When Ethan returned, he set a casserole dish by Belle’s plate and then took the chair next to mine. Mamma went to the end of the table, facing her husband.
Frank scanned the table and then landed on me. “Jude, every Sunday is our weekly family dinner. Your man Ethan has been part of our family going on two and a half years and we couldn’t be happier that he wanted us to meet you. We don’t say a prayer,” Frank added apologetically.
“I don’t either, Frank,” I said. “I find there’s no meaning when it gets rote.”
“Ditto that,” Gabby said.
“Anyway,” Frank continued, “we all have to say one thing that we’re grateful for. I’ve already said mine. It’s having you here with us.”
Ethan was to the right of Frank. “I’m grateful that you always find it in your heart to welcome someone new into the family. Thank you.”
I was next so I took Ethan’s hand and held it to my heart. “I’m grateful for the day that a stranger to the parish walked into my confessional to introduce himself.”
Everyone tittered except Belle who said, “But you were still a priest.”
“Belle,” I said calmly, “Anyone is welcomed in the confessional. Saying more than that would be going against my oath for inviolability.”
“But I was referring to you, not Ethan,” Belle said.
Ethan squeezed my hand and when I looked at him for advice, he said, “Feel free to speak up for yourself, Jude.”
I felt thankful for that in itself. “Belle, I don’t know you well enough to have a conversation about my personal decisions.”
Belle turned on her wife. “I told you I didn’t want to come today. He violated his vows as a priest and I can’t condone that, much less have him involved in our baby’s life.”
“Belle,” Gabby barked. “Enough.” Addressing me, Gabby said, “My apology, Jude. This was no way to welcome you into our family.” Then she turned to her mother, father and lastly, Ethan. She shook her head and mouthed,Sorry.
Ethan tried for a smile that didn’t quite make it.
“Dad, Ma,” Gabby said, “I’m taking Belle home. But before I do”—she shot daggers at Belle—“I’m not going to apologize for your behavior.”
Belle definitely reacted to Gabby’s dominance in their relationship, but she wasn’t scared enough to be obedient. Gabby hadn’t come out directly with her expectation from her submissive wife but it had been clearly insinuated. “No, Gabby, I’m not. You’re not going to make me apologize for something I find disgraceful. Just because everyone else buys into him because you all love Ethan, I won’t.” With that, she turned on her heel and stormed out.
Gabby white-knuckled the back of the chair and tears seemed to pour unbidden. My heart went out for her. Belle was a fucking handful.
Ethan dashed to her and pulled her into his chest, his arms holding her tight. I personally knew the safe sensation of those arms and I was glad that she allowed him to soothe her. “Ti amo, Gabby. You and me… we’re good as green grass.”
Gabby’s mouth quirked and she nodded, probably because if she tried to talk, she’d lose it the way her eyes kept blinking and then shutting tight for an instant as she was trying to avoid an onslaught of tears.
I didn’t know if I was doing what was right, but I joined Ethan. I didn’t touch Gabby but standing close to Ethan I said softly to her, “I’m good, Gabby. And Ethan said your hours at the bar usually start later in the day. Maybe one morning you’ll meet me for coffee and a breakfast burrito and we’ll sit looking out on the ocean. Ethan said that’s a favorite for you and him. So, if you don’t mind me impinging on a tradition?—”
“No,” she interrupted. “I’d really like that. Ethan can share my contact information with you.”
She really did smile then, one that didn’t look fake. She kissed her mother’s cheek and threw her father a kiss across the table.
“If you need anything,” her mother said.
“Yeah, Ma, I know,” she said and walked out.
A minute later, we heard the front door close none too quiet, and I wondered if that was Belle’s way of saying good riddance or something along those lines.
Mamma threw her hands up into the air. “Franco,cosa diavolo?”
I nudged Ethan and he knew immediately what I was asking without words.
“Mamma said,what on earthorwhat the heck.
“Jude,” Frank said, “I don’t know what your stance is on cursing but since you don’t understand Italian, I need to get it out.Che cazzo?”
