It reminds me of the time I spent in the accounting department of Lawson Pharma. But it’s different doing it for my sister, and I’m not in a toxic environment where my family business was being used to launder money for the mob. I’m happy to support Sierra because she and Ben have done so much for us. Plus, they recently announced they are pregnant, and Sierra doesn’t need any additional stress. I may not love numbers, but I’m content assisting my sister with her new business. It will help to keep me occupied when the kids return to school in a few weeks. Especially if my NYU dream doesn’t come to fruition.
“Here, Mom.” Elisa drags me to a stop in front of her canvas. “Do you think he’ll like it?” she asks while my heart pounds in my chest.
She has painted a family in front of a house, and I can guess the inspiration. Ignoring the emotional lump clogging my throat, I smile at my daughter. “It’s beautiful, Elisa. Alesso will love it.”
“This is Uncle Ben’s house.” She points at her picture. “And this is Alesso, me, Romeo, and you.” I note we are all holding hands and smiling, and my chest aches with longing and regret. Perhaps, if I hadn’t tried to rush things with him, this kind of reality might be in my future.Ourfuture.
But I tried to fast-track my healing before I was ready, and I ruined any potential we had.
Crouching down, I peer into my daughter’s happy trusting gaze. “You know Alesso is just my friend? And he might not always live here.” I don’t want to burst my daughter’s bubble, but I can’t have her believing in something that isn’t likely to come true. I have taken to gently reminding her as things crop up because I see how attached she is to him.
“He told me he will always be my friend and always be there if I need him,” she replies. “And he said it was the same for you and my brother.” She takes my hand, tugging me toward the door. “He’s not going anywhere, Mom, and you worry too much. Now come on. Let’s get our party dresses on!” Schooled by my daughter, I follow her out of the studio, wishing I had even one-tenth of her natural confidence and exuberance.
* * *
“Surprise!” everyone collectively hollers when Alesso appears on the patio a couple of hours later. Ben took Alesso into the city today, to help get him out of the way, while we got everything set up here. Sierra had a gorgeous outdoor area built last month just for parties. The large circular beige paved stone floor is covered by a wooden gazebo. Underneath it are a few round tables with matching chairs and some comfy wicker sofas grouped around stylish glass-topped wicker coffee tables. Strips of string lights crisscross the ceiling and hang down the wooden pillars. Large, flowering plant pots inject some vibrant color, and scented candles add to the gorgeous fragrance in the air. It’s a beautiful space and the perfect location to host Alessandro’s surprise twenty-seventh birthday party.
“What is all this?” he blurts, looking shell-shocked as his gaze wanders between the friends and family congregated in his honor. Nat is here with the twins—Gino is still in Chicago and doesn’t make it home much. Leo, Nario, Ciro, and a few other made men who are Alesso’s friends are also here. Brando brought his fiancée, Marlena, and it’s the first time us girls have met her. She seems like a sweet girl and very smitten with Ben’s capo.
“Happy birthday.” I smile as I approach Alesso with Elisa and Romeo by my side. “You didn’t think we would let the occasion pass without celebrating, did you?” I hand him a glass of champagne as Ben raises a toast to Alessandro. He looks a little embarrassed as everyone lifts their glasses to him, which is endearingly sweet.
“We made you cupcakes,” Romeo says, looping his arm through Rowan’s.
“They’re yummy,” Rowan adds, grabbing Alesso’s free hand. “Come try one.”
“I painted you a picture,” Elisa interjects. “It’s over here.” She tugs on his arm, trying to pull him in the opposite direction.
“I drawed you a card!” Romeo screams, as if Alesso isn’t standing right beside him. He shoves the hand-drawn card in his face. “It’s you pushing me on the swing!” he exclaims, pointing at the stick figure drawing.
“Mommy baked you a cake. Red velvet,” Elisa says before Alesso can get a word in edgewise. Elisa glares at Rowan as they each try to drag Alesso in an opposite direction, and it’s priceless.
Alesso chuckles, and his eyes are alight with happiness as his gaze snags on mine. For a second, I forget how to breathe. Is it possible he’s getting even more good-looking? Because damn, the man is hotness personified. Snapping out of it, I gently release Elisa’s and Rowan’s hands before they pull Alesso’s arms out of their sockets. “I know you’re excited, but you can’t bombard Alesso the instant he arrives. There is plenty of time for everyone to show him what y’all have made. Let’s see what Alesso wants to do first. Okay?”
Alesso hands me his champagne before crouching down in front of the three rugrats and opening his arms wide. “First things first. I need a hug.” They descend on him with their usual eagerness, and I laugh as he almost falls backward. Alesso regains his balance, hugging the three kids as Sierra steps up alongside me.
“He’s so good with kids,” she whispers in my ear.
I nod because it’s the truth. He’s so patient and kind, and he seems to derive genuine enjoyment out of playing with them and taking them places.
I trail alongside them as Alesso tastes one of the boys’ cupcakes and admires the cards both Romeo and Rowan drew for him. His eyes flit to the cake, occupying center stage on the long table where the food is laid out. Our guests are helping themselves to food while Ben and Sierra distribute drinks. None of his friends have approached yet, happy to let him entertain the kids first. “You made this for me?” he asks, his voice sounding a little hoarse.
I nod, fighting a blush. “I’m not as good as Natalia, but it tastes pretty good, if I do say so myself.”
“Thank you.” Leaning in, he brushes his lips against my cheek, leaving a trail of fire every place he touches. “That is the first time anyone has made me a cake for my birthday. It’s the best damn cake I’ve ever seen.”
I stare at him in shock. “Please tell me that’s not the truth.”
“My mom couldn’t cook for shit. When I was little, she’d buy me a premade cake for my birthday, but most times, she couldn’t be bothered.” He shrugs, like it’s not a big deal when it is.
“That is so sad. I’m sorry. Every child should be made to feel cherished on their birthday.” He has mentioned bits and pieces about his mom and his childhood, and I’m so angry she neglected him. That he has turned into such an intelligent, compassionate man is even more impressive knowing the kind of environment he grew up in.
Alesso is just good to his core.
“I couldn’t help thinking how blessed Elisa is to have you as a mom when I saw the party you threw for her birthday. I would have loved that when I was a kid,” he admits.
Without thinking about it, I loop my arm in his and start moving toward where my daughter is impatiently waiting to reveal her painting. “Well, we’ll just have to spoil you every year on your birthday to make up for all the parties you missed out on growing up.”
Elisa squeals, hopping from foot to foot as we approach. She has draped a light mesh cloth over her easel, and her fingers are twitching with the need to reveal all. “Happy birthday, Alesso.” She throws herself at him, and he readily lifts her into his arms. She clings to him, beaming from ear to ear. “I love you. You’re my bestest friend in the whole wide world.” Her arms tighten around his neck, and she rests her head on his chest.
