Page 11 of Ciao, Amore

sat there, staring at the plastic “bones.”

“Oh my God, you are the worst winner ever,” Dani observed when Nico rubbed his hands together, still savoring his victory.

Finally, Andrew pointed to Ken, then Nico, and said, “You and you. Get out of my house.”

The insults and ribbing were all in good fun. Dani was impressed by how well Nico was fitting in. When the roles were reversed, she wasn’t so sure she would be this effortlessly at ease. All of it seemed easy and natural for Nico, like the way he looked up and said, “Thank you,amore,” when she brought him some lemonade. It felt natural when he wound that arm around her waist again as he took a long swallow.

She rested her arm along those solid, broad shoulders and allowed herself to lean against him. Now she knew that sage scent was coming from whatever he used in his hair, but she refrained from touching it, thinking that might be a bit too much of a display.

Her father scowled at her, but then he winked and went back to playing, talking smack to Nico and Ken and declaring he’d defeat them this time. Her mother broke up the game about half an hour later, refusing to let them finish if it meant cold food.

Nico seemed to relish the meal, asking Didi howkeshi yenawas prepared. He even wrote it down on a small notepad in his pocket so he could pass the recipe along to his mom later.

“His parents own a restaurant in City Island,” Dani told them.

“That’s wonderful. Maybe we’ll go out there for lunch sometime,” Didi said with a smile.

When her mom was distracted, Nico showed her the journal and pointed at the front cover where he’d writtenDaniela Grace.

“It’s all about you,” he whispered. “Study notes.”

Then he and Didi spent some time comparing their medallions; Didi’s was of the Madonna, while Nico explained why he wore the medallion of St. Florian.

“My dad was a firefighter before they opened the restaurant. I was one, too, for a couple years, but when my grandfather retired, he asked me to take over his barber shop. Keep it in the family.”

It wasn’t the first time he’d mentioned being a firefighter, but Dani hadn’t heard how he’d switched to barbering. Even though he told them about it with a small smile, something in his expression hinted at regret. She made a mental note to ask him about it later.

“Hey, Nico,” her younger brother Al said, leaning over. “I saw your ride outside. Is it a hybrid?”

“Nah. It’s fully electric.” Nico glanced at her with a small smile, almost as if embarrassed to have a new, expensive car.

“A full electric,” Al mused, his dark eyes widening. “How much did it cost?”

“That’s a rude question,” Dani reprimanded him.

“I heard they cost a lot, so I just wanted to know.” Then after a lull, Al leaned in again. He rubbed his fingers along the shaved sides of his head with the retro high-top fade. “Hey, Nico. My friend owns a barbershop down the street, and he says he’ll put me on if I get certification. But can you really earn that much cutting hair?”

“So, what is Parma like?” Didi cut in, with a stern look at her son. “Dani says that’s where your grandparents live.”

“Oh, it’s beautiful. You should visit if you ever get a chance to go to Italy,” Nico said.

Then he and Rahim talked about the studio album Rahim was busy recording with their godfather’s record label. Nico turned when Kiki reached over and patted his arm from where she sat on Ken’s lap. The baby leaned in, making it obvious she wanted Nico to take her, and he did.

“Looks like you’ve got a fan, Nico,” Terri said with a grin. “Tell us more about Parma.”

Terri propped her chin on her fist as he described the small city at Christmas while Kiki

stared at him with fascination. Terri gave Dani a pointed stare, which Dani ignored. But damn, she had to admit that he looked good holding a baby. Really good.

Oh no.Ovary explosion. Dani had to hide a grin and slap her cheeks. Such thoughts were better left in the dust, along with her other Year Zero hopes.

When Didi’s caramel cake had been consumed, it was time for departures and hugs. She was ready to walk him to the door when Andrew halted them.

“Everybody, could you come back into the living room?” Andrew asked. When they’d all gathered, some sitting on the couch or standing, he spoke in his typical measured tones, his warmth palpable in his gaze. “We didn’t expect this to turn into a going-away party for Dani, but since we’re all here, I might as well say a few words.”

“You know you’ll take any chance to give a speech, Papi,” Dani teased him, and they laughed.

“Ohmy God, my daughter is so fresh. Anyway, I remember when Terri was leaving for Japan. I can’t believe I have another daughter, my first baby, also going out into the world.”

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