Chapter Twenty-Eight
Dakota’s news about the new hire floored Franco on several levels. First off, apparently, he wasn’t going to have to worry about Matteo finding out he was gay before Franco was ready. She’d continued to keep her word. Not that he really worried as much about Tony or Matteo—and definitely not about Angelina. Marc and Paul, he couldn’t be sure of but supposed he’d find out soon enough. With Paul, he could even ask Mama to share because, if he did have a problem with it, Mama would set him straight.
But Franco worried about this new firefighter and whether he would have to deal with Logan on a regular basis. Maybe he’d be lucky and not be on the same shift, not that it kept Logan from making crude antigay remarks every chance he could. That asshole wouldn’t change, but maybe having an openly gay guy on staff would improve the culture of the firehouse for everyone. Franco couldn’t wait to meet him, but that would come later. He spent so little time in Leadville anymore that he wasn’t sure when he’d make it to the station again.
You could have been there today.
Perhaps, but talking with Mama had been more important than meeting the new firefighter who might not even be on duty today.
Franco made an impromptu decision and texted Tony and Angelina asking if they and their spouses could meet him at Angelina’s restaurant before Mama’s dinner. That he had something important to talk with them about. Then he texted Dakota to see if she and Matteo could join them too. He wanted no more secrets in the family, but this way, he could tell them out of Gina’s watchful eyes and ears.
Of course, he had to let Rico know what was up.
FRANCO: I’ve decided to come out to my siblings and their spouses TODAY before heading to Mama’s. We’ll all meet you and Gina at Mama’s.
Moments later, he had a reply.
RICO: You rock!
Franco smiled until the next text came through.
RICO: It’s Logan, isn’t it?
That asshole better not have said anything to embarrass or hurt Rico or Gina. But Franco would have to find out more about that later.
FRANCO: We’ll talk tonight. But if he gets out of hand, tell him to go fuck himself. I doubt anyone else would have him.
Supposedly, the asshole had been married once, but the discerning woman had dumped him, and rightly so. He loved to bitch about her and the son he hadn’t seen since the breakup.
Right now, Franco needed to take care of this much more important matter. Jumping into his Yukon, he headed downtown. Angelina would already be there, and the others wouldn’t be far behind. While not nearly as nervous as he’d been with Rafe and Mama, Franco had to wonder why coming out to the people he loved never got any easier.
I can’t wait until everyone knows.
Marc was the last to arrive, thirty minutes before they were due at Mama’s. Tony and Carmella as well as Matteo and Dakota were waiting in a corner of the kitchen, trying to stay out of Pippa’s way as she and Angelina handled the orders for the waning Sunday afternoon crowd.
“Okay, what’s up?” Angelina asked Franco she wiped her hands on her apron and walked into Marc’s arms to greet him with a kiss.
“Sorry, Sis,” Franco apologized. “I didn’t think about how busy you’d be right now.”
She waved away his concern as she turned toward him and leaned her back against Marc’s chest. “We’re caught up. Besides, I planned to leave for Mama’s soon anyway. Pippa has everything under control. As always.” She smiled in her sous chef’s direction.
Now that he had them here, Franco wasn’t sure he’d be able to be heard over the noise in the kitchen. “Could we step outside where it might be a little quieter?” he asked. And more private.
A chorus of sures sent everyone toward the back exit. Once again, Franco’s palms grew sweaty, and he sighed deeply as he prepared to make his announcement. The group formed a semicircle around him.
“There’s something I need to tell all of you, but I didn’t want to say this in front of Gina.” The time to tell her would be coming soon, though.
The curiosity on their faces told him they had no idea what was coming, but Dakota’s reassuring smile and a brief nod gave him the courage he needed.
“I didn’t want to do this by phone or text, so thank you for meeting me here.”
“Spit it out, Bro,” Tony teased.
“Okay, okay.” Franco drew a deep, shaky breath before he began. “I spoke to Mama this morning. And to Rafe last weekend. Now I want to make sure my whole family knows, although maybe everyone already does.”
“Spit. It. Out,” Tony repeated.
Without any more hedging, he blurted out, “I’m gay. And I’m falling in love with Rico.” He hadn’t meant to tack on that last part but was glad that was out now too. After all, Mama and Rafe already knew. And Franco was tired of trying to hide his feelings for the man.
“Matt and I always figured you were gay,” Tony began, “or half-dead since you didn’t seem to notice any of the pretty girls in high school.” He grinned at his brother.
Dakota didn’t wait for anyone to respond before she moved closer and wrapped him in an awkward hug, given her enormous baby bump. “I’m so proud of you, Franco,” she said in a whisper, then more loudly, “You two make the perfect couple.”
