Epilogue
VINNIE
One Month Later
“I think you’re totally insane.” Bianca fills a bowl with chips. “This is going to be a complete disaster.”
“It’s the only thing that makes sense,” I tell her just as the front door opens.
“Hello,” my mother calls out, her voice echoing through the mostly empty space because I haven’t had time to finish furnishing my new place.
“In the kitchen!” I yell out.
Bianca grumbles under her breath as she pushes the bowl of chips next to the dip on the center of the kitchen island. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
The rest of my family is on the patio, waiting for my parents to arrive, and Bianca’s family will get here in just a few minutes. We also invited her brothers, even though they still don’t like the fact that I am dating their sister.
This is my one shot at turning the tide.
Bianca told me what happened with her mother at lunch that day, and the last thing I want is for there to be anything standing in our way.
I figured a party with both families was necessary for us to move forward.
Either that, or the entire thing could blow up in my face and make the relationship even harder.
My mother rushes to Bianca and embraces her tightly, peppering her cheeks with kisses. “You look lovely, dear.” Ma steps back, taking in the new sundress Bianca is wearing. “You two are going to make some amazing babies.”
Bianca’s face drains of color.
“Ma, lay off.” I pull my ma away and hug her tightly while I mouth an apology to Bianca over my mother’s shoulder.
“Always stunning.” My father grabs Bianca’s hand and kisses the back.
My mother doesn’t last long in my arms because she’s never one to stand still for more than a moment. “Where are my manners?” She tugs on the side of her dress and straightens the material, always trying to look so put-together. “What can I help with?”
“We have it all done.” Bianca comes to stand next to me, but I snake my arm around her middle and haul her against me.
“Just have to put the steaks on. Bianca’s family should be here any minute.”
“I should’ve made coleslaw or something.” Ma shakes her head. “I don’t like coming empty-handed.”
My mother’s coleslaw looks and tastes like salad mixed with wallpaper paste. It’s one of the simplest things to make, but somehow, she finds a way to make it inedible.
“Sweetheart.” My father reaches for my mother’s hand. “I think Vinnie and Bianca have it covered. How about a drink?”
“I could use a drink,” Ma says, thankfully forgetting about helping us prepare the food.
“There’s a full bar set up outside.” I tick my head toward the patio and my brothers and sister who are outside drinking and laughing.
“Where are your parents, dear?” Ma asks Bianca.
“They’ll be here any minute now.” Bianca fidgets with a dish towel.
I grab her hand and pull her attention away from the rag. “It’ll be fine, baby. Stop worrying so much.”
“It’s always scary when the families meet, but I promise we’ll be on our best behavior.” Ma smiles and glances toward me. “I’ll make sure of it.”
Bianca nods at my mother. “I know it will be fine.”
“Give us a minute,” I say to my parents, needing to have a quiet moment with my girl.
“We’ll be outside.” Pop pulls Ma toward the patio. “Take your time.”
I grab Bianca by the shoulders and stare into her beautiful honey-brown eyes. “Take a deep breath.”
She breathes in, listening to me for once.
“Breathe out.”
She does.
“Relax, Bianca. Your family and my family will get along just fine.”
“I don’t know, Vinnie. This is a big step.”
“It’s a big step for both of us, but I have a secret weapon.”
“You can’t use your magical cock on everyone.” She laughs.
“While that thought is both disturbing and funny, that’s not what I’m talking about.”
“How are you going to win them over?”
She always doubts me. I don’t mind being underestimated. I have been my entire life. But the one thing I know is how to charm just about anyone. A trait I learned from watching my father.
“I got everyone season tickets to the home games this season.”
“Even my family?”
I nod. “Everyone. I’ll have my very own cheering section.”
“That’ll win the guys over, but my mom won’t be too impressed.”
She’s right. I didn’t think of that. My mom will love it because she’s my mom, but Bianca’s mother is a tougher nut to crack.
“I’ll figure something out.”
“I’m sure you will.” She smirks. “You always seem to have your ways.”
Bianca jumps as the doorbell chimes. “They’re here,” she says with dread in her voice.
“Just stand here and concentrate on breathing. I’ll get the door.”
I stalk toward the doorway, giving myself a little pep talk because I know this isn’t going to be a walk in the park.
Her father’s face is the first I see when I open the door. He’s smiling and happy, but I’ve never seen another side of him. “Son,” he says, and I like the way that word sounds coming out of his mouth. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“Mr. Hernandez.” I hold out my hand and shake his waiting hand.
Mrs. Hernandez steps to the side, showing her beautiful face. “Vincent,” she says, but this lady is in no way sold on me.
