Page 23 of Love Overdose: St. Louis

“You want to taste the gravy?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Aunt Bernice dipped a clean spoon into the pan and held it toward her. Frankie tasted it, and her eyes closed.

“Mmmm… that’s excellent.”

“Ain’t it, though?” my aunt blushed.

“I could get used to eating like this.”

Aunt Bernice beamed. “You sit near me at dinner. I’ll make sure you get enough.”

“She already has a date,” I said.

“I’m feeding her, not stealing her.”

Frankie laughed and slipped her hand into mine when we headed toward the back door. The courtyard glowed beneath strings of Edison bulbs. Patio heaters pushed away the evening chill, and music flowed softly from speakers near the brick wall.

Christian and Xander sat at our usual table playing dominoes while Dad offered advice neither of them had requested. Sade, my niece, stood beside her father, Xander, watching the game.

Naomi sat near Christian. The instant Frankie saw her, her hand tightened around mine.

“Naomi!”

Her entire face lit up as Naomi rose from her chair.

“There’s my girl.”

Frankie crossed the courtyard and folded her into a hug. Their laughter blended as they rocked each other from side to side.

“You look beautiful,” Naomi said.

“So do you. Look at you glowing.”

“I’m happy.”

“I can see that.”

Frankie relaxed beside her friend. Not that she had been uncomfortable before, but familiarity softened her posture. When she looked back at me, her smile carried even more warmth, making my gut clench, and my dick flick. Damn she was fine. I joined them and introduced her to Xander, Dad, and Sade.

Xander embraced me, then offered Frankie his hand. “It’s nice to meet you finally. I’m Xander.”

“The older brother,” she said.

He smiled. “The middle brother. But older than that knucklehead you came in here with, unfortunately.”

“Don’t say that. Age is a blessing.”

“See?” Xander looked at me. “She understands.”

“I never said it wasn’t.”

“You implied it when you told me I should be the next one married.”

Frankie laughed. “I’m staying out of this.”

Dad stepped forward and opened his arms. “Ron Valentino. Comedian, entertainer, and father to these handsome men.”