Page 18 of Love Above Law

Nonno shakes his head in disagreement. "How can that be when the most beautiful woman in the world sits at my side," he turns and faces my Nonna, then kisses her cheek.

I want their kind of love—the kind that overcomes all odds because it's strong—the kind that stands the test of time.

"How long has she been living in the states?" Vi asks.

"About as long as I've known her."

"How is she adjusting?" Vi poses another question that gets me thinking about Leyna and our conversation last night.

"She's adjusted well, but misses teaching, which is what she did before coming to the US."

"You know, Deborah can help her if she's looking to teach again. I mean, she'll have to go back to school, but there are all kinds of grants she should be able to qualify for," my mom offers. Mom's friend Deborah is the dean over at Seattle University and I don't doubt she could help Leyna. I'm suddenly stricken with the reality I could somehow convince Leyna into moving to Seattle.

For the rest of our dinner the subject of Leyna and me is dropped. Oddly enough I'm okay with my family knowing a little more than I wanted them to about Leyna. When we are fully stuffed, everyone finds their way to the living room. Striding across the room, I look out the window. The snow is much heavier than it was hours ago, and the sun has set.

"Why don't you guys stay here tonight instead of driving in this mess. Lex, you and Kai can take your old room, Fran and the kids can take the basement room. Vi, you and Ari can bunk with your sister in her room for the night," my mom sips on her wine as she sits perched on the arm of dad's recliner with his hand resting on her hip. My siblings and I look at each other. It's been a long time since we've all slept under the same roof.

"We can always dig the Christmas tree and decorations out of the attic." Lily looks around the room hopeful we all agree to the sleepover.

"Kai, what do you say? Help me get the boxes from the attic?" I ask him and smile at my baby sister.

"I'm game."

With that being said, us men move into action bringing in the boxes. Taking a moment, I make my way upstairs to my old bedroom. Everything about the space is the same. All my football trophies line the shelves hanging on the wall and my high school and Police academy graduating certificates displayed in frames next to one another. Before it gets too late, I need to hear Leyna's voice. I pull my phone from my pocket and pull up the picture of her smiling face. She sent it to me a week ago. Knowing she is in her room at this time of night I tap her name and call her.

"Hi."

"Hey, beautiful. How was your first Thanksgiving?"

"It was a good day," Leyna sounds happy. "Did you enjoy time with your family?"

"I did. I told them about you," I confess hoping she doesn't mind.

"You did?" she sounds shocked and becomes quiet.

"Babe, you still with me?"

"I feel bad, Lex. I just—I haven't been able to tell anyone I've been talking to you."

I want to tell her to tell them to go fuck themselves. I don't give two shits what her brother or the rest of them think. But I don't. I rein my thoughts in and remind myself there is nothing more between us right now but a friendship. "I understand," I say trying to make myself believe my own words. I want to tell Leyna how I'm starting to feel about her but always stop short of confessing.

"Lex?"

I decide to change the subject. "If you're still interested in school and getting back into teaching, I have the name of someone who can help you." She doesn't answer me right away, so I quickly add, "I'll text you her information. Think about it and when you're ready give her a call."

"Thank you."

I look at the digital clock sitting on the bedside table. "It's getting late. I'll call you tomorrow, okay."

"Okay."

"Goodnight, beautiful."

"Goodnight, Lex."

10

Leyna