When it looks like Valentina is going to abandon her task to dish up, I snap, “Take the damn meds!”
She quickly pops a couple of pills into her mouth while I open the bags and remove the containers.
“I got a bit of everything,” Nico says, his eyes locked on me as if he’s ready to jump into action to stop me from shooting the place up.
I pull the kids' plates closer and place chicken tenders and fries on them. I only add ketchup to Asher’s plate because Talia doesn’t like any kind of sauce.
Carrying the food to the living room, I set the plates down on the wooden coffee table.
“Yay!” Asher jumps off the couch and quickly sits down.
I pick up Talia and set her down beside her brother, and for a moment, I watch as they eat before I rise to my full height again.
Stay calm.
When I get back to the kitchen, I snap at Will, “Take the kids something to drink.”
He flinches when he moves, but carries out the order, and the moment he leaves the room, I lock eyes with Valentina. “Eat and then we’ll talk.”
She hesitates for a few seconds before fixing two plates, and when Will returns, she says, “Come eat, honey.”
The fact that there’s no warmth in her tone doesn’t escape my attention. I lean back against one of the counters and cross my arms over my chest.
While they eat, the atmosphere remains tense, and when Will doesn’t eat much, it fills me with great satisfaction.
The moment he gets up, I say, “Go check on your children.”
He nods and leaves the kitchen again.
When Valentina glances at me, I can’t keep it in anymore and mutter, “You sure know how to pick them.”
“Don’t start.”
“I never stopped.” I push away from the counter and take the seat Will vacated. Shoving his plate out of my way, I lean forward and hold her gaze as I say, “You’re sick, and the kids are a mess, and the fucker is watching a game in his office. You can be glad I haven’t killed him yet.”
She slumps in her chair and lowers her head. “I know it doesn’t look good.”
“Damn straight it doesn’t.” I reach across the table, and gripping hold of her chin, I force her head up. “You’re a Falco. Act like one.”
Valentina stares at me for a moment, and I watch as emotions flash over her face. Exhaustion, frustration, pride, anger, and even hopelessness.
“Things aren’t always such a mess,” she tries to defend herself.
Pulling back, I nod my head at her food. “Eat so you can get to bed.”
Will comes into the kitchen with Talia in his arms, and looking at Valentina, he asks, “She says she doesn’t feel well.”
When my sister begins to move, I snap, “Eat!”
I climb to my feet and walk to my brother-in-law. He bristles when I get close and moves Talia in front of his chest as if he’s using her as a shield.
My temper flares again, but by some miracle, I don’t lose my cool as I take her from him. Keeping my tone soft, I ask, “Where do you feel sick, baby-girl?”
She presses her fingers to her hair, and her voice sounds small as she whispers, “My head.”
When I open the cupboard, Valentina points out the right medicine and how much to give Talia. Once I’ve taken care of myniece, I walk to the living room and sit down beside Asher, who’s happily watching his show.
I cradle Talia against my chest and lovingly brush my hand over her black hair while murmuring, “You’ll feel better soon.”
