Page 166 of The Bonus

“It’s going to be fine.”

“How do you know? Dominic hates me.”

I puff air into my cheeks. “Well, we just have to work on it. Rome wasn’t built in a day. He’ll come around, he’s a lot like you.”

“That doesn’t help me, I know how I think.”

I stare up at him, this is the first time since I’ve known Gabriel that he has openly discussed a weakness. “Let’s just get this over with.”

“What are you going to say again?” I whisper as I follow him into the kitchen.

“The truth.” He puts the ten pizza boxes on the counter.

The truth sucks. “Maybe I should tell them?”

“No. I want to do it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Sit down,” he snaps, he fills our glasses of wine, passes me one and tips his head back and drains it. He immediately refills his glass and gestures to mine. “Keep up.”

I roll my lips to hide my smile. “Kids,” I call. “Dinner is here.”

They come barreling in from the other room and climb up onto the stools.

“Oh my god,” Lucia gasps. “Why are there so many?”

“Because we’re hungry, that’s why,” Dominic replies as he opens the first box. “Eww, onion.” He scrunches his nose up in disgust.

“This one over here, pepperoni, your favorite.” I pass them both a slice. I didn’t have the heart to tell Gabriel that they will only eat one of his ten pizzas.

“Thank you,” Dom says as he takes a big bite.

“Yum.” Lucia smiles, all excited. I glance over to Gabriel and he’s white as a ghost.

“So, guys, we have something to tell you,” I say.

They keep eating, totally engrossed in their pizza.

“Gabriel…” I widen my eyes at him. “Now,” I mouth.

“Well.” Gabriel pauses as if articulating his words. “Your mom and I have just recently found out some very exciting information.”

They keep eating, totally uninterested.

“As you know, your mom and I have been friends for a long time…” He takes a huge gulp of his wine.

“Are you guys listening to Gabriel?” I ask.

They nod as they eat, they are so not listening.

“Anyway,” he continues. “Your mom and I worked together and we were once in love.”

What?

They both stop eating to look at him.

“I mean, I didn’t realize it at the time, and…” He swallows the lump in his throat. “Anyway, one day when your mom was leaving New York to move here to Greenville, we shared a very special kiss goodbye.”

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