Page 47 of His to Break

We chat about innocuous things as we all enjoy the appetizer. My mother and Olivia comment on the décor, both hinting broadly that they’d like a tour of the whole place. They won’t be getting one from me, but if Vinnie wants to show them around later, I won’t stop her.

Since salmon and rye bread isn’t uncommon here, nobody picks up on Vinnie’s British theme for the meal until Benny brings in the entrée of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding served with mashed potatoes, carrots, and a thick, glossy gravy. He’s plated everything up, but brings in dishes with extra food and places them at the far end of the table so we can help ourselves to more if we want it.

“This looks delicious,” Mamma remarks.

“I thought I’d give you a taste of England.”

“Do you think of England as home?” Antonio asks.

“Not really.” Vinnie slices into her beef. “Italy’s where all my best memories are from.”

“So you’d consider yourself more European than American?” There’s a challenge in Antonio’s tone, like he’s so fucking patriotic.

“I’ve never been to America until now, so I’m afraid I don’t feel at home here yet. Perhaps once Leo and I have kids, that will change.”

Mamma squeals in delight. “You want a family?”

“Yes, three kids, preferably. It’s the number Leo and I feel most comfortable with.”

All eyes turn to me. I haven’t shared my desire to be a father with any of them before now.

“You want a family?” The surprise in Gio’s voice is almost insulting.

“Yes, I want kids.”

“You’d be such a good father,” Mamma muses.

Olivia snorts. “He’d scar them for life. He’s such a fucking tyrant.”

“I’m clearly not enough of a tyrant if you feel you can disrespect me in my home.”

Antonio and Matteo both shoot her dark looks, warning her they’re on my side with this. Olivia’s been a bigger pain in the ass than usual lately. Even I’m aware enough of other people’s emotions to realize there’s something troubling her, but I won’t let her talk to me that way. Before I can say anything else, Vinnie intervenes. She grabs my hand and brings it to her lips.

“If Leo’s as good of a father as he is a husband, our kids will be very lucky.”

This time, both Mamma and Emilia give a little sigh like they think we’re the cutest couple they’ve ever seen. I don’t know how sincere Vinnie was, but I’m grateful to her for defending me.

“Yes, sorry,” Olivia mumbles. She quickly changes the subject. “I really like these Yorkshire puddings.”

“They’re one of Benny’s specialties,” Vinnie explains. “He learned most of his recipes from his Nonna back in Italy, but when he came to work for me in England, he learned to make a few British dishes.”

“You must love his cooking if you wanted to keep him around,” Antonio says, making no attempt to hide his disapproval.

“I do, but he’s not just my chef, he’s my friend.” Vinnie’s tone is firm. “He’s been by my side through some of my toughest moments. That deserves loyalty, don’t you think?”

“That doesn’t mean he should be given the run of my brother’s apartment.”

“Perhaps you’d like me to chain him to the stove,” Vinnie replies. She shakes her head. “I’m sorry, Antonio, I respect your position as head of the family, but this is our house, mine and Leo’s. We decide what happens within these walls.”

I don’t look at Antonio for his reaction. I focus on my wife, proud that she stood up for herself. My older brother likes to test people, to determine what they’re made of. If he’s looking for a backbone, he won’t find Vinnie lacking.

There’s a moment of stunned silence and then Matteo laughs. “Balls of steel, Venezia. Almost makes me wish I’d married you.”

“No,” Antonio says. “Leo was the better choice.”

It’s not an endorsement of our marriage, but after Antonio’s pronouncement, everyone relaxes. Conversation flows along with the wine and by the time we’ve finished dessert, Vinnie is almost glowing with pleasure at how well the evening’s gone.

“Why don’t I show you the rest of the apartment before we have coffee?” she suggests.

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