Without hesitation, the others followed suit offering support, love, and congratulations.
“I wondered if something was up the way you two were playing footsie under the table at last month’s family dinner,” Tony razzed. His little brother had noticed but hadn’t mentioned it? That had been over a month ago!
“I guess I should thank you for not teasing either of us,” Franco said.
“Doesn’t mean I won’t in the future but sounds like I have to hold off until Gina’s brought into the loop first.”
“Definitely,” Franco said to Tony before turning to the group. “Gina already knows Rico prefers to date men, however much a ten-year-old understands such things, but we haven’t told her we’re interested in each other yet. Honestly, Rico and I are still in the early stages of this relationship. We want to choose the right time to talk with her so that we won’t get her hopes up—in case it doesn’t work out.”
Franco couldn’t imagine anything that would split them up at this point, but Rico wouldn’t want to send Gina on a roller coaster of emotions if things didn’t work out for some unknown reason. As a parent, he had to think how everything would affect her first.
“How’d Mama and Rafe take the news?” Matteo asked.
Franco gave a lopsided grin. “Like I’d just disclosed the worst-kept secret of the century.”
“Well, the century’s young,” Marc added, as if this could be topped with something bigger. And maybe probably would be, since most already knew or suspected.
“I’m sure when you two announce wedding plans,” Rafe said as he came around the corner of the building, “Mama will be ecstatic.”
Franco hadn’t thought to invite his older brother, because he already knew. “How’d you know where to find us?”
“Tony and Carm were at my house when you texted. I figured I knew what you wanted to talk to them about but didn’t want to be left completely out of the next act in this production,” Rafe needled him with a grin.
Matteo held up his hand to quiet the group. “God, if you two get married, you’ll be the third of Mama’s sons to not marry in the Church.” Dakota elbowed him in the ribs, and he quickly apologized. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t assume…”
“Hold on!” Franco cautioned. Things were moving faster than he’d intended. “We’re nowhere near talking about getting married.” There hadn’t been a proposal yet or any talk of long-term yet, although Franco hoped there would be one day. As for the Church, he wouldn’t hold out waiting for them to accept their relationship and didn’t really care.
His siblings and their spouses had moved right past the whole “Franco’s gay” thing as if it were inconsequential to his having found his special someone, so Matteo’s words doused his excitement a little. Neither he nor Rico was religious, but if Mama would feel cheated, there was nothing Franco could do about it. Of course, Angelina had given Mama the full Nuptial Mass treatment. And there was still Rafe in the running, although he didn’t seem to be interested in marrying anyone anytime soon. Was he even dating? He was married to his career.
“Just make sure you invite all of us to the ceremony, whatever it is,” Matteo ribbed, “unlike my brother and sister-in-law here.” He nudged Tony in a good-natured way.
“Hey, we did share the video with you!” Carmella countered.
Angelina came up to Franco and hugged him. “I hope this works out for you both. I love you so much, Franco, and I’ve always loved Rico like another brother. Having you two together makes my heart so full.”
Franco hugged her a little longer than he had the others. “Thanks, Sis. I think he’s pretty special too.”
She pulled away. “He’s always had a thing for you, but neither of us was sure you’d ever figure it out.”
“How long did you know he was interested?” And why hadn’t Franco picked up on it?
She cocked her head. “Since high school, maybe.”
That long? Look at all the years they’d missed because Franco couldn’t accept who he was.
“Did you suspect I was gay back then?”
“Oh, no. It wasn’t until recent years. Well, I was ninety percent sure, because it just made sense. I don’t recall you dating any girl seriously, and you never brought home anyone special to meet Mama.”
“Rafe hasn’t brought a woman home, either, and he’s not gay.” Was he?
“No, but he does date women now and again.” She looked at their oldest brother, who was in conversation with Matteo and Dakota at the moment. “He’ll find his true love one of these days, if he just gets his head out of his fire department studies long enough to look around for her.”
Happy that the focus was no longer on him, Franco wrapped an arm around his sister as he addressed the family.
“Will it look suspicious if we all show up at Mama’s within minutes of each other?” Franco asked.
Rafe shook his head. “Mama knows where we are. I texted her what was going on so she’d be in the loop.”
How his brother and Mama could have kept this a secret any longer was beyond him.
“Well, then,” Franco began, “I guess we might as well head on over.”
When the Giardano siblings and their spouses all walked into the condo at once, Rico’s gaze zeroed in on Franco’s face. What a difference! Even his step seemed lighter. Rico smiled until he felt everyone’s eyes on him and wondered how much Franco had revealed to them. While Mama had Gina occupied brushing butter on the rolls, Rico closed the gap between them, hooked Franco by the elbow, and steered him into the media room.
