“I think that’s a question for Gabriella,” Antonio said.
If Kizzy were a more psychic witch, she might be able to read her mind. The mother of seven gave her a look of sympathetic understanding. Mind reading was unnecessary.
Gabriella smiled softly. “My Antonio was a firefighter too. When we first met, I worried much more than I do now. That may sound callous, but it’s only because I know how well-trained all firefighters are. There are also plenty of policies in place to prevent unnecessary risks. The officers are greatly concerned about their men and women’s safety as well as the safety of the public. There’s no room for glory or grandstanding.”
Kizzy understood. Sometimes she wondered how anyone could do a job like that, but then she remembered how rarely she saw firefighters as patients. Far more frequently, she saw patients they had saved. “It’s a noble calling. I imagine families like yours must be committed to the community they serve.”
Antonio smiled. “At first, it pays the bills. Then after a few successes, it becomes more. Don’t get me wrong. There are situations that can be scary as hell, and then we remind ourselves it’s not just our job, it’s a calling. Not everyone can do it.” Then he chuckled. “And it still pays the bills.”
Kizzy couldn’t help admiring the many brave men and women who worked for the fire department. If it were her, she’d probably have to be a secretary. No way would she run into an uncontrolled fire! Witches werenotfans of burning alive!
“You should come to one of our Sunday dinners,” Gabriella said. “I’ll ask Noah to invite you.”
“Oh! That’s very kind, but I couldn’t impose…”
“It’s not an imposition at all. I love to cook for our family gatherings. I enjoy meeting the boys’ friends, so my motto is ‘the more the merrier.’”
Antonio laughed. “She’s not kidding about that. We just had to knock down a wall to expand the dining room table.”
Just then, Noah emerged from the locker room. He had a duffel bag of equipment over his shoulder, and his hair was damp, but he still looked good enough to eat. His brows tented as if surprised to see his parents talking with her, but then he grinned. Kizzy loved that wide, pearly-white smile.
When he reached them, he shook his dad’s hand and bent down to give his mother a kiss on the cheek. Then he draped an arm around Kizzy’s shoulder.
“Great game, Son,” Antonio said proudly.
“But that monkey!” Gabriella said. “I wish Dante were here to explain what he had to do with it and where it came from. Do you know, darling?”
Noah shrugged. “You’ll have to ask him.”
Kizzy smiled and tried to think of something intelligent to say. Anything to change the subject. She was pretty sure the monkey was wearing Mallory’s blouse and crossbody purse, but she wouldn’t swear to it.
“The game looked like a close one,” she said.
Noah chuckled. “Yeah, the cops weren’t as tough this year. Last year was the first year I played them, and we got beat.”
“Wait till next year when Luca is playing against you,” Gabriella said.
Antonio groaned. “Did you have to remind me we’re going to have a cop in the family?”
Noah smirked. “Every family needs a blue sheep.”
“Stop it, you two,” Gabriella said and swatted her husband. “I was just telling Kizzy you should invite her to Sunday dinner some time, Noah.”
He glanced down at her with raised eyebrows as if to ask what she thought of that.
“We can talk about it later. I’m sure Noah must be starving after all the energy he expended.”
Gabriella reached for her hand. “You’re right. Thank you for looking out for my son.” The women squeezed hands, and Gabriella looked up at her much taller husband. “We should be going.”
“You mean we should letthemget going.” Antonio winked at her.
Kizzy didn’t quite understand what he meant by that, but she was relieved to be getting out of the spotlight. She barely caught it, but she thought Noah rolled his eyes. Something was going on with this family.
* * *
By the time they got back to Mallory’s place, Dante had decided not to pressure Mallory, even if she’d planned to seduce him. That was before “the incident.”
There was plenty of time to play with Mallory, even though she had seemed willing earlier. He had a war going on inside his head—both heads. Was this really going to happen eventually? Was he finally going to go all the way with his high school crush? Should he grab the opportunity in case he didn’t get another one?
