I’ll say,Seven mouthed, making a face that only Vince noticed. The other man gave a barely-there chuckle, shaking his head.
Seven was pretty sure Enzo was closer to his mother’s age than his own. Was that why they were making cow eyes at each other? Were they flirting right there in front of God and everyone? Seven picked up his wine glass, downing it in one go as Enzo and his mother made small talk over his head like he wasn’t even there.
“What do you do?” he heard Enzo ask.
Before his mother could answer, Seven said, “She just got a promotion. She’s the new finance director at her job.”
“Oh, wow. Congratulations,” Enzo said.
Seven rolled his eyes at the sincerity in his voice.
His mother beamed, clasping her hands together with a bright smile. “Thank you. I love my job. I know people always say that, but I really do. I’ve worked there since Seven was a baby.”
Mama broke into the conversation. “That’s how Neith and I know each other,” she told them all. “She works with a non-profit called the Women’s Empowerment & Re-entry Center. WERC for short. They help women in less than ideal circumstances get back on their feet by offering jobs, clothing for interviews, things like that.”
Seven’s mother nodded. “It’s true. Francesca has helped me with fundraising events many times. We’re so grateful for everything you’ve done for us.”
“It’s nothing,” Mama said. “I only wish I could do more.” She looked at her oldest daughter, brushing a hand over the girl’s long dark hair. “My Allegra is very passionate about social work. Neith has offered to let her shadow her during her school break.”
Did all mothers network like this? A sneak peek at Enzo told Seven he seemed just as surprised that their mothers were so well-acquainted. The conversation continued on, but Seven couldn’t concentrate at all. Enzo was practically sitting in hislap, their bodies touching from shoulder to thigh, the heat of his body soaking through Seven’s clothing directly into his core.
He only tuned back in when he saw Vince pick up the wine and use it to fill Seven’s glass once more. Seven picked it up and tipped it in mock salute before downing it in one large gulp.
“So, Seven,” Allegra said, grabbing his attention from the alcohol burning its way down his esophagus. “What’s it like working for my annoying ass brother?”
“For?” Seven echoed stupidly.
“With,” Enzo corrected, quick enough for the others to look amused. “He workswithme. Well, not with me. In the same office as me. Across the hall, actually. He’s in cyber crimes. With Owen. I’m in—you know what I’m in. We don’t interact that much at all…” he finished lamely.
“Smooth,” Seven muttered under his breath.
The entire table was silent, then the younger siblings tittered at their brother’s babble. Vince was smirking at him as well.
“Wow,” Carli said. “I’ve never seen my brother dork out this bad over someone before. Wild.”
When Seven’s gaze randomly landed on Lucky, he was watching Seven like he thought he might steal their good silver.
“Carmilla,” Mama said, exasperated.
“What?” Carli cried. “Everyone knows why you invited them over. You’re expanding the family in the gayest way possible. Literally. We’re all onto your scheming, Ma. We won’t give you grandchildren, so you’re just…recruiting.”
Mama smiled ruefully over her glass, making eyes at Seven’s mother before she said, “I have no idea what you mean,” her voice smacking with insincerity.
“Seven’s way too good for Enzo,” Ansel said around a mouthful of pasta.
Thanks, kid.
There were murmurs of agreement from around the table. Seven was a little too buzzed to absorb everything happening around him. He was getting high off of Enzo’s cologne. It was the same one he’d worn the day they met in his office. The first time he’d called him a good boy. It was muddling Seven’s thinking.
“We should set him up with Dom. Don’t you think, Uncle Rocco?” Karma asked.
Seven felt like he was moving in slow motion as he turned to look at Uncle Rocco. But Rocco was not looking at Seven. He was looking at Seven’s mother. When he noticed all eyes on him, he flushed, clearing his throat, then ducked his head sheepishly.
“Uh, what was that?” Rocco asked.
Karma giggled. “Wouldn’t Dom and Seven be cute together?”
“Dom is a career criminal,” Enzo muttered. “Seven’s in law school. It’s hardly a match made in heaven.”
