Page 129 of Let It Be Me

“Yes, Ma, I must.” Anthony grins. “My cousin’s the fucking MVP.”

It’s funny all the things that haven’t changed in the wake of the Rossi family shake-up. The main difference is the way Lorenzo and Anthony have settled back into the relationship they had years ago before there was any bad blood. And while I sometimes catch Gina studying both boys in a way I’d never witnessed before, no warmth has been lost between anyone in the family.

More hugs are exchanged. I’m introduced to Ant’s girlfriend, Cara, and I take her out of the kitchen to mingle with Lenni and the other girlfriends in attendance. I’ve stopped assuming they don’t like me and, in a twist I probably should have seen coming, realized every single one of them is a sweetheart when you get to know them. We light the candles in the center of the table and pour generous glasses of the pricey wine brought by the parents.

The food is phenomenal, a true potluck with dishes ranging from pumpkin sage ravioli to red beans and rice, and my mind buzzes with inspiration for cozy fall meals. Jazz bubbles from a speaker, and the wine flows as freely as the conversation.

When everyone’s had their fill of dinner and a few of the parents head to the kitchen to pull out the desserts, conversation turns to next year.

“Your boy’s looking better than ever,” Cam says to me from across the table.

I can’t help but gaze at Lorenzo. In the glow of the candlelight and that shirt that’s not meant to be tight but clings to his shoulders nonetheless, he really does. “He’s quite the specimen, isn’t he?” Then I look at Cam. “And yeah, he’s definitely going places.”

“Come on,” Lorenzo warns, trying to stave off conversation about his NFL prospects, but he’s met with boos and sounds of disapproval from the friends close enough to hear him.

“Modesty’s overrated!” Cash crows.

“Maybe try it before you form an opinion,” Lorenzo tells him.

“So I want to hear,” Cam says, his eyes back on me. “What are you two going to do next year if this kid makes it big?”

“Look at him,” his girlfriend, Lenni, says, running a hand through Cam’s hair. “Even more interested in hearing about your love story than about football. Such a romantic.”

Cam gives her a warning look, but there’s nothing but love in his eyes. He has a good chance of getting drafted next year, too, and everyone knows Lenni has had her career planned out for years, so working out a long-distance relationship is close to their hearts. When Cam’s gaze returns to me, Lorenzo’s hand finds mine under the table.

“We’re going to make it work.” I nod. “No clue how, but we will. Hopefully we’ll be in the same city, but if not right away, we’ll get there eventually.” It feels good to talk about it, even withall the uncertainty. I’ve stopped feeling dread when someone brings up life after graduation. There’s nothing big enough to tear us apart. “We’re best friends—nothing’s changing that.”

Lorenzo squeezes my leg and reaches for his wineglass. “Let’s drink to that.”

Even though half the people at the table have no idea what we’re toasting, everyone’s ready to celebrate, so glasses are quickly raised and there are drunken whoops and fists pounded on the table hard enough to rattle the dishes.

“You know,there are restaurants in every city and town in America,” I tell Lorenzo that night as I nuzzle my nose into his neck. His naked body is damp with sweat, and his heartbeat thunders under my palm.

“Truth.” He lets his breathing slow, then adds, “Also random.”

“I was just thinking at dinner that I could get a job as a chef anywhere you end up.”

“What happened to sticking with your plan, Hayes?”

“Just checking to see if you’re paying attention. I was kidding. Mostly.” I chuckle, still a little buzzed from the wine and the orgasm. Still bubbling with happiness.

“Mostly?”

“I’m sticking with the plan. Just had a little moment of distraction, that’s all. Old habits die hard.”

“Don’t let them die altogether. I like you a little weird and wild.”

“Me too.”

“You know what I was thinking when I had you bent over the bed?”

“I can probably guess.”

“I was thinking about what you told me over the summer—that you have five tattoos. Isn’t that what you said?”

“It is.”

“And were you exaggerating again, Ruby Hayes? Because I’ve seen every inch of your naked body, and I’ve only counted four.”

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