Chapter 11
ELEVEN
balthazar
I’m curious how Deo is feeling right now. From what I can tell, his brothers seem to be happy that he’s home and have given him zero shit about it. Was he expecting a negative reaction based on past experience, or did his anxiety make it out to be more than it is?
I attempt to help clear the dishes after we finish eating, but Deo’s mom insists I remain seated while the three women clear the table. I quickly realize that was by design.
“So, Balt,” Deo’s father says, “you say you’re an accountant?”
“Yes. Mostly commercial accounts. I haven’t done personal accounting in years.”
“Commercial like what?” Salvo asks.
“My primary client is a businessman with numerous commercial projects. I manage his tax filings and do the bookkeeping on some of his businesses.”
“What kind of businesses?” Larry asks.
“A variety. Some real estate, a couple of restaurants and bars, and a casino in Connecticut.”
“Interesting mix,” Nantes says, glancing at his brother.
“He likes to diversify his income sources. He lost a lot during the housing market crash back in 2008. He was mostly focused on real estate holdings at that time.”
Deo is watching the conversation in silence, but his expression is so neutral I can’t read it.
“You said you do bookkeeping too?” Salvo asks.
I nod. “Yes.”
Salvo and Larry glance at each other, and Larry nods, making some unspoken agreement between them.
“We were managing our own books,” Larry says.
“We were a small vineyard for a long time, so it was easy enough, but six years ago, we started a three-year period that changed everything. Somewhere in those three years, we lost our grip on things. We did call in for professional help, but we didn’t find anyone that was a good fit for us. ”
“One guy took our retainer and never came back,” Salvo complains. “Dickhead.”
“All the best accountants weren’t taking on new clients,” Larry continues. “We’ve been doing it in-house with not the best results. None of us are accountants. We got hit with a pretty big tax bill last year.”
Sounds like they really need help. “I’m more than happy to take a look at what you have.”
“We’ll pay your fee,” Salvo offers.
“I’d rather not discuss things like that right now. Let me get in there and see what’s going on. I’ll be able to offer a recommendation after that and we can go from there.”
Larry and Salvo nod, and the conversation shifts when Deo’s mom returns carrying a dish, followed by Nonna and Sofie, who have dessert plates and utensils in their hands.
A nostalgic smile tugs at my lips. Deo’s family reminds me so much of my own, of Sunday nights with my nonna, the way the men didn’t speak business in front of the women. So old-school and familiar.
Deo squeezes my knee under the table, a beautiful, soft smile on his lips. After years of zero luck, I definitely landed on my feet meeting him. At least I can actually be helpful and not just take advantage of his kindness.
After scooping the dessert onto my plate, I take my first bite of tiramisu, and I’m literally stunned. It has a completely different flavor profile from the traditional recipe, but damn, is it good.
“This is amazing,” I murmur, taking another bite of the silky cream. “So light.”
Deo’s mom beams. “I made it this way for Brogan. When they were little, they hated coffee.”
“Now I can’t live without it.” Brogan chuckles as they take a bite. “I think this version is better than the original though. Still to this day.”
“It’s the best, Mamma,” Nantes says.
She nods, smiling at her son. She’s a beautiful woman, and it’s very evident where Deo got his delicate features. Nantes looks more like his father, with a stronger nose and sharp jaw, and Guiliano looks like a good mix of both parents.
Brogan doesn’t look like either parent, but it could be hard to tell with all the piercings and dark eyeliner.
“And don’t you worry, Deo,” his mom says. “Tomorrow I’m making limoncello bars.”
Deo gasps as his face lights up. “Really, Mamma?”
“Of course. I didn’t have enough time today.”
Deo leans over to brush his arm against mine. “Limoncello bars are my favorite dessert.”
“Looking forward to trying it.”
Deo’s mom waves to get his attention. “Make a list of what you want from the grocery store. I’ll go in the morning.”
“You don’t have to.” Deo smiles at me. “We’re going into Madison for a few things. We can pick up groceries.”
“How you doing for money, kiddo?” Larry asks.
“I’m fine, Dad.”
“I have us covered,” I say, drawing everyone’s eyes to me. “It’s the least I can do for the hospitality I’ve been given.”
With their elbow on the table, Brogan props their chin on their palm, gazing at me with a dopey smile. “Such chivalry. Are you for real?”
For real?
“Brogan, stop.” Deo sounds slightly annoyed. “Just because he’s a decent guy that I happened to snag doesn’t mean he’s not sincere.”
Brogan holds up both hands in mock surrender. “No shade, cuz. I’m happy for you. It’s not every day you meet a man with old-school manners, that’s all.”
Everyone is silent for a few awkward moments. Deo scoops some more dessert onto his spoon, glances at me, then sets the spoon back down on his plate.
“I guess I’ll rip the bandage off and address the situation.”
I reach over to hold his hand, offering my silent support.
“Obviously, when I left home I had big plans for my life on the East Coast. It started off promising enough. I made a few friends, had a tiny apartment but it was in a decent neighborhood, and things were good. Exciting. For a while.”
He glances at me before he continues.
“But it’s a competitive environment. For every job or position open, there’s hundreds of qualified people who want it. I ended up at a company where things were going really well, but I made a mistake in judgment that bit me in the ass.”
“What happened?” Nantes asks.
Deo’s cheeks pink with embarrassment, so I squeeze his hand in hopes of offering encouragement.
“I was dating a coworker who ended up being promoted and becoming my manager. Things didn’t go well after that, and I ended up salvaging the pride I had left and resigning.
The more I looked for a new job, the more I realized my heart wasn’t in it anymore.
I didn’t want to be another rat in the race.
