Page 12 of Highball and Chain

Thank heaven for small miracles.Nothing like a couple arguing over dinner to give the rest of us indigestion.

The bowls went around the table, but no one ate. I waited, hoping someone would put something in their mouths before I lost my willpower and fell on my plate like a rabid dog.

The Marchionnis, including the soon-to-be-one, held hands, bowed their heads, and said, “Bless us, oh Lord and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive…”

Dahlia and I exchanged glances and followed their lead.

I cracked one eye to find Enzo staring.

The corner of his lips curled, and his expression darkened. “…Through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.”

Other than what I’d witnessed at Maggie’s house when we were kids, I knew next to nothing about Catholics. Even still, I had a feeling it was a sin to look at someone the way he’d looked at me while praying.

“Mangia. Mangia.” Evelyn motioned to us. “Eat.”

Busying myself with my food, I did my best to ignore the Ghoster. When I came up for air, all three men stared at me with appreciative smiles.

Marco laughed. “You must have been starving.”

“Sorry.” I took a sip of wine and slowed my pace.

“Don’t apologize. It’s…refreshing to have a woman at the table who actually eats.”

“Hey. I eat.” Maggie tossed her napkin at him.

Marco wiggled his brows. “Yes, but you’re engaged to my brother. In my eyes, you are a Madonna not a woman.”

Gabe choked on his wine. “You might want to take that back before the Madonna kicks your—”

“Lorenzo, where is Nicolina?” Evelyn brought another bowl to the table, this one filled with broccoli rabe.

“Changing into her swimsuit.” He kept his head down but couldn’t hide his frown.

“She needs to eat. She’s too skinny.” Evelyn shook her head.

Marco snorted. “Ma’s onto something. Maybe Nico’s hangry.”

Evelyn pinched the back of his arm.

“Ouch. I was joking.”

“There’s cannoli in the fridge. Help yourselves. I’m going upstairs.” She gave Marco what my Bubbe called the evil-eye and turned to go.

“Goodnight, Ma.” Gabe stood and kissed his mother’s cheek.

She smiled and pressed her hand to his chest. “Sleep well…in your own bed. Even if the mystery is gone, you can save the sex until the honeymoon.”

“Ma!” Gabe glanced at his brothers as if expecting back up.

The Marchionni men laughed, while the rest of us focused on our food.

“The same goes for all of you.” She glared at me.

What the heck?

“Good night, Mrs. Marchionni, and thank you for dinner. This is delicious.” Dahlia smiled.

Evelyn narrowed her eyes, nodded, and went to her room.