“A floor-to-ceiling bookshelf with a ladder rail would make me so happy,” I say.
I’m half-joking.
But from the way Caspian’s eyes light up, I have a feeling that’s exactly what I’m going to get.
CHAPTER 75 – CASPIAN
I sit across from Antonio’s parents.
Lucia has a multi-page, color-coded worksheet and she’s talking us through it with the intensity of a chess grandmaster. She clearly considers it a legally binding agreement.
“Tuesdays are for family,” she says, giving me a stern, maternal look. “Dinner is non-negotiable. Absence requires a doctor’s note or a death certificate.”
I nod solemnly. Antonio had warned me about the holiness of their Tuesday dinners.
“Understood.”
“We can trade the Sunday brunch if you can join our board-game Fridays,” Giuseppe offers.
“We don’t have board-game Fridays,” Antonio points out.
“We could,” his father replies dreamily. “Caspian seems like a person who doesn’t flip over the board if the dice misbehaves.”
Antonio is suddenly very interested in the tablecloth.
“I’m sure we’ll manage brunch and the occasional board-game night,” I reassure him, exchanging a look with Antonio.
He nods in agreement.
Lucia claps her hands.
“So, the casserole rotation—”
Antonio’s phone buzzes at the same time mine does, interrupting Lucia’s casserole pitch.
I squint at the screen.
“We’ve been invited to the founding meeting of The Baywood Justice Squad.”
Antonio frowns.
“I got it too. What does it mean?”
“It could mean literally anything,” I say. “But if I had to guess, it’s Ryan-related.”
“Oh.” His shoulders go stiff.
I set my phone aside and brush my thumb over the back of his hand.
“First things first,” I say carefully. “Are you okay with this? Baywood enthusiasm can get theatrical. It’s your call.”
He chews on his lip, thinking. Then he looks at me.
“They mean well, right? Maybe we should go and at least check it out. And then decide? Can we do that?”
“Of course we can.” I pull him against me, fully aware his parents are transforming into heart-eyes emojis.
“And yes, they mean well, but it can escalate. Whenever you want, we leave.”
