“I understand. My father had family in Italy like that.”
“Oh, you’re Italian?” His mother’s eyes lit up. “I didn’t know that.”
“Neither did I,” Torre murmured. “Another part of the Frisco mystery.”
“I don’t really speak to my family. We’re not close.”
This was what I feared—all the well-meaning questions and poking into my life—and I had no intention of sharing.
“Well, you’ll get used to us. We’re pretty open here. Now, Torre, get Frisco a drink, and I’ll get some more plates.” His mother walked to the credenza set against the wall where the plates and utensils sat.
“You don’t have to go to any trouble. I know you weren’t expecting me.”
“Don’t be silly,” she called out from the opposite side of the room. “Strangers are just friends we haven’t met yet. And if you’re a friend of Torre’s, then you’re part of the family.”
Mike snorted. “Don’t speak for everyone, Ma. I’ll hold my opinions.”
“Michael.” The warning in her voice couldn’t be any plainer.
“It’s all right. I don’t blame Mike. It’ll take some time for him to see he’s wrong.”
“Or that I’m right.”
I met his level gaze from across the room. “Challenge accepted.”
“Will you two stop?” Val smacked Mike on his shoulder. “I saw you at the restaurant but didn’t have a chance to say hello. I did notice your coat, and I love your leather jacket.”
“Thank you. It’s Gucci.”
Her eyes lit up.
“Oh brother,” Mike muttered.
“And”—she glared at Mike, and I couldn’t keep a smile from my face—“thank you again for helping us the night Jasper cut himself and after. Right, Mike?” I didn’t miss the dig into his side from her elbow.Attagirl.I needed all the help I could get.
“I’ve said thanks.” Mike’s eyes shot daggers at her. “I just don’t want my brother taken advantage of again.”
“Torre is a big boy.” I glanced over at him and winked, and a blush crept up his neck to his face.
“Shut up.” He elbowed me hard.
“Ow.” I rubbed my side. “I was giving you a compliment.”
“I don’t need your jokes in front of my mother and family,” he ground out in a low growl meant only for me, then stepped into Mike’s face. “And I already told you, I don’t need or want someone fighting my battles. What I choose to do with my personal life is my choice. Period.”
“You haven’t exactly been the best judge of character lately.”
“Mike, what’s wrong with you?” Val pulled at his arm, and uneasiness fell over the room.
“Maybe I should go,” I said to Torre. “I don’t want to be a problem.”
“Frisco?” Maureen called out to me.
“Yes?”
“Could you help me in the kitchen for a moment?” Kind but knowing eyes captured mine.
“I was thinking maybe I should go.”
