“I have no doubts it’ll continue to flourish,” my mother remarks. “Independent authors are taking publishing by storm, and you’re doing something no other publishing house is, by offering them royalties that rival what they make with self-publishing. It’s remarkable.”
“Well, it only makes sense,” I continue. “And it’s not quite as much as they’d make with some of the self-publishing platforms, but they get the benefits of a publishing house while still retaining the majority of their rights and royalties.”
My father nods his head as he chews. “It’s phenomenal—truly, Sunshine. I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you.” My heart warms, and I look down at my plate, scooping a bite onto my fork.
“And you, Joseph? What type of havoc did you wreak this week?” Luciano asks, his voice dripping with amusement. Surely he can see the jealousy etched into our brother's features from my father’s praise directed at me.
My oldest brother, Luciano, has always instigatedJoseph’s foul moods, knowing he is liable to snap at any moment. I’ve always hoped my father would catch it in action and finally say something, which I think is why Luciano continues to push Joseph. Unfortunately, my father holds us all on such high pedestals—it would take a lot to taint the image he has of any one of us.
I’m a little convinced hedoessee it though and chooses to turn a blind eye.
Our father’s love used to be distributed equally, but over the years, I’ve noticed him overcompensating after Joseph’s true colors peek through.
Dabbing his mouth with the corner of his napkin, Joseph’s devilish smile shines as he lowers it. “Well, I had the honor of attending the Reid Family’s Annual Masquerade on Friday?—”
“Oh, my goodness! How was it, Vincenza? I can’t believe I forgot to ask!” my mother interrupts, turning the conversation back to me.
Thankfully, I have a mouthful of food and can’t answer, which hardly matters because Joseph ignores her question and continues.
“August and I attended together. Father, did you know he’s finally considering settling down?”
“Yes, you told me that not too long ago. Good for him. Commitment would do New York’s most eligible bachelor some good, I think.”
“He’s quite picky though, looking for the perfect woman to call his wife?—”
“Vincenza, were there any men at the ball who you foundattractive?” my mother asks, then squeals again. “I’m so glad you went on our behalf, darling!”
“I danced with many men, Mother, but I’m sorry to report there was not a spark in sight.”
“I don’t know, Sister, you looked pretty cozy in August’s arms,” Joseph taunts, and I can see the mockery in his eyes. “August was quite pleased after your dance together.”
Through gritted teeth, I bite out, “August is your best friend, Joey. Practically family. I couldneverdate a man who’s considered family.”
I watch as his hand that rests on the table balls into a fist.
“Oh, I don’t know, Vin! Sometimes it’s the most unsuspecting friendships that grow into love,” my mother gushes, leaning forward on her elbow to rest her chin on her hand. She practically has hearts in her eyes.
“He seems very interested,” Joseph prods.
He’s baiting them—encouraging the very thoughts I wish to squash, but I can see my mother is already planning a wedding in her head, and my father is more focused on his brunch than listening to the exchange—at least, I think he is.
Luciano’s eyes are beneath the table, responding to a text, or an email, on his phone. Samuele is ignoring everyone and shoveling food into his mouth.
The only person on my side is Cecilia. My fingernails bite into her wrist beneath the table as I hold on to one of my best friends to keep myself from exploding. Iknow she’ll end up with half-moon indents, but it's the furthest from my mind as I try not to react outwardly.
Inside, I’m screaming, throwing a fit, begging for my family to rip the curtain back so they can see Joseph for what he really is, but on the outside, I am the product of my upbringing.
Calm. Dignified. Proper.
Perfect.
“I’ve heard the Lucchetti boy has returned stateside?” my father half states, half asks, as he finally inserts himself back into the conversation.
Looking at him, I see he’s turned his attention to my brother.
Joseph scoffs. “He has. I saw him at the masquerade, too, with Sullivan Rochester.”
