around my kitchen island. We men were all standing as the women took the four available barstools while we enjoyed another home cooked meal courtesy of Momma and Papa Amatucci. I was willing to front the money to give them their own restaurant. Or just become my personal chefs.
“Maria, Angelo, this was the best meal I’ve had in ages. Thank you so much for letting me join you,” my mom said as the Amatucci kids cleared the table. She patted her belly. “My husband is going to be so jealous.”
Momma’s eyes widened. “You must take a plate to him.” She rose from her barstool and bustled around my kitchen. I was fairly certain she knew it better than I did and I’d lived here for the past five years.
Mom came over, brushed a kiss to my cheek. “I’m going to steal your girl for a moment.” She looked at Willow who nodded. They both moved over to the elevators.
I kept an eye on them as I helped clear away the remaining plates and glasses from the improvised table. My mom had her hand on Willow’s arm. She was rubbing it in light circles, her face wreathed in pain.
Willow shook her head, patted Mom’s hand.
My mom, in a rare show of physical affection, hauled Willow into her arms. Curled around her like I was prone to doing.
I caught myself before I stormed over there. Demanded to know what was wrong.
“Hey, Tom, want to hand me the last glass?” Tali said as she snapped a towel in my direction.
What? I turned to her. “Tom?”
“As in Peeping. Keep your nose to yourself, fratello. And give me the fricking glass or you can hand wash that one after I start the dishwasher.” Tali made ‘gimme’ motions.
I handed her the snifter. “And I’m not a Peeping Tom. I’m just…keeping an eye out.”
Tali snorted as she rinsed the cup and settled it in an open spot in the dishwasher’s top drawer. “Right. And I’m actually a blonde.” She flicked a lock of her long dark hair out of her way.
I sighed. “Why do you not like me?”
She blinked a couple times. “Who says I don’t like you?”
I snorted. “Most of our interactions end with you either threatening me with physical harm or making gun fingers at me. You’re also incredibly sarcastic. I just want to make sure we’re good.”
She rocked back on her heels, studied me for long moments. “I’ve met men like you. Powerful men who think the world owes them something.”
I opened my mouth.
She held up a finger. “I know now that you’re not like that. That you actually have a good heart. And that you’re ridiculously in love with my sister from a monster mister.”
I closed my mouth. Nodded. “But the sarcasm?”
She shrugged. “You’ll notice I treat my biological brothers the same way.” She smiled at me and left the kitchen area.
I smiled. I guess she really did like me then. “My only sibling is at least half my age and has lived in the hospital most of her life,” I said.
My words drew Tali to a stop. She turned, looked at me. One of her dark brows rose. “And?”
“I might not be a good brother, so I’ll expect you to whip me into shape if it becomes necessary.”
Her smile was gorgeous. “Now that, I can do.” She leaned down, picked up her purse. “Sorry we took up your entire evening. I know you two probably had something else planned after all the fun of today.”
I nodded. “Where were you in all of the excitement?”
She smiled. “Family stuff.” She winked.
I nodded again. “Did it end in a way that agreed with you?”
Her chuckle shot from her mouth as if it surprised her. “You could definitely say I was pleased with how it ended up.”
I shuddered. “Yup, I see the difference now.”
She raised her elegant brow again.
“Feel free to shower me in sarcasm. Your falsely happy voice is much scarier.”
She chuckled again. “I’m not falsely happy, sport.”
“Even worse,” I said with a laugh.
Mom and Willow were done with their hug-fest and had broken apart. More of the Amatucci family was gathered by the elevators. I walked over with Tali.
Everyone gave Willow hugs as they left. They shook my mom’s hand with promises to talk to her soon. Tali was the last to leave. The elevator was too full of her family to ride down with them.
“You’re still coming tomor—” Willow leaned back, grabbed my wrist to look at my watch, “tonight, right?”
Tali smiled. “Of