I can see that.
That makes sense for her. Anya seems to like nice, soft things. Fighting is loud and intense. I doubt it would scare her to witness, but she wouldn’t enjoy it either.
Matteo
I’m sure nothing will actually happen anyway. I’ll keep you updated though! People are starting to show up.
Anya
You don’t have to keep me updated if you’re busy. Your family is big, it might be hard to text.
Solid point, even if I wish it weren’t true.
Matteo
A debrief after the fact then!
Matteo
How were your appointments?
Anya goes on to tell me in very little detail about her day. It was a good one and that’s all I really need to know anyway. Our texts trickle down as the house fills up with people, and if I weren’t so hungry, I might be more upset about it.
I get settled into my seat at dinner before almost anyone else, making my plate before Cesar is put in my lap. I don’t mind sharing my spot with the kid, or helping him eat his little bites, but I like to have my food settled before I do. If I don’t have it prepared ahead of time, he’ll sneak his slobber-covered fingers into my potatoes while I’m not looking.
Cutest menace around, this kid.
The beginning of the meal is relatively quiet, everyone seemingly as hungry as I am. We’re all digging in, only small exchanges of conversation happening sporadically around us. My giggly little nephew is the loudest of the bunch, and that’s a feat even for him.
Cesar is still babbling at me eagerly when the sound of a glass chiming signals for the table to quiet down. Being the overly curious baby that he is, even Cesar stops talking to find the noise and figure out what it means.
Emilio’s wife Melani stands up, smiling while holding up her wine. “I don’t want to interrupt the conversations for too long, it’s so rare for all of us to be here together.”
Next to me, Jade calls out in agreement. “Too rare!”
Melani laughs, nodding toward her. “Exactly. I only wanted to announce that the latest charity ball Emilio and I hosted met our incredible goal last night, in large part due to Dante. Hundreds of struggling women in the city will have assistance and housing for the next five years, and I’m so grateful for being able to be a part of this generous family.”
The table breaks out into a polite round of applause, Cesar echoing the shared sentiment by banging his hands on the table. I chuckle, catching his fists before they can break something or get hurt.
From the corner of my eye, I see Rayna gulping down the rest of her wine, and look around to see if anyone notices. No one does.
“We should collaborate on something for the orphanage next,” Ana suggests, stealing my attention away again. “I know you love doing women’s charities lately but there’s plenty of young boys and girls who could use a killer fundraiser this year.”
“That’s a lovely idea,” Melani tells her, nodding with a long look in her eyes like she’s already thinking of ideas. “Emilio has always said that Morettis care about women and children above all else.”
A doubtful snort comes from Rayna and my eyes widen. Everyone notices her now, and tension rises like a visible wave, floating around the family.
Melani drops down back into her seat, glaring as she does. Her perfectly polite personality seems to go icy in an instant. “Care to comment?”
“You don’t want to hear anything I have to say, trust me.”
Ohhhh, shit.
Did I do this?
Did I manifest this by telling Anya some drama at dinner would be fun?
Catching myself smiling, I smother it and clear my throat quietly to shake it off. I should not be excited about what’s happening. Picking up my short tumbler filled with a whiskey cocktail, I raise it to my lips to hide.
