I make my way over to the lounge, and Val gives me an encouraging smile as she whispers conspiratorially. “Don’t worry. The guys are so busy eating they won’t even pay attention. That’s why we’re doing it now.”
I glance at the sideboard and can see that’s true. Everyone but Romeo and Rafe is gathered around, talking amongst each other as they eat from plates that look tiny in their huge Vitale hands.
It should be a comfort to have fewer eyes on me, but there’s one pair I can’t seem to escape. As I steal a glance at him, I wonder if this is some weird new game we’re playing—like who will look away first. Except, he always wins that game, and this time is no exception because Val brings me the first present to open.
It’s a gift from her, of course, because Val is always eager to give her gifts out.
“I hope you love it.” She waits anxiously as I remove the top of the gift box and peer inside.
My eyes light up when I see the Regency-style vanity tray and matching hand mirror.
“Now you’ll feel like you’re living in a Jane Austen novel,” she says.
“I love it so much, Val. Thank you.”
She beams proudly and sets the box aside, handing me another one. The process continues with too many presents to count. My friends know me well, and every gift reflects that.
Wax seals, stationery sets, pink fluffy heart pens, Ghostface memorabilia, a Regency-style choker, a parasol, and a delicate pink fan. There are also a plethora of bath products designed for sensitive skin that aren’t overly scented.
It's obvious that most of the guys were given instructions for what to buy, but Rafe is always the oddball of the group. His gifts are usually gags of some sort, and this year is no exception. When I open the bag, I find a plushy…of him. He had his actual face printed onto it.
“To keep the monsters away.” He tosses me a wink.
“With a mug like that, how could it not?” Michele chuckles.
Angelo and Abella exchange a glance as Romeo strolls over and plops down on the lounge beside me, man-spreading as he casually leans back and examines the plushy.
“Let me see it.”
There seems to be a weird shift in the room as all the brothers pause to watch. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I hand it over to Romeo.
He pulls a Sharpie out of his pocket, yanks off the cap, and starts drawing.
A minute later, he hands the plushy back to me, and somehow, in that time, he’s turned Rafe’s face into a caricature of Mr. Burns fromThe Simpsons.
“Fixed it.” Romeo leans back with a smirk as Rafe flips him off.
“Don’t be jealous because my face is prettier than yours,” Rafe says.
Romeo lets that remark bounce right off him, as he should. There’s no denying the Vitale men are all gods in their own right, each of them unfairly gifted in the looks department. But for me, Romeo has always been the standout.
“Alright, field trip’s over,” Angelo tells his brothers. “We have business to handle.”
Rafe and Michele groan, and Angelo sighs. “You can thank Romeo for this.”
I don’t know what they’re talking about, but none of them look very enthused about whatever it is.
Angelo checks on his sleeping daughter in her portable bassinet, then gives Abella a lingering kiss.
On his way out, Cristian does a walk-by, swiping the drink from Chantel’s hand and pouring it down his throat in one go.
“Rude,” she huffs.
He gives her a look and strolls to the door without a word. Rafe and Michele join him, and Romeo waits until the last minute to get up from the lounge. Before he does, his thigh bumps against mine, and I glance over at him.
“Have fun at your party, Gabriela. Don’t miss me too much.”
“Have fun at your secret boys-only club meeting. Don’t get too murder-y.”
