martini—my favorite. He excused himself for a moment when he saw Mikhail come into the room.
As I took a sip, a woman approached me with a baby in her arms. She had a gentle smile, and I recognized her from our earlier introductions. This was Nina, Max’s sister, who was married to the capo.
“Hi,” she greeted, shifting the baby to her other arm. “I’ve heard so much about you. It’s nice to finally put a face to the name.”
“Likewise,” I said, genuinely meaning it. Ever since Margot mentioned Nina had worked on a few pieces with Brooke, I’d been wanting to meet her.
“Max mentioned you have an interest in art,” she said. “Have you had a chance to see my collection with Brooke?”
“I haven’t yet, but I’d love to,” I replied eagerly. “I’ve been friends with Brooke for years. Her mom told me you two opened a place in Chicago.”
Nina smiled. “And here in the city. We should arrange a night at the gallery. That is, if our families don’t kill each other before that.”
I laughed, feeling the burn of gin in my throat. “Your family is wonderful.”
