“You make it too easy. You know that, right?” I ask Tommy once we’re back in the car.
“Make what too easy?”
“Ruffling your feathers.”
He grumbles something aboutgonna ruffle his internal organsas he pulls away from the curb. I shake my head because I know he’s only kidding. I’m pretty sure. I mean, he wouldn’t, right? Nah.
“Dinnerat the Donati’s was awesome,” I tell Mom and Gran the following day. Now that Biba is gone, we’re helping them move back home.
“Who was there? He’s got a brother and two sisters, right?” Mom asks while zipping up her suitcase.
“Yeah, his brother and wife were there along with his sister. The other sister is married with two kids and lives out of state, so she couldn’t make it.”
“That’s too bad.”
“The smaller group worked better for me, and we had so much fun, except for when I made his mom cry.” I bite back a smile, knowing I’ve baited my mom.
“Danika, what did you do?” she demands with wide eyes.
“I gave her a portrait I drew of Tommy. She was super grateful—all good tears.”
She smacks her hand over her heart. “Oh, thank God. Not that I was worried, but a good first impression with new family is important.”
“Eh,” Gran says, joining us. “If they can’t get along with our sweet Dani, they can take a long walk off a short pier.”
I raise my chin haughtily at my mother. “So there.”
“There you two go again, always ganging up on me,” she grumbles playfully. “Tell me about the others. How were the brother and sister?”
“Well, I thought Tommy’s brother Renzo was a lot more like him than he realizes, but I’d never tell him that. Renzo’s wife, Shae, is due to have a baby in a couple of weeks—not that you could tell. She’s some sort of martial arts expert and barely has a bump.”
“Martial arts? That’s interesting.” Gran’s eyes light up.
“I didn’t get the whole story, but from what I can gather, she was part of the Irish Byrne family.” I raise my eyebrows meaningfully.
Mom frowns. “Huh, I didn’t realize they cross-mojinated like that. Italians and Irish. Now you. These are strange times.”
“Shae was hilarious, and together with Tommy’s sister Rina and his mom, we laughed so much my stomach hurt. I can’t wait for you guys to meet.”
Gran beams. “Me too! It’s been just the three of us for way too long. I miss big family gatherings.”
“I get the sense there’s quite an extended family—lots of little kids, too.” I agree with Gran that it sounds fun, though the reality of it might be more overwhelming than I’d like. I’m still not a fan of crowds.
Tommy peers around the bedroom doorway. “You ladies going to wrap it up, or are we all moving in here permanently?”
Gran salutes. “Yes, sir. Ready for duty, sir.”
I struggle so hard not to laugh that I snort, sending Mom and Gran into their own fits of laughter. Gran starts crying that she’s wet herself, and we all laugh even more. Even Tommy cracks a grin.
A half hour later, we pack up the car with their suitcases and head back to their apartment in Brooklyn. As much as I love spending time with them, I’m excited to wrap up the move because I’ve got a surprise waiting for Tommy at home. He’s either going to love it or hate it, and I have no idea which one it’ll be.
CHAPTER 41
DANIKA
Me:You know how you aren’t a fan of art?
I am positively giddy as I wait for his response.
