Page 55 of Books and Hookups

“I’m so glad you came.” Carrie beamed. “I’m sorry I didn’t properly welcome you when we met at the bar. But welcome to the family. We’re so excited. The very first grandchild!”

That answeredthatquestion. “Thank you.” I speared a bite of sausage and popped it into my mouth.Delicious. Briefly, I closed my eyes to enjoy the savory, spicy flavor.

“Danny tells us you’re a journalist,” Carrie said.

“And you’re writing a book!” Elena interjected. “Is it fiction or nonfiction?”

“Nonfiction,” I said. “I’m interviewing women about their legacies.”

“Like, politicians and philanthropists?” Elena asked.

“Some. And, also, regular women. Danny introduced me to Sister Frances.”

“What a good idea,” Danny’s mother said, patting his hand. “She’s helped so many people all over the world.”

“And right here,” I said. “In schools, shaping young minds.”

“Young minds like Danny’s,” Giuliana said, raising her eyebrows.

Danny growled, “Watch it, Giuliana.”

I glanced between them.

Leo nudged my elbow. “Try the mushroom ravioli.”

I picked up a square of pasta with my fork and bit into it. Umami, thyme, garlic, and gooey cheese burst over my tongue. The buttery sauce tasted like comfort, like a warm blanket and a fire on a wintry day. I hummed in pleasure. “One of your recipes, Leo?”

“I made the pasta myself,” he said proudly. “If you like it, I’ll make you a to-go container.”

“Yes, please,” I said, spearing another square.

“Lucie, my sister and brothers and I want to throw you guys a baby shower,” Elena said.

“A baby shower?” I repeated.

“You know,” Tony said, “a party with tons of presents and embarrassing games.”

“And food,” Leo said. “I’ll make a cream cake.”

I glanced at Giuliana. Her blond eyebrows pinched together as her gaze hopped between Danny and me. Did she not want to host the party? Or was she concerned about something else?

The others were waiting for me to say something. They’d offered me a kindness I should accept because I wasn’t an asshole. “Thank you. I’d…” I cleared my throat. I might not be an asshole, but I wouldn’t lie and tell them I’d love it. Embarrassing games sounded awful. “Let’s do it.”

Elena jumped up and circled the table to hug me. Leo squeezed my shoulder. On my other side, Danny’s grin stretched his cheeks.

Across the table, Giuliana’s long blond hair hid her face like a curtain as she whispered something to Tony that made him frown. He glanced at Danny, then at me. When he saw me watching them, he dropped his gaze to his plate and mumbled something.

Giuliana’s smile was feral when she looked across the table at her brother. “Speaking of celebrations, what are you planning to do for your birthday, Danny?”

“Piantagrane,” Leo muttered beside me.

“What?” I asked.

He shook his head. “She’s stirring up trouble.”

Danny’s cheeks went red as he set down the slice of garlic bread he’d lifted to his lips. “I don’t know. I don’t have plans.”

I bumped his shoulder with mine. “I didn’t know your birthday was coming up.”

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