Kissed Blind (Hot Pursuit #2)(64)

“How’s it going?” I asked.

“Good. You survived, I see.” Vance laughed.

“Yep, made it through. You have such a great family.”

“Yeah, they’re pretty cool.” He looked around the room. “Where’s Gabe?”

I swirled the wine in my glass. I hated lying to Vance, but I had to. “He had to go to New York on short notice. I’m sure you’re broken up about it.”

“I can barely contain my grief. I’d like to say I miss him but...” He looked at me out of the corner of his eye and grinned.

“But you’d be lying.”

“Yes, I would.” He leaned over and kissed my cheek, tickling my skin with his facial hair. “Thanks for coming. It means a lot to Ma to have you here.”

“Don’t mention it. It smells so amazing, I feel lucky to be invited.”

“You know you are always welcome, open invitation anytime. You’re another daughter to my parents.”

Vance’s family was like my second family too, but hearing it warmed my heart. “That’s sweet of you to say.” I leaned out to look in the direction of the dining room. “I don’t know how you’re not three hundred pounds.”

“You’ve seen the photos scattered around this house from when I was little, I practically was. Now meals like this are limited to once a week, but it’s so worth it.”

“You don’t need to tell me.”

Vance’s mother walked into the kitchen and tossed a pair of oven mitts next to the stove. “Okay, everybody. Mangi! Mangi!”

“The food’s ready,” Vance said.

I put my glass down on the round table in front of us set for six. It was one of three eating areas since the number of people in attendance far exceeded the capacity of the dining room. My stomach growled thinking about shoving cheesy fettucine in my mouth. I took one step toward the dining room when Vance caught my hand.

“Don’t go yet.” He pulled me toward him.

“Why not?”

His face was overtaken by an intense expression. “Because, you’re better off waiting until the line dies down. My sisters have to fix plates for the kids and it takes a long time. Hang back with me for a second.”

“Sure.” I picked my glass back up and sipped. “How’s your dad?”

“Getting stronger. They’ve gotten him back on his feet and he’s already walking laps around his therapists.”

“Of course he is. You’re mom seems to be handling everything well considering all that’s happened. I’m surprised she still had the dinner considering he’s not home yet.”

“She’s Italian. She’s tough but hides behind her iron smile.”

“Kind of like someone else I know.”

He bumped me in the ribs with his elbow, and I flinched, almost splashing the wine. “Hey, watch it. If I spill this and waste even a drop, I might have to hurt you.” Vance didn’t smile despite my attempt at humor. “Hey, what’s going on in that head of yours? Talk to me.”

“She’s barely talking to me about the hospital bills, but it’s bad.”

“Still nothing from insurance?”

“Yeah, sure, but the amount their helping is a joke.”

“You’ll have the money from Camille, though. That’ll help, right?”

“It’s not going to be enough.” I felt the heaviness on Vance’s chest. I hated him being so consumed with worry. “My parents gave too much to me and my sisters. They hardly left any for themselves. Now look where it’s gotten them.”

I squeezed his hand. “I bet something will happen, and all this will work itself out. I just have a feeling. Your family is too good to let this take them down.”

“I know. Thanks.”

Isabella and Arianna were led over to the table where Vance and I were. Jina set their plates down and scooted each child into her seat. I hadn’t noticed it before, but she had a little baby bump.

“Jina, are you expecting again?”

She patted her belly. “Four months along already. Edmond always said he wanted a big family, and I suppose we’re well on our way.” She smacked Vance on the back of the head. “We just need this knucklehead to settle down already.”

Vance gave her a tight-lipped grin and tugged on my arm. “Looks like we can go grab our plates now.”

Jina shook her head in silence. “You can run but you can’t hide, Cucillio!”

“Badate a’ fatti vostri.”

Jina groaned, and Vance and I went into the dining room.

“What’d you say to her?” I asked.

“That she needs to mind her own business. Every week it’s the same thing. I’m not in any rush like they all were to get married and crank out a barrel of kids. They need to stop pressuring me.”

I picked up a plate at the front of the buffet and handed it to him. “Nothing will take your mind off it sooner than this food. Guaranteed.”

“You’re right. Please.” He held out his hand. “You go first.”

I walked the line of food and took a little bit of everything. All of the seats were already taken in the dining room, and the spill over table was full as well. Everyone’s plates were domed with piping hot food. Multiple conversations overlapped one another halted occasionally by bursts of laughter. It was loud and wonderful.