Page 124 of The Sweet Spot

“I think you should go meet them at the bar, Luca. What better gift for your father than to have his two boys with him?”

“When you put it like that…” I sit beside her on the bed. “Fine. I’ll go. And save the beach for tomorrow—I want to go with you.”

She narrows her eyes. “What would you have me do in the meantime, then?”

“How about the spa? I hear it’s world-renowned.”

“Really?” She perks up, nodding. “I’m gonna get a massage. And maybe a facial.”

* * *

Wren was right. Being here, with Pai, Nico, and a host of uncles and cousins gives me a warm feeling in my chest. It’s rowdy and affectionate, with plenty of reminiscing, toasts, and calls ofsaude!

We linger into the evening, long enough for me to get buzzed. By the time Nico pulls me aside to let me know that Phoebe and Wren are tanked in his room, it’s nearly nine o’clock. I wince, looking around. Only a few of us are left.

I walk back to my father, who’s still holding court at the table we’ve been sitting at. “It’s getting late. I’m gonna head upstairs.”

“Missing your pretty girl, eh?” He squeezes my shoulder, cheeks ruddy with drink. “She’s a good one, Luca. Don’t fuck it up.”

Tio Rafael chortles, lifting his glass in approval.

“Tchau, Luca,” Pai says, all drunk and affectionate. “Te amo.”

“Te amo, Pai.”

My brother says his goodbyes and then we’re heading upstairs, both a little unsteady after all that cachaça.

“Shhh! The kids are sleeping!” Phoebe says the second we enter their suite, where she and Wren are plowing through their own bottle of cachaça and an assortment of room service goodies.

“Sorry, sorry,” Nico says in a stage-whisper, smirking at me.

“Oi, my love,” Wren coos as I pull her off the couch. She’s flushed and more than a little handsy, caressing my cheek. “Quão bonito!”

Phoebe cracks up, smacking her thigh. “You better watch out, Luca, she’s been waiting for you!”

“Now who’s being loud?” Nico teases, easing his shoes off.

“I think I can handle it,” I say to Phoebe, wrapping my arm around Wren’s waist. I’m not exactly sober, but my girl’s a bit of a lightweight. “We’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

“Yeah, we’re going to the beach,” Wren says, pointing at Phoebe. “Right?”

“Yes! Text me,” Phoebe cries, holding up her phone as Nico shushes her.

Wren and I walk out into the hallway, where she sighs and leans into me. “You really are bonito, Luca.”

Chuckling, I kiss her cheek and tuck her a little closer. “Not as pretty as you.”

“Mm, I think we should christen that bed,” she says, squeezing my ass.

My dick twitches, even as I catch her hand and put it back on my waist. “Sounds like a plan.”

But by the time we reach our suite, one floor up, Wren can’t stop yawning. “Man, I’m sleepy.”

“Day drinking will do that to you,” I say, catching her yawn.

“I really love your family, Luca,” she says suddenly, wrapping her arms around me as I shut the door. “Everybody is so warm and loving and I just…love them.”

Gratitude, and that warm feeling from earlier, wash over me as I hug her back. I have such a good life, filled with people I cherish. If I died right now, I’d be completely happy. “They are pretty great.” I hold her tight. “And they love you, too. I’m glad you’re here with me.”

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