I’m sure Bianca, the youngest of my sisters—and the only one who isn’t divorced—won’t appreciate being sent on an errand. She constantly has a bee in her bonnet about her older sisters bossing her around. “I appreciate you wanting to look after me, but you know B will hate having to go on her own.”
She purses her lips. “You’re right. Mia can go with her. It’s not her turn to—” She breaks off and glances at me guiltily.
Despite myself, I chuckle. “It’s okay, Stel. I know you guys have a roster.” I pat the sofa beside me. “Sit for a moment.” It’s the first time I’ve had a chance to get her alone. While all the Romano women are opinionated, Stella, in particular, never holds back. I want her thoughts on Mom’s new fiancée. With a huff, Stella lowers herself onto the cushion and crosses her long legs. “What do you think of Kevin?”
She cocks her head. “He’s a bit boring if you ask me. Doesn’t have any passion.” She emphasizes this with her hands. “He reminds me of Mr. Black from high school math class. Was he still there when you were in school?”
I nod, knowing exactly who she means. The guy had been an institution. He taught every Romano child, despite the fact there are twelve years between us. At thirty, I’m the youngest. Adele is the oldest, followed by Stella, Mia, and Bianca.
“But do you think there’s anything off about him?” I prompt.
“Who, Kevin?” She taps a finger to her chin. “No, I don’t think so. He seems like the kind of person who files his taxes on time, never gets speeding tickets, and has a pair of underwear for each day of the week.”
I cringe because I don’t want to think about Kevin’s underwear. “Did you meet him before they got engaged?”
“No, but she mentioned him a few times.” She reaches over and rests a hand on my knee. It’s intended to be reassuring, but I feel like I’m going to burst out of my skin. “Asking her to marry him is probably the craziest thing that man has done in his life, which must mean he really loves her. Don’t worry so much.”
I’m not sure I agree. I’m concerned they’re jumping into this too quickly and not thinking things through—something that never ends well when it comes to Mom. I open my mouth to say as much, but the door swings inward, and the rest of the family enters the room. Behind them is Kevin. I take a moment to glare at him while he’s not looking, quickly schooling my features as his eyes find mine.
“Sorry last night didn’t go the way you wanted,” Kevin says, his mouth tilting sympathetically. “Gia told me you’ve torn your rotator cuff. I did that playing baseball in college. Took forever to heal. If you need any suggestions for stretches or exercises, I’m your man.”
Took forever to heal.Exactly what I want to hear.
“Thanks.” I rest my head against the back of the couch while my mother and sisters bicker over what they’re going to cook for dinner and who’ll be in charge of the kitchen. I sigh. They’re all excellent cooks, but their behavior right now is the reason I stayed out of their way growing up. The last thing they need is another person getting involved.
My phone vibrates, and I surreptitiously slip it from my pocket and study the screen. It’s a message from Leo.
Leo:How are you doing?
I type out a response.
Tony:Shoulder aches. Got a headache coming on. My family is all in one room and you know how that usually ends.
Leo:Oh damn. Need a rescue?
Tony:No, but thanks anyway. I doubt they’ll let me leave. They’re in overprotective mode. It’s sweet but intense.
A few moments later, my phone rings. I answer immediately, assuming it’s Leo.
“Hey, Tony.” It’s Gabe. One of the other fighters at the gym. “Leo said you’re going crazy at home.”
“Just a little,” I murmur, glancing at my relatives, who have stopped arguing to listen in. “Snoops,” I mouth. Stella rolls her eyes, and Mom raises one brow dangerously. I look away. “What’s up?”
“You know Sydney and I have a cottage on Cape Cod?” he asks.
“Yeah,” I reply, not sure where the conversation is going.
“You’re welcome to use it as a getaway. Hide out there for a few weeks while you rest.” He’s obviously smiling; I can hear it in his voice. “The ocean air is great for recuperating.”
“Wow, thanks for the offer.” I never expected anything like this. Mia leans forward, her bangs falling over her face, clearly interested to know what we’re talking about. Bianca gives her alittle shove, gesturing for her to leave me alone. “I don’t know, though. I don’t want to be away from the gym for that long.”
Gabe makes a sound of understanding. “I get that. But if you’re here all the time, you’ll only be torturing yourself. You know Seth won’t let you join in until you’ve been cleared by a physiotherapist. You can keep up your base fitness from anywhere, and maybe being away will do you some good.”
I nod because he’s right. I will find it difficult to watch others train and not join them. And I know my sisters will have already planned to visit me every day for the foreseeable future. I love them, but I need space. Maybe it’s not the worst idea.
“I’ll think about it,” I tell him.
“Great.” He hesitates, then adds, “If you decide not to, you can change your mind any time, but no pressure. It sits there empty for most of the year.”
