she managed not to go insane over the last thirty-plus years, instead handling us with love and grace.
“Ready?” I ask Arlo as we step inside.
“Yeah. I think so,” she says, but she’s lost some of the color in her face, clearly nervous.
“They’re going to love you, and anyway, they’re busy with their own Sunday routines. They’ll barely pay any attention to you.” I keep her at my side, pressing against her lower back to move her forward.
I eat those words as soon as we leave the foyer and hit the back of the house, where the kitchen and living room are.
Every member of my family is silent, staring at us with goofy smiles.
“Um,” Arlo whispers.
“Hi,” I say, but it comes out more like a question.
My gram steps between us and them. “Hi, sweetie. Don’t mind the nosy rosies. They’re harmless, and they’re staring at Carmello, not you.”
“Okay,” Arlo says, moving into my side.
“Hey, Gram.”
“Baby,” she whispers, reaching up to touch my face, followed by pressing her lips to my cheek. “You look happy.”
“I am happy.”
“Good,” she says, her face soft and sweet. “That’s all a grandmother wants to hear.”
“I’m Gram,” she says to Arlo. “You can call me Gram, Nonna, or Grandma. I refuse to answer to anything else at my age and when we’re with family.”
“But I’m not family,” Arlo replies, and I brace myself again, knowing my family is a pain in the dick about this shit.
“If Mello brought you here, you are. And anyway, anyone who walks through my front door becomes an honorary member. You’re in now for as long as you want. Now, come here and give me a hug.”
Arlo looks at me, and I give her a little shove forward. There’s no getting away from the formalities of this family, no matter who the person is.
“So pretty,” Gram says, wrapping Arlo in her arms. “My grandson did good.”
“Lily set us up,” I tell my grandma for no reason at all.
Gram smiles as she lets go of Arlo. “Then this one’s a good girl, too. None of that trash I know he’s been seen around town with for years.”
My face heats, and I can’t look her in the eyes. “That’s not true.”
“Don’t lie to me, Carmello. Small towns make word travel fast and wide. I hear things, and you tend to be the favorite topic of the worst gossips.”
“Sorry, Gram,” is all I can say. “I’ll do better.”
“Just be you.”
“I always am.”
“Lord, how I know. Now, go introduce your girl to everyone.”
Arlo is about to open her mouth, but I jump in and say, “Will do, Gram.”
“Lovely to meet you, Arlo. Please don’t leave here hungry.”
Arlo smiles. “Based on the smell, I don’t think that will be an issue.”
“Need to fatten you up. No babies as long as you’re that skinny.”
“What?” Arlo’s eyes widen.
“Nothing, sweetie,” Gram says before wandering away.
The others are still relatively quiet, whispering among themselves, probably placing bets on how long my relationship will last. Can’t say I blame them. I’ve never settled down, and before Arlo, I never planned to either.
“Arlo, this is my nosy-as-hell family.” I wave my arm out, motioning toward the entire group.
They all smile in unison, looking creepy as fuck.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with them,” I whisper to her. “It’s like they’ve all lost their minds.”
“No, son. Seeing you here with Arlo is like looking into the sky and seeing God himself descending through the clouds. Two things we never anticipated experiencing in our lifetimes,” my grandpa says, stepping through the group.
I shake my head, trying to hold back my laughter at their stupidity. “That’s ridiculous.”
Grandpa places his hand on my shoulder and gives me a wink. “The truth sometimes is, but you made us think it was never going to happen.” He then moves his eyes to Arlo. “Hello, sweet girl. Welcome to our home.”
“Thank you,” Arlo replies.
“These are my kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. If they say anything crazy, ignore them. They’re not all right in the head because we spoiled them.”
“Pop, stop lying,” my uncle Joe says. “You’re hardly normal, so stop acting like you are.” My uncle lifts his hand in greeting to Arlo. “I’m his uncle Joe, Gigi’s father.”
Arlo smiles, her cheeks turning pink. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You have your hands full with this one,” Uncle Joe says.
Her smile widens as she looks at me and then back to him. “I’m well aware.”
“Nothing about him has been easy since he was born,” Uncle Joe says.