being treated like a…a servant because, like Papà’s side of the family, she’s a lot nicer than your side.”
The air left Frankie’s lungs. That was way too much honesty for Mama. She opened her mouth to say…something.
“Shhh,” Bull cautioned under his breath.
Mama’s eyes filled with tears. “Francesca. Frankie. I…no. I don’t mean to…”
Cavolo, Mama was going to cry, and she never cried. Aghast, Frankie started to rise. “Mama—”
“My dear, I’m so glad you’re here,” Regina, the municipal building receptionist called as she and her husband walked into the restaurant. “Thank you so much for the other night. You made our anniversary incredibly special. One we’ll never forget.”
After giving Frankie a warm hug, Regina joined her beaming husband, and they headed into the bar.
“Frankie’s here?” From a nearby table, Tina, Chevy’s wife, half rose. “Girl, don’t forget we’re reading The Handmaid’s Tale this week.”
Small towns. Frankie stole a glance at her mother who was regaining her composure. Okay, then.
Rising, Frankie called back. “I’m halfway done, Tina. It’s a great book.” When she sat back down, she felt more centered. As Bull took her hand again, she smiled at her mother. “Mama. It’s all right.”
“No. No, it’s not.” Eyes now dry, Mama set her jaw. “I need to think about this, but you are not less. Different, yes. Not less. And never a servant. Not my daughter.” Her fingers were tapping on the table.
Her gaze came to Bull and where he held Frankie’s hand. A very blatant possessive hold, Frankie realized.
Before she could move, Lillian swooped down. “Love, I’d hoped to run into you tonight. Don’t forget poker night is next week. Also, for the Harry Potter reading, could you bring yourself to wear black robes?”
“Hey, wait, is this reading for the library? My library?” Audrey asked, frowning.
“But, certainly, my child. Frankie and I intend to add some stage props,” Lillian said. Dante stepped up behind her.
Frankie eyed the petite woman. It was very unlike the British actress to bust into a dinner party like this.
Lillian cast a gracious smile over the table. “Please excuse the interruption. Frankie and I have been reading to the elementary children and showing them how literature gets turned into theater.”
Dante laughed. “Lillian went and left the Broadway stage, but acting is in her blood.”
“Lillian Gainsborough?” Papà’s eyes widened. “I saw you in Macbeth. No one has played the Lady better, before or since.”
Beaming, Lillian gave a slight bow. “Thank you, my good sir.”
Frankie suppressed a smile at her sisters’ wide eyes.
“Now, Frankie.” Lillian patted her shoulder. “I have robes for you. Come over early, and we’ll get dressed. We’ll have ever so much fun.”
“I’ll be there.” But…they’d discussed robes and times yesterday. There was no way Lillian had forgotten.
Cazzo, Bull had drafted more than just his family for this meeting with her family. Felix, Regina, Tina, Lillian…? Ohhh, this was such a set up.
Lillian smiled at Frankie’s family. “It’s lovely that you came to visit her. I know she’s missed you all.”
As Lillian and Dante moved away, Anja snorted. “Missed us? When would you have had time?”
Birgit sniffed. “She doesn’t put in hours at the gym like we do. This place probably doesn’t even have a gym.”
“We have a home gym,” Gabe said mildly. “I’ve noticed Bull and Frankie seem to prefer jogging and sparring in our park.”
Bull shrugged. “There’s nothing like running beside the lake at sunrise.”
“Oh.” Anja sighed. “That does sound nice.”
“By the way, Frankie, can you give me some lessons with that staff of yours? Some of your blocks and strikes would work great with the police baton,” JJ said.
“Sure. I’d love to.”
Papà didn’t seem upset, but Birgit and Mama were frowning. Because none of Frankie’s plans included returning to New York.
“Only, you’ll have to tell Gryff not to bite me—that we’re friends, right?” JJ added with a smile.
“Bite you?” Birgit stared. “What?”
“Our dog,” Bull said. “He’s ninety pounds of fur that tries to crawl into Frankie’s lap every chance he gets—and will guard her with his life.”
Mama looked appalled, then her eyes softened. “You’ve always wanted a dog.”
“One like Nonna’s,” Papà said. “Back when you’d help her in her gardens.”
“We have a huge garden.” Audrey smiled at Papà. “Frankie was singing as she harvested baby salad greens.”
Frankie smiled at the memory. She’d been singing “Yesterday”, the old Beatles’ tune when everyone had joined in to create a lovely four-part harmony.
“You’re part of his family—and this town, aren’t you?” Anja said, and Frankie could hear a note of envy. “It suits you, too.