Page 36 of A Valentine's Day Gift
Loretta sat at the head of the table with Vinny taking a seat at the other end. Allie sat next to Vinny, and the kids filled in.
“Everything looks so nice, Loretta,” Allie said.
“Thank you,” Loretta said. “Would you like some wine?”
“No, thanks. I’m driving.”
“Just a little, then,” Loretta said, indicating the bottle of wine set on the nearby buffet.
“I’m good, but thanks.”
Loretta sent Vinny a look down the table that Allie couldn’t interpret.
“Where’s the bread?” Vince asked. He was a growing boy—already big—and Allie figured he probably ate a lot.
“Oh, shoot,” Loretta said. “I forgot it.” She went to get up, but Vince stopped her.
“I’ll get it, Nonna, since I’m the oldest.” He stood.
“Actually, I’m the oldest,” Gabe said. “I could get it.”
“You don’t even know where stuff is,” Vince boomed.
Allie tensed. “Just let Vince get it, Gabe.”
Gabe stood anyway. “It’s bread. I think I can find it.” He was never one to back down from an argument. Maybe he’d be a lawyer like his dad.
“I’m the oldest Marino,” Vince snapped. “And a lot bigger than you.”
Gabe’s chest puffed out. “I’ll be fourteen in three weeks, almost two years older.”
They had a staredown, standing across the table from each other. She turned to Vinny, who lifted his hand likewait and see. All of the boys watched with interest.
Vince jerked his chin. “When’s your birthday?”
“January thirtieth,” Gabe returned.
“Ha! Mine’s August thirteenth. More like a year and a half apart.”
Gabe scowled. “You can’t do math. It’s sixand a halfmonths plus a year.”
“Ooh, a big old half. Two weeks make you feel like a big man? Because you’ve got at least a foot to catch up to me.”
“Do not!” Gabe barked.
“Come on,” Vince challenged. “Back to back.” He turned sideways.
All the boys looked over at Gabe to see if he’d take the height challenge.
“Both of you sit down,” Vinny ordered. “I’ll get the bread.”
The boys sat. Vinny went to the kitchen.
“I’ll get the punch,” Vince said, standing again and glowering down at Gabe. “Dad bought it special for tonight.”
“You just want to serve yourself first,” Nico said.
“Shut it, Nico,” Vince said, shoving the side of Nico’s head. “I’ll give it out fairly, split six ways.” He stopped and turned to his grandmother. “Would you like some?”
