"I don't care who's paying for this date as long as someone pays," she chided as she mashed the buttons on her register.
"Oh, we're not—"
Levi cut me off, giving me a gentle shove out of the line. "Sorry ma'am, it's been a long day."
Once Levi settled up for our food, he led me to a table near the windows. "I'm sorry if I overstepped back there or if I was way off base."
He was giving me an opening. Something about his easygoing personality told me I could dispute his assumptions and he'd let the subject drop. But for how long? And he didn't seem disgusted by what he thought was going on between us, which was far better than the reaction I'd gotten from Frankie earlier. Maybe Levi could be an ally; he could help us show the family it wasn't wrong for me to love both Tony and Enzo.
"None of us meant for it to happen," I admitted. I pushed the noodles and meat around on my plate, knowing my stomach would rebel if I tried eating anything. "It was supposed to be a night of fun."
"Makes sense." When I gaped at Levi, eyes practically bugging out of my head, he shrugged. "What? They're both sexy as hell and it's not uncommon for people to have fantasies about being with twins. But that's not how it turned out for the three of you, is it?" I shook my head, unable to form words. "Listen, I won't push you to divulge what goes on behind closed doors. It doesn't matter, and it's no one's business but your own. But I do think you need to be honest with the family. The longer you keep it a secret, the harder it'll be to win their trust when the truth comes out."
"But what if..." My words fell off, not sure what I wanted to ask.
"I'm not saying you need to tell them everything. I get why none of you are ready for that." I swallowed hard, heart beating even faster, certain now he had put all the pieces together. "The world is a judgmental place, and there will be people who think what the three of you are doing is wrong, but I have to believe if you control how much they know, they'll see the three of you are meant to be together. I see it, and I know Matteo does as well. He doesn't fully understand, but he's commented several times about how much happier his brothers are since you entered the picture. At the end of the day, that's what the Marino family is all about."
"I'll talk to them about it," I promised because I wasn't going to march in there and declare my love and devotion while they waited for news about their mama. However we proceeded, it had to be done as a unit.
Levi motioned to my plate before he started eating. I barely tasted the food but kept eating, knowing I'd need the energy to make it through the emotional strain we'd all face today. Once our plates were empty, I followed Levi through the cafeteria line again. He grabbed an assortment of cold foods and sent me off to get coffee for everyone.
As we waited for the elevator, he offered one final piece of advice. "For now, go into that waiting room. Love them. Show them you're not easily scared away. Let the brothers see you're willing to do whatever it takes to care for Tony and Enzo, regardless of what anyone else thinks."
"Okay." Levi made it sound simple. I'd try, knowing without him saying as much we'd have his support if the shit hit the fan.
Chapter Sixteen
Tony
Once all thebrothers were present and accounted for, it was like my body just shut down. I didn'twantto punk out, but I wasn't sure how much longer I could keep my eyes open. No one thought it was unusual for me to rest my head on Enzo's shoulder; that was the benefit of having always shared a close bond our brothers never quite understood. Enzo tensed at my nearness. I patted his knee.
"If you keep doing that, they're going to think you're upset with me," I warned him, whispering softly enough only Enzo could hear me, wishing I could say more.
I felt him nod before settling into the corner of the rock-hard couch. I burrowed my way deeper into his side and closed my eyes. Just for a minute or two. I was exhausted following the adrenaline rush and crash. While I was glad I was there when Mama needed me, it was an experience I hoped to never have to live through again.
I drifted in and out, catching snippets of conversation but nothing that made sense. I relaxed, knowing someone would wake me when there was news about Mama's condition. Eventually, Enzo slid his arm around my shoulders, drawing me deeper into his warmth. I was vaguely aware of my surroundings when I turned my head, burrowing my face into the crook of Enzo's neck. He went rigid as a board, nudging me away from him, snapping me back to reality.
Oh fuck.
Someone laughed. I closed my eyes tighter, as if that'd keep me from utter humiliation.
"Tony must be having one hell of a dream over there," Matteo quipped. "Doesn't even realize he's making out with Enzo. This has serious blackmail potential down the road."
"You'll do no such thing." I wasn't into the Daddy Dom thing like Matteo, but even I could admit it was hot to hear Levi get all growly. You know, as long as I ignored the fact he was screwing my baby brother. "Hand me your phone."
There were pictures? Seriously? That was low. Okay, so I'd have likely done the same had roles been reversed.
"It's just one picture," Matteo whined. "Can I keep it if I promise I won't use it with evil intent? They really were cute cuddled up on the couch together."
"No."
Matteo let out a huff. "Fine. You never let me have fun."
"That's me, Captain Buzzkill," Levi deadpanned. "Now, unless you want a red ass when we get home, I suggest you do as you were told."
I pursed my lips to keep from laughing. When I finally opened my eyes, I noticed Max lingering at the edge of the room, hands filled with a tray of drinks. He glanced around the room, eyes stopping briefly on each member of the family. He shuffled his feet, but never stepped towards us. I wasn't sure I'd ever seen him look so uncertain.
I cocked my head toward the other side of the couch. It'd be cramped with the three of us, but I needed one thing in my life to feel right. Or as right as it could when we were still keeping a huge secret from everyone who loved us. The only regret I had about falling in love with Enzo and Max was there wouldn't ever be a time my brothers fully understood it wasn't just Max who completed me, it was both of them. Instead of joining us, he shook his head, so slightly I was sure no one else noticed. His steps as he distributed coffee and water to everyone in our group were stilted as though he had to force himself to keep from running again.
