Page 65 of The Taste of Deceit

“Hi, sweetheart.”

Veronica immediately starts talking, her words tumbling over each other so fast neither of us can keep up.

“I got a new Barbie, and Mommy said I could bring cupcakes to school on Friday because it’s my birthday next week and Daddy let me stay up until eight-thirty and Leone says I can’t beat him at Mario Kart but I almost did.”

Sarah smiles.

“That’s a lot to catch up on.”

“It is.”

I glance toward the living room as Leone and Rafael appear in the doorway.

“Uncle Luca,” Rafael says.

Leone hangs back with the kind of confidence only a ten-year-old can manage.

“Hi, Uncle Luca.”

I grin.

“Hey, boys.”

Rafael closes the distance first.

“Come outside with us.”

I smile.

“I just got here.”

“So.” He says.

Leone rolls his eyes.

“Mom said we have to wait until after dinner,” Leone tells him.

“I know what Mom said,” Rafael scoffs.

“You never listen.”

“I listen sometimes.”

“You don’t.”

Before Rafael can defend himself, Carmela walks into the foyer carrying a serving bowl.

“I can hear you two arguing from the kitchen.”

“We’re not arguing,” Rafael says.

Leone looks at him.

“We’re literally arguing.”

Carmela sighs, though she’s smiling.

“I don’t care what you’re calling it. Wash your hands. Dinner’s almost ready.”