“I take it all went well?” Rico asked.
“Better than.” Franco kissed him sweetly but pulled away far too soon. “God, I’ve missed you, Sweet Cheeks. How are you and Gina doing?”
“Fine, but I want to know every blasted detail. Talk, man.”
Franco laughed. “Not sure I have time for all of them, but I did learn that you’ve had a crush on me for a while now.”
“Angie has a big mouth.”
“I assure you, she never let on in all these years until I mentioned that you and I were starting to date.”
“You told them all?” Wow! He wished he could have been there to hear how Franco described their relationship.
“It slipped out, honestly,” Franco admitted with a shrug.
“What did you say?”
Franco took a step back, leaving Rico missing his touch. “They pounced on me, but I tried to tell them we’re at the very early stages of a relationship. And not to say anything around Gina, because she doesn’t know yet.”
Oh yeah. Gina. He’d have to talk with her soon. “What do they think?”
“They seemed pretty stoked about it. Everyone seemed happy that I have someone, especially the married ones.”
“I guess they want everyone to experience wedded bliss.”
As Franco’s eyes widened, Rico realized too late he was jumping the gun, although he wanted that someday. Still, he’d loved Franco from afar for so long, it didn’t seem as abrupt to him as it probably did to Franco. But he’d be the first to admit that kind of commitment was a long way off. For now, he needed to enjoy their newfound romantic status and explore this budding relationship.
Live in the moment, as Franco liked to remind him.
Without saying anything about what Rico had blurted out, Franco took his hand and squeezed it giving him an enigmatic smile. “We’d better get in there before they send out a search party to catch us in the act of doing something embarrassing. Tony would just love that. Not that any amount of teasing will change how I feel about you.” Franco kissed him again, lightly—and all too briefly—brushing his lips. Pulling away, he stroked the length of Rico’s back making him melt into Franco’s hand.
“I can’t wait to have some alone time tonight—or relatively alone, anyway.”
Franco stroked his cheek as if reluctant to rejoin the group and end this quiet moment. “Me too. But if you’re too tired after such a long weekend—”
“Don’t even think about postponing our talk for another day, Stud Muffin. I won’t sleep a wink until I know everything that was said.”
“Getting a little bratty, are we?”
“Stud Muffin, I’ve been a brat for a long, long time. You’re just beginning to experience my bratty side at full strength, that’s all.”
Franco chuckled. “Remind me to work on your self-discipline and disrespectful behavior at my first opportunity.”
“You know where to find me.” Although, with the busy week coming up, he didn’t expect to see much of Franco until perhaps Friday night. And Gina would be there too. As much as he loved that kid, he needed to find time to be alone with Franco.
“Let’s go.” Franco led the way. Halfway down the hallway, he whispered, “Tony caught us playing footsie last month.” He sounded as though he was about to call off their plan to play at the long, narrow dinner table, until he added, “Let’s make sure we make him jealous today.”
Fuck yeah!
Franco was well and truly out, and Rico loved it.
“Maybe I should leave my boots here in the hall. Don’t want to track any salt from the sidewalk onto Mama’s floor.” Franco winked, revealing to Rico the real reason he wanted to be in socks during dinner.
“I’ll take my shoes off too so you don’t raise any suspicions.” Rico placed his shoes next to Franco’s low-cut boots. Of course, two could play at footsie. Perhaps he’d get in a few strokes with his Stud Muffin as well.
When they entered the kitchen, everyone had already taken their seats, and all eyes turned toward them.
“Zio Rico, I hope you like the rolls. I helped make them!”
“You know I could eat them all, but I’ll try and leave some for everyone else too.” He stroked the side of Gina’s head. Having in her life had made it so much richer that he couldn’t imagine being without her.
“Come sit between Gina and me, Rico,” Mama J invited. The only empty chairs were on opposite sides of the table. Perfect. Rico took his place as Franco walked around to the other side, straight across from him.
“Franco, you’re looking awfully relaxed this afternoon,” Mama J noted with a half-secretive smile. “You need to get away from work more often.” She was well aware of what had brought on that state of being, but seeing her in a playful mood made Rico happy too.
Paul stood and smiled at Rico, then Franco. “Now that we have the entire family together, let’s say the blessing and dig in.”
Mama J must have spoken with Paul about the two of them. The guy was all right in Rico’s book. And he made Mama J so happy these past couple of years.
Even Rafe, who always acted as though he had the weight of the family on his shoulders, seemed to have accepted the new man in her life. With all the siblings grown up now, and Mama J happily remarried, Rafe only needed to look out for himself for a change. Not just his career, which seemed to be his primary focus lately as he worked his way up the fire service ladder to higher positions, but perhaps he’d find someone to share his life with.
