33. Sandro #3
She rises and approaches me with her hand outstretched. I tamper down my amusement and take her hand in mine, pleased with her firm handshake. The women I know are often formidable, and if anyone can kick this board in the ass, I believe she will.
“You have my word.” I tilt my head at her promise, accepting it for now. Time will tell if she’s actually an ally.
“Very well. I’ll leave you to wrap things up. As a reminder to you all, I’ll always be paying close attention, and I protect those who need it. And as for those who don’t… Well, I’d say ask Robert, but like I said, he’s currently not available for a discussion.”
Patricia’s lips twitch, and I look forward to finding out more about her.
With a grace that reminds me of Sarah, she smoothly adds, "Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I’ll take it from here.
And if you need anything, please make sure to contact me directly.
Although I must say, this has been the best meeting I’ve attended in quite a while. ”
She turns back to face the rest, and I’d feel pity for them, but the fuckers deserve everything she dishes out. I’d stay behind to back her, but the longer I linger, the more it’ll fuck with her plans.
As I stride away, I struggle to force the discomfort to disappear. Because I certainly can feel the hatred rolling off Gerald, and several of the others. Not that I give a shit, but still. I definitely need to keep an eye on them.
“I’ll have Leandro start watching them,” Tennant murmurs to me, and I sigh in relief. That’s a great idea, and if Tennant asks, Leandro might actually do it, whereas I only trust him to set me on fire. The fact I’m still alive astounds me regularly, living with him.
By the time we make it into the public area, Aldo is waiting for us. His face lights up at the sight of me, and he pulls me into a hug. It’s uncomfortable, but I resist the urge to pull away.
“Good, all taken care of? Sarah is safe? Do I need to have someone come and deal with anything?” His rapid questioning amuses me.
“Everything has been handled. Yes, Sarah will be fine. And no, not a drop spilled.”
“Good. Now, let’s get you something to eat.” With that, he herds me toward a booth that’s all set up, with two plates covered by domes and sparkling water that's been poured into his signature crystal goblets.
“Thank you,” I respond as I sit down, trying to be patient with him. “You know you don’t have to feed us, right?”
He stares at me, horrified, before sadness crosses his face. “You’re family. Of course, you’ll eat here. Now, I was unsure what your guest likes, but I started with an Insalata di Pesce. If you have any allergies, please speak up.”
When Tennant doesn’t say anything, he takes off the dome with a flourish, presenting us with a feast of mixed seafood and assorted vegetables.
The dressing is light, likely just the basics—olive oil, lemon juice, and spices.
The family tries to showcase fresh food done simply, but beautifully.
Aldo made the final push in that direction, and it has certainly paid off.
“Thank you, Aldo. This looks amazing.”
“Excellent. I’ll bring your second course in a bit.” With a cheerful smile, he almost skips away. I bite back a sigh at his exuberance, uncomfortable with it as always.
“He calls you family?” Tennant asks as he spreads out his napkin on his lap before taking a bite.
Shifting awkwardly, I explain the circumstances, adding, “But my grandfather and father didn’t interact with them as family. I really don’t know much about them. I check in regularly, and keep trying to give them the restaurant back, but…”
A slight stress headache pushes at me. It's more just a general unhappiness, which is why I prefer to avoid this place. I don’t, simply out of duty.
Stabbing a lovely grilled scallop, I try to focus on the beautiful plate in front of me, and not my fucked-up family.
Maybe it’s not a bad thing the Martellis are gone…
“Hmm… So despite your grandfather being an ass, your grandmother’s family understands it shouldn’t be held against future generations. And since you extended a courtesy, they decided they’d rather have a tie to you.”
I blink. It can’t be that simple, can it? Chewing a piece of shrimp, I think over the interactions I’ve had with this family. Whenever my father was around, there was a strained formality. But around me, they act much less restrained. Huh.
“I…guess so?” My mind still can’t process it. I have a feeling this is something I'll need to discuss with Brannigan, because the idea that I’ve had family that may have actually cared this entire time is…disturbing.
Tennant reaches over and grabs my hand, squeezing it. It gives me the perfect moment to just breathe. To remember that he’s here, and I can lay down control for a moment. Fuck. It’s… I have no words.
