Kristine had to wonder what was going on in her mother’s head. Did she want to stay in Boston, even though her job was in New York? She’d bet meeting Conlan had something to do with it. “So, should I look for a one bedroom or two?”
“I don’t know yet.”
Kristine slapped her hands over her eyes. “I don’t fucking believe this. You’re the one who wanted to stay in New York. Your job at the acting school was so important to you, and there’s nothing like that in Boston.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. Amber was telling me about Emerson College. It’s right down the street from the B and B. They have an exceptional arts program, especially when it comes to drama. With my credentials she thinks I’d be a shoo-in for a job there. And many Broadway shows come to Boston.”
Kristine’s eyes widened. “You’re really thinking about staying here?”
Amy shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s a possibility.”
“‘It’s a possibility…’” Kristine mocked.
“Don’t be fresh. What’s wrong with keeping our options open? I would have thought you’d like to be closer to Jayce.”
“And it’s just handy that you would be closer to Conlan and all his relatives.”
Amy grinned. “That part doesn’t suck.”
* * *
Jayce and his father waited in the hospital lounge for news of Sandra and the baby. Miguel was with her.
“I wanted you here so you could see what it takes to run this family,” Antonio Fierro said.
“I really don’t understand what the big deal is, Dad. Anyone could sit here and wait for news.”
Mr. Fierro straightened and stared at his son. “No, Jayce. Not just anyone. The head of the family needs to be responsive and available to any and all of our family members in times of crisis.”
Jayce leaned back and folded his arms. “What if I’m on the job? Am I supposed to just run off and deal with every family emergency that could possibly come up?”
Antonio scrubbed a hand over his face. “No. Having a wife can help with that…for the most part. If she works too, one of you should be able to respond at a moment’s notice.”
His father took a deep breath. “I wasn’t going to say this, not just yet anyway, but there are those in high places who know what we are. Promotions to nine-to-five positions can be arranged when necessary.”
“Are you shitting me?” Jayce asked.
“There are a number of things I need to teach you. Maybe you’ll understand a little better why it’s important thatoneof us knows all the particulars.”
“And why should only one of us be privy to this information?”
“Nowyoumust be shittingme… The more people who know these things, the greater the chance of a slip of the tongue or eavesdroppers getting hold of sensitive information they shouldn’t have.”
“Does Miguel know?”
“No. At this point, there’s no reason for him to know anything about this. I’ve been thinking I could make you and Miguel co-heads. That presents a problem if disagreements come up. I’m still hoping that you will take over.”
Jayce saw an opportunity to possibly introduce the subject of Kristine fitting into his life. “Are you still stuck on the criteria for the leader of this precious family?”
Antonio rested his elbows on his knees, leaned forward, and clasped his hands. “You really don’t understand our importance, do you? If you are to take over as head of the family, youabsolutelyhave to understand and accept the criteria—that you be married, living in our home in the South End, or somewhere nearby that can accommodate all of us at once. It’s been that way for as long as anyone can remember. Just letting Ryan move to Ireland with his fiancée was a huge departure from protocol.”
“So why did you do it?”
Antonio snorted. “Remember the big public funeral we had for him? Anyone who spotted him would think they were seeing a ghost. It was dicey, but because he was reincarnated as a child, I could make the excuse that he was no longer the eldest. That makes you the eldest now.”
“Lucky me,” Jayce said sardonically.
Antonio stood and began pacing across the room and back. “This is the reason I felt that you and Miguel would have to do this together. He’s much more serious and, pardon me for saying this, more levelheaded. He’s married and willsomedayhave children—I hope.”
