Noah leaned back and put his hands up in surrender. “I didn’t say anything, Bro.”
“Misty, pay no attention to my sons,” Gabriella said. “Of course you can work wherever you want, but remember your safety is important toallof us. I’m sure Gabe has responded to many emergencies in Roxbury, and itisa rough neighborhood.”
“I think it was named the neighborhood with the most drive-by shootings,” Luca said. “You could get caught in the cross fire in a gang war there.”
Misty’s eyes betrayed a deep sadness. “I never said I was going to take the job. I mean, it’s tempting. They have a new Center for the Arts, and I’ve heard there are some wonderful things going on there. The pay is good, and I have rent—”
“Gabe will cover your rent,” Gabriella quickly interjected.
Gabe’s jaw dropped. “Ma? Can I see you in the kitchen?”
“No, you may not. If you can’t afford it, we’ll all chip in.”
Misty straightened her spine. “No! I can’t let you do that. It’s very kind of you, but I’ll be fine.”
Gabe stood. “In that case, Misty, may I seeyouin the kitchen?”
* * *
“Uh-oh. Misty’s in trouble,” Luca chanted.
“Shut up, squirt,” Gabe fired back.
But Mistydidfeel like she was in trouble. Parker had asked her to go to Gabe for advice or anything else she needed and, moreover, to listen to him. It was for Parker’s sake that she followed Gabe into the kitchen.
When Gabe turned around, Misty folded her arms. “I wasn’t really going to take a job in Roxbury, you know.”
Gabe let out a deep breath. “Well, thank God. I had hoped you’d have more sense than that. Why did you even bring it up if you weren’t considering it?”
Misty shrugged. “Your mom asked if I had looked around.”
Gabe was quiet for a moment, then he strolled up to her and whispered in her ear, “I’ll gladly pay your rent so you can look for another job, but I’d rather my family not know about it.”
Startled, she gazed at him. “I can’t let you—”
He put his finger to his lips. “Shhh. You have to whisper. They have very sensitive hearing, and I’m sure they’re eavesdropping.”
She narrowed her eyes and whispered, “I don’t need you to take care of me. I’ll have to give two weeks’ notice anyway. I’d rather not quit until I have another job to go to.”
“But that may take several months.”
“Then it takes several months.”
“I’ve made money with investments and can afford to help,” he said.
The two of them just stared at each other, unmoving and unrelenting. Challenging each other. Daring each other.
At last, Gabe grabbed her upper arms and pulled her to him. Then he bent down and kissed her, fervently. She grabbed onto his shirt and gave as good as she got.
* * *
He didn’t know how long they’d been in their desperate lip-lock when someone cleared his throat. It barely registered in Gabe’s mind, until he remembered his family was probably waiting for them.
He let go and whirled around. He was barely aware of Misty stumbling into him and righting herself.
Gabe’s father stood there with his arms crossed. A smile started at the corner of his mouth, but he quickly schooled his expression.
“We’re waiting for you. Are you through…um, telling Misty what to do with her life? Or whatever it was I just witnessed.”