We’re still holding hands and quietly chatting when Aldo comes back to switch out our plates. One of the waiters grabs the empty plates, and another pours more water since we declined anything else. Only then does he put down our newest course.
“Ragù di agnello,” he states with a flourish. “And perhaps a dessert course as well?”
He sounds so hopeful that I hesitate, and nod toward Tennant for him to make the decision. I’m simply too tired to think about things anymore tonight. Not with the emotional roller coaster I’ve been on.
“That would be great,” Tennant responds smoothly, squeezing my hand.
With a bounce in his step, Aldo leaves. The lamb in the dish is cooked perfectly—as expected. Truly, this became a premier place for a reason. One I had nothing to do with.
With a soft snort, I break the comfortable silence between us. “Are you going to let Jude know you had lamb for dinner?”
“Of course, I’ll let Agnellino know.” His wicked grin has me shaking my head.
I love that they have the type of relationship where they can joke. It makes me hopeful for Antonio. That he’s finally found his place. I could never provide him with a romantic love, but I gave him what I could.
“What are you thinking?” Tennant asks, his eyebrow raising slightly, as if he knows I won’t want to answer. It’s an early warning, I swear.
And he’s right. I don’t want to answer. Shifting uncomfortably, I shrug one shoulder while taking another bite of the pasta, savoring the slightly spicy sauce. When I finish my bite, I still haven’t thought of a genius response, so I respond reluctantly.
“Jude…struggles with me.” I immediately cut off any argument by saying, “I can tell. He’s uncomfortable with me. And doesn’t like me. Or trust me. I’m wondering if it’ll make things difficult if I'm trying to help out.”
“Then starting out with me is even better. The Agnellino knows not to overstep. Give him time to get to know you. You both have points in common… Your childhoods. Your love of Antonio. Don’t close an avenue just because you think it’s too hard, Sweet Boy.”
I nod in agreement, even if I’d rather sit through another lecture from my uncle than put myself out there with Jude, only to be turned away. Still… For Tennant, I’ll do whatever he needs. And for Antonio.
It doesn’t take long to finish our course. This time, Aldo comes out carrying just one plate. While the other staff takes care of our previous course, he puts a beautifully decadent piece of tiramisu in the middle of our table, along with two spoons.
“Since this is the first time you’ve brought a date with you, I wanted to make sure you had your favorite.”
With nothing more than a duck of his head, he quickly disappears, leaving us both in stunned silence. A date. What the hell?! And yet… Fuck, that’s exactly what this is, isn’t it?
I look at Tennant, shocked amazement reflected back at me. We must both find the situation crazy. He laughs and I join in, and the release of tension is exactly what I needed. Quirking my lips into a smile, I take a bite of the creamy dessert.
Neither of us say anything while we polish off the tiramisu.
It’s not uncomfortable. If anything, being with Tennant like this…
It’s easy. It’s natural in ways I never expected.
The only person who ever made me feel like this was Lio.
I mentally decide I need to take my Boy on a date as well, because this… this has been perfect.
Knowing Aldo won’t bring me a check, I grab my wallet, taking out several bills and leaving them on the table.
Tennant stares at me for a moment, before he also adds a few bills to the pile.
It’s far more than what they charge, but Aldo refuses to take my money directly.
This is a small way I can make reparations for the damage my family inflicted on theirs.
Even if it’s true that they consider me part of their family, it’s… going to take a while to accept it.
I step out of the booth and hold my hand out for Tennant, not breathing as I wait to see what happens.
When he places his hand in mine, and slides out of the booth, I barely remember to start breathing again, because fuck.
His height is perfect, and up close, those eyes of his are even more arresting.
“It looks like we should get out of here…” he murmurs quietly, and I nod my head, tugging him toward the front door.
Part of me wishes I could say something witty, but fuck if it wouldn’t come out corny right now.
Something about this being a dream come true or some shit.
But as soon as I get him alone, all bets are off, because while I may not be able to find the words, I know I can show him exactly what this meant to me. And thank fuck we’ve got the limo.
I’m antsy the entire time it takes for the limo to pull up to the front. Enough that Tennant leans into my space, hooks his fingers through my belt loops and pulls me close.
“Sweet Boy, are you having problems settling?”