Page 98 of The Cupid Chronicles

I don’t bother reminding her that this is not dinner time for normal people. It’s impossible to walk into this kitchen and not want to eat. Still, I didn’t come looking for free food. I won’t tell Matteo, but I’ve got a frozen pizza and a Caesar salad waiting in my apartment.

“I’m fine, I promise,” I say. “If you could just grab him for me real quick, I’ll get out of your hair.”

“Don’t be ridiculous!” she says, beaming. “Come eat!We’re all dying to find out more about the girl who put a smile back on Chef’s face.”

Wait. What?

I laugh thatoff and shove my hands into my pockets. “Oh, I don’t have that kind of power.”

“I beg to differ.” Val raises one eyebrow and stares me down. “I know Teo better than anyone, and trust me—there’s been a change recently. You’re the only new thing in his life, so . . . you do the math.”

“I think you’re giving me too much credit.” I lean in. “I think I really annoy him.”

She laughs. “We’ll see.” She starts toward the door, and when I don’t budge, she glances at me. “You coming?”

This is probably a bad idea.

But, for some inexplicable reason, I follow her through the door and into the private room off to the side of the restaurant.

The laughter fades as I step into their space.Matteo’s back is to me, and as they all go quiet, he turns.

Our eyes meet, and I expect annoyance. Frustration. Anything to tell me that I’ve crossed a line.

To my utter shock, he almost smiles. “Iris?” He stands. “What are you doing here?”

All eyes are on me. And Matteo. All eyes are onme and Matteo.

“I’m so sorry. Hi, everyone, hi.” I give a little wave.

There’s a slight pause, and then the room explodes inHeyo’s!andBenvenuti!andIris!and several stand to come over and hug me.

Over the din, I try to tell Matteo, “I just wanted to give you an update about that mom in our building.” I say this with a hint ofyou know the one I mean, almost like we have a secret. Because we sort of do. Which I pause to acknowledge because Ilikehaving a secret with him.

There’s a wave of overlapping comments about sitting me down and getting me fed. Val wraps an arm around me. “That’s great, but first, we’re going to feed you.” She looks at Bear. “Grab her a chair, would you?” Then, to everyone: “Make room! Come on, come on, for Iris.”

The chatter resumes. I catch Nicola’s eye, and she smiles, giving me a wink and a wave. They scoot around the table, easily, like they always do this—happily shifting positions to make room for one more person.

Me.

It’s a small thing that feels very, very big.

Because for the first time in a long time, I feel like I belong.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Matteo

Val givesme a knowing look as Bear slides a chair next to mine.

I know what she’s thinking.

Maybe the look on my face when Iris walked in gave her hope. Because when I saw her, I didn’t feel annoyed or bothered or put-out. I felt . . . happy.

It’s been so long since I’ve felt that.

“Sit, Iris!” Val says, much louder than necessary. She pats the empty chair between us, and I catch the look on her face. Her eyes go wide, communicating, as usual, in a silent language I don’t recognize.

But then I find Iris, unmoving, seemingly waiting for permission to join, and it’s clear the only approval she cares about is mine.

---