I didn’t want to be cutthroat or hurt people to get what I wanted.
I did some heavy soul searching, and after spending time thinking about what I wanted for my future, I knew coming home was the right move. ”
He turns and looks at his father.
“I’m sorry I didn’t realize sooner what an opportunity this is. I guess I had to grow up and spread my wings a little first.”
“Goes with the territory,” Guiliano says. “The maturing bit. It hasn’t been all roses and honey for me and Nantes either. You didn’t fail the family.”
“Not at all,” Salvo says. “You came back at the right time.”
Deo nods, but his gaze stays fixed on his dad. Larry has his hands folded on the table, looking down at his empty plate.
“Dad?”
Larry lifts his head, his brow creased and eyes dark with intensity. “All I ever wanted—” His voice cracks as he speaks and he clears his throat. “I wanted one of my sons to take up the mission. I always hoped you’d come back someday, so I’m happy. Real damn happy.”
Deo exhales, a relieved smile spreading over his pretty face. “I’m gonna work my ass off to make Robin’s Grove Vineyard everything it can be.”
I immediately wonder why it’s not named after the family, but I’ll ask that later. Right now, I just want to support Deo as best I can. I owe him that much for letting me stay here. At least I can do a good deed for this family while I figure out how to handle my situation back home.
It’s clear from all my missed calls and texts that Vin doesn’t have any immediate plans to let this go, and attempting to reason with him is a fool’s mission. For now, staying out of sight, tucked away in a small town in the Midwest is my best option.
Janice rises from the table. “Who wants coffee?”
Nantes joins his mom in the kitchen while Sofie and Nonna clear the dessert plates. Giuliano helps his family with the table while Larry and Salvo chat quietly. Brogan gets a mischievous look on their face as they lean across the table toward us.
“You’re going to Madison tomorrow?”
Deo nods. “Yeah. Balt needs to shop for more casual clothing.”
“Can I come? There’s a vintage shop downtown that should have gotten a shipment this week.”
“Yeah, of course.” Deo glances over his shoulder. “What’s going on here?” He’s practically whispering. “Why is everyone so chill?”
Brogan shrugs. “Just like you, I think people did some growing. I think our dads are relieved you’re back. PS, I couldn’t tell you about my dad. They made me promise so you wouldn’t feel bad.”
“I figured. I was expecting to get a lot more shit. Even Nantes and Guiliano are being nice.”
“They weren’t not nice before, you were just a little brother. Everyone is knocking on forty now. People mature, even older brothers.”
“I guess you’re right.” Deo leans back in his chair. “I had so much anxiety coming back, but now I’m really glad I did. I think I can help turn things around.”
“I hope so. We really need it to work.”
“Do you work at the vineyard?” I ask.
Brogan shakes their head. “I help out sometimes, but I’m the proverbial starving artist. Still trying to make a name for myself, but it’s harder being in the Midwest. I’m not moving to either coast though.” He scrunches his face up. “I’m a Wisconsin babe.”
“How’s that been going?” Deo asks.
Brogan shrugs. “Up and down. A year ago, I sold a few pieces at a charity auction, but the excitement fizzled right after that event. I’ve had some interest online, but not enough to pay the bills. Thank fuck for the family compound.”
“What kind of art?” I ask.
Brogan turns to me. “Mixed media sculpture. I make things out of scraps.”
Deo smiles at his cousin. “It’s really cool stuff.”
“I guess so,” Brogan says as a smile tugs at their lips. “But I am a little tired of struggling, and if the vineyard fails, we’ll all have to get new jobs.”
“It won’t fail. I promise.” Deo looks at me. “And I have help.”
“You do.” I search his eyes, very tempted to taste his lips again, but fortunately, I remember where we are and hold back.
“It’s so cool that you’re home,” Brogan says. “We can hang out now. I missed you.”
“I missed you too, Brogan.”
Nonna sets a small cup of espresso down in front of me and one in front of Deo, then she smacks a kiss to the side of her grandson’s face. “Everything is gonna be fine now.”
“No pressure, Nonna.” Deo’s voice is filled with affection. “I’m committed to doing the work. Whatever we need.”
“Such a good boy.” Nonna pats his cheek then sits down beside me. She pokes my arm with a sharp nail. “You take care of my boy, huh? You wouldn’t like me so much if you hurt him.”
The threat is clear, but before I can defend myself, Brogan cackles.
“Oh come on, Nonna. Out here sounding like a mafiosa.”
“I could’ve busted some kneecaps in my day. You don’t know.”
Brogan waves his hands. “Ooh, so scary. What are you, eighty now?”
“Young enough to smack your ass still,” Nonna claps back.
Nantes is laughing, and since everyone else looks amused, I relax slightly.
Now I’m even more committed to making sure Deo doesn’t get hurt because of this ruse.
I can contribute by hopefully helping the business, and then we’ll figure out a reason why I have to leave eventually. One that saves Deo’s dignity.
“She’s more bark than bite,” Deo whispers. “But she can bite.”
“I have no doubt.”
Deo turns in his chair slightly to face me. “You did great. Thank you.”
“I enjoy your family. It feels like… something I had once upon a time.”
He smiles, brushing his fingers across my cheek. “I’m glad you get to have that back for a little while at least.”
As I gaze into his pretty eyes, I block out any thoughts of what will eventually have to happen.
None of this is real, and I didn’t expect to feel so welcomed, but the worst thing I can do is get attached.
My life is hundreds of miles from here, and eventually I’ll find a way to get Vin to back off and go back to it.
“Ugh, get a room.” Brogan makes gagging noises.
Deo grins. “I think we’ll do just that. Ready to get out of here?”
“Lead the way.”