Page 56 of Merciless Monster

Dante is dressed in a fresh shirt when he comes back. I hand him the glass.

“I popped my head into Angelo’s room. He’s fast asleep. Splash was happy to see me. Did the two have a good afternoon?”

“Yup. They ran each other ragged. Angelo passed out the minute his head hit the pillow.”

“And what did you do with your day? Apart from cooking up a storm, that is.”

“I had coffee with Gina this morning.”

“Oh, okay. How is my feisty cousin?”

“She’s fine. I think she and Jeff are going on a trip soon to see his family.”

“Okay.”

“Does she miss you at work?”

“Oh, I forgot to tell you. She’s not working there anymore either. She’s helping Jeff with a few projects.”

“Poor George must be beside himself. Losing his dream team and all.”

“Yeah, he’s positively suicidal,” I giggle. “Let’s eat.”

“Are you alright, Mia?”

“Yeah, fine. Why?”

“You look a little nervous. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah. Just a little tired.”

Liar!

“I’ll put on the steaks.”

“I’ll come to the kitchen with you. Looks like you need a refill on your wine.”

“Thanks, babe. The bottle is in the wine fridge.”

I get the steak pan up to temperature while Dante pours me another glass. I’m going to have to be careful. Too much chardonnay and I’ll spill the beans before we’ve had a chance to eat the ones I prepared earlier.

“Here you go, gorgeous,” he says and hands me my wine.

“This wine is delicious.”

“Is it the chardonnay we brought back with us from the wine farm?”

“Yes.”

“I’d better order a few more bottles for you, then.”

“That will be great. Thanks.”

Am I engaging in small talk? Really? Now? I want to close my eyes, tell Dante that Angelo is our son, and then wait for whatever reaction may follow. But that’s a silly idea, so I sip my wine and hold my tongue while I finish cooking the steaks.

Afterall, I have all night.

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