I’m an incurable romantic.
And with his own romance well on its way, he wanted that status for everyone else too.
Dishes began to be passed and the noise level in the room hit a new decibel with multiple conversations going on simultaneously. God, I love a big family. To have Paul act as though he was part of it now too just made it all the better.
As Rico took two rolls from the basket, he became distracted by pressure on his thigh from Franco’s toes. He glanced across the table to find him lost in conversation with Tony, giving no indication he was the culprit. Tony avoided eye contact too, not that Rico expected Tony to be playing footsie with him.
The toes pressed more firmly against Rico’s junk then wiggled as they dug into his balls. Rico held his breath. That had better be Sir’s toes and no one else’s. Dying to know, he let the napkin slip from his lap just as the foot retreated. Rico bent down to retrieve the cloth and looked across the table to see that Franco’s feet were planted firmly on the ground as were Tony’s and everyone else’s.
Still, it had to be Franco. He’d promised to play with him at dinner. Rico sat up and his focus turned to the bowl that was being passed by Mama J. He put some on his plate and reminded Gina to try a little bit of everything before passing it to Dakota. Michelle had taught Gina the importance of being an adventurous eater, so he didn’t have to urge her to try new things wherever they ate.
Again, pressure on Rico’s thigh brought his gaze flying back to Franco to catch him in the act, but still, Rico saw no indication that Franco was the one playing footsie. Rico placed his hand under the table to touch the person’s foot just as Mama J passed yet another bowl to him. He brought his hand above the tabletop, and he took the bowl. Having Mama J seated next to him while someone stroked his thigh and balls was disconcerting to say the least, even for Rico who was far from a prude. This time when he met Franco’s gaze, his Sir turned to him and smiled as if promising more later.
That evil man. They couldn’t do more than cuddle on the couch when they arrived at Rico’s apartment tonight, assuming Franco still planned to come over. Rico needed to do something about that.
First, though, he needed to talk with Gina.
Gina couldn’t remember having such a fun weekend in a very long time, but she was going to miss Comet and Twinkle. They were the gentlest, sweetest horses ever.
“When can we go back to Matt and Dakota’s?” she asked Zio Rico, who was driving them home.
“They’ll let us know, but they sure enjoyed having you there this weekend.”
“I love them so much. They’re fun. And I can’t wait to hold their baby.”
“Well, that’s still two months away, but I’m sure they’ll let you hold the baby if you’re super careful. When you’re older, they might even ask you to babysit.”
“That would be awesome! We can go horseback riding together!”
Zio Rico laughed. “That’ll be their call, but I have no doubt their child will be comfortable in the saddle before they can even walk.”
Gina looked up at the night sky. She couldn’t see the moon, but stars were twinkling in between the clouds. Had Mama come along with her to the ranch?
I miss you, Mama.
It still hurt, but not as much as it did at first.
“Did you take any pictures of me on Comet?”
“A couple. I’m not as good at remembering that as Zio Franco is.”
She wished Zio Franco had come with them, not just to capture Mama’s orbs in pictures but because he was a lot of fun. But he worked hard trying to find bad people who started fires. That was a very important job.
The firefighters she met today were really nice—well, most of them were. One kinda made Zio Rico mad because of the way he asked whether Zio Rico should be taking care of her. Zio Rico didn’t say anything to the guy, but he creeped Gina out. Still, she had to be respectful since the guy was older.
Everything else at the firehouse was cool, though. Seeing where the firefighters slept and watched TV surprised her. And one of them showed her some neat tools. They even had a tool that could break concrete and another that could bend metal to get you out of a wrecked car. The firefighters were superheroes.
Gina didn’t know what she wanted to be when she grew up, but a firefighter would be a good option. Dakota was studying to be one now. If Dakota could be anything she wanted, so could Gina.
“Sleepy?” Zio Rico asked.
Not really. “A little,” she fibbed, knowing she’d have to go to bed when they got back to the apartment, because it was a school night and already later than her normal bedtime.
“Zio Franco is going to stop by tonight before heading home.”
Gina turned to Zio Rico. “Can we play just one game when he gets here? Please?”
He shook his head. “Sorry, Sweetie, you need to get to bed. I’m sure he’ll try to come over Friday night to play games, but you and I can always play something after your homework is done on other nights this week.”
She tried to hide her disappointment so he would be pleased with her, but at least she would get to see Zio Franco again tonight for a little bit. He was a lot of fun, and she didn’t have to worry as much about being perfect in front of him.