“Mrs. Hernandez, it’s lovely to see you again.” I take her hand and kiss the back, turning on the charm, but careful not to overdo it either.
“Likewise,” she replies.
“Stop being so uptight, Luciana,” Abuela says from the back. “Get the stick out of your ass and cut the man some slack.”
I can’t hold in my laughter at Abuela’s words, but I glance downward so no one can see. Abuela pushes past her daughter and son-in-law and comes to stand in front of me.
“Let me see that face,” she says, holding her hands in the air, waiting for me.
I give her my face, because I’d never argue with Abuela. “More handsome in the light,” she says softly and brushes her thumbs over my cheeks. “There’s so much happiness in your future.”
“Abuela.” Bianca grabs her grandmother and wraps her in a tight embrace. “I’m so happy you made it.”
“I wouldn’t miss today for anything, dear.” Abuela smiles at her granddaughter like she’s the greatest gift on earth.
I’m a little jealous of their relationship. I never knew my grandparents. All four of them had passed before I was born.
I back away from the doorway, motioning toward my place. “Come in. Come in.”
Bianca lets go of her grandmother but is quickly swept up in the arms of her father. Mrs. Hernandez steps inside and looks around, taking in the mostly empty space.
“Gallo,” Luis says as he steps through the doorway and gives me a chin lift.
“Luis, it’s great to see you, man.” I shake his hand, fully expecting him to squeeze my hand roughly to show his dominance, but he doesn’t.
“I won’t hurt you. At least not yet.”
“That’s nice of you.” I laugh.
“Sup?” Javi says as he comes to stand next to his brother and me.
“Javi.” I smile, but Luis’s still got my hand in his.
“Listen, Gallo.” Javi cracks his knuckles. “We like you as our quarterback, but dating our sister is another thing. And if you step over the line and make her cry, we’re going to make you hurt.”
I nod, knowing how it is between brothers and sisters. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
I’m not worried anyway. I’m pretty sure I can not only outrun them, but I could take any punch they’d throw my way, returning it harder and faster.
“Let’s get you two a drink,” I say when Luis finally releases his death grip on my fingers.
“Your place is nice,” Mrs. Hernandez says as she plays with the pearls around her neck.
“I love what you did with Bianca’s place. I was wondering…” I rub the back of my neck, hoping she’ll take the bait. I think this is the perfect way to win over Mrs. H. “I was wondering if you’d help me decorate.”
She looks shocked at my words. “You want me to decorate your loft?”
I nod. “I went to your website after Bianca told me you decorated her condo. I love your designs. I need some help getting this place in shape. Would you be willing to help me?”
“Of course.” She smiles. “These lofts are a dream to design. All the light and open spaces.”
“Smooth,” Bianca whispers as she passes by me.
Right on cue, my father and mother come inside to greet Bianca’s family. My mother’s been excited for this day. My brothers’ and sister’s significant others didn’t have much family, so this is a new experience for all of us.
“I’m Betty,” my mother says before grabbing Bianca’s mother and giving her a bear hug.
I laugh as Bianca watches in horror, waiting for her mother to lose her shit.
“God, you’re so damn beautiful,” Ma says.
Mrs. Hernandez eats up the compliment. “I love your hair, Betty. I’m Luciana, but my friends call me Ana.”
“Ana, I’m so happy to finally meet you. I absolutely love your daughter. She’s the best thing to ever happen to my son.”
I’d have to agree. Even being picked in the first round of the draft doesn’t seem to compare to the high I get when Bianca’s around.
“Who’s this handsome devil?” Ma asks, turning her attention to Bianca’s father.
“I’m Jesús.” He grabs her hand, kissing it in much the same way my father does when he’s laying on the charm.
“Jesús.” My mother repeats and gives the man a hug. “Your family is beautiful.”
My father clears his throat because my mother’s so excited and wrapped up in Bianca’s family, she seems to have totally forgotten about him.
“Sorry. This is my husband, Santino.”
“It’s a pleasure, Mr. Hernandez.” Pop smiles and reaches his hand out to Bianca’s father.
“Jesús, please.”
“Tino.”
So far, so good. No one’s thrown a punch or an insult.
“What fine-looking boys you have,” Ma says, finally catching sight of Javi and Luis.
“Let’s go outside,” I say because this is getting weird and uncomfortable.
The love fest is great, but I need a drink, and by the look on Bianca’s face, I’m pretty sure she needs one too.
Bianca stands next to me, watching our families talking nonstop. I hook my arm around her waist, pulling her against me as I look out over the city from the patio.