Page 64 of The Taste of Deceit

“I love coming here.”

The wrought-iron gate is already open when I turn into the driveway. The headlights sweep beneath the old oak trees lining the property before the house comes into view beneath the warm glow of the porch lights. The yellow siding, the white trim, the flower beds my mother still refuses to let anyone else take care of, and the rocking chairs beneath the covered porch all look exactly the way they always have.

I pull in behind Carmela and Emilio’s SUV and shut off the engine. Before either of us has a chance to get out, the front door opens. Ma steps onto the porch with a kitchen towel still draped over her shoulder. Children’s voices spill out behind her, followed by laughter, and the clatter of dishes from the kitchen.

I climb out and walk around to Sarah’s side as she closes her door.

“Ma.”

She wraps me in a hug and kisses both of my cheeks when we get to the porch before stepping back to look me over.

“You work too much.”

“I’ve missed you too.”

A smile spreads across her face before she turns to Sarah and pulls her into an equally warm hug.

“Cara.”

“It’s good to see you, Sofia.”

“You’ve lost weight.”

Sarah laughs.

“I don’t think I have.”

“We’ll find out.”

Ma slips her arm through Sarah’s and starts toward the house. I follow them inside, closing the front door behind me as Veronica’s excited voice carries down the hallway.

The second we step inside, she comes flying down the hallway.

“Uncle Luca!”

I barely have time to bend my knees before she launches herself into my arms. I catch her easily, settling her against my hip as she wraps both arms around my neck.

“Hi, Bug.”

“I missed you.”

“I missed you too.”

She pulls back.

“You were gone.”

“I was.”

“I didn’t like it.”

“I’m sorry. I’ll try not to be gone so much.”

Satisfied with that answer, she shifts her attention to Sarah.

“Sarah!”

She reaches both arms toward her without another thought. Sarah laughs as I hand Veronica over.