Page 85 of Tristano

My eyes widen. “You give speeches for a living?”

She laughs. “I know I seem so quiet, right? No, I run a non-profit whose aim is to reduce homelessness in the city. It provides resources to help them get jobs and safer shelter conditions. It’s my pride and joy, other than my child of course.”

“Wow. That actually sounds amazing.”

An idea hits me out of nowhere.

“Hey, do you offer counseling for the people you serve?”

“We do. Do you know someone who needs a service like that?” she asks quietly.

“I mean, yes, I know I need to talk to someone, but I already have someone, I just need to be ready for that step. I meant I have an idea I would love to run by you. I mean, if you don’t mind.”

“I’m all ears.” She leans closer.

So I do too.

“I have no clue how this would work, but what if we partnered and maybe offered a center for women who are victims of human trafficking, using similar resources. It could be similar with the offering housing for those who have no home to go back to, or maybe they don’t want to for one reason or another. The therapy can be tailored to their experiences. We could even offer legal representation and protection if they want to testify against their abusers.”

She smiles. “Wow. I hadn’t even thought about that. I mean, we partner with domestic violence shelters, but you’re right. There is a whole community of people we are missing out on. Let’s get together at the shelter. I can show you what we do, and we can figure out how to incorporate your idea into it.”

“That sounds amazing.”

“What are you two whispering about over there?” Izzy shouts. “It’s time to get drunk.”

For the rest of the afternoon, the wine and gossip flows. I lose all sense of time, and I forget why I was nervous to come in here in the first place.

* * *

“Hey,”I say as I walk into Bash’s.

“Hi.”

“Yo.”

“What’s up?”

Everyone asks at once. Bash, Lo, Gio, Matteo, and Killian are already here. The only one missing is Enzo, but I’m sure he’s on his way.

Lo’s kids, Elena and Draco, are on the floor with Bash’s daughter, Alessa, and Nico, Matteo’s son. Killian is holding Kieran. It looks like a daddy daycare in here.

“Where are Marcello and Francesca?” I ask.

“Kitchen.” Gio rolls his eyes. “They convinced Nonna Rosa to make them something sweet.” His voice goes high-pitched. “Nonna, Gio, and Izzy don’t let us have sweets. They say it’s bad for us.”

Matteo chuckles. “That’s bullshit. Izzy has a massive sweet tooth.”

“Sorry we’re late,” Enzo says as he walks in.

“Right on time,” Bash tells him before looking down at Viola. “Hey, V. Marcello and Francesca are in the kitchen if you want to go hang out with them.”

She shakes her head with a small smile. We watch as she walks toward the babies and sits down next to them.

“She’s so good with them,” Matteo says after a beat of silence.

“I think you’ll need to make her a big sister sooner rather than later,” Lo teases.

Enzo rolls his eyes. “Not all of us like to keep our spouse knocked up.”

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