Page 25 of Love Overdose: St. Louis

“You know how to count the dots?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“Good. Then we’ve already got a chance.”

I sat across from them while Christian partnered with Naomi. Xander settled beside Sade and quietly helped when she needed it.

Frankie knew how to play, but she never took over. She let Sade choose their pieces, offered suggestions, and celebrated every point as if they had won the entire game. When Sade placed their last domino, Frankie threw both hands into the air.

“We did it!”

Sade squealed and jumped into her arms.

“That was a good game,” Frankie said, hugging her. “You’re an excellent partner.”

“I told you I could play.”

“You certainly can.”

The pride on Sade’s face softened everyone around the table. I watched Frankie hand her the victory instead of claiming it for herself. There was an ease in the way she gave affection. Nothing about it appeared calculated or cautious. She looked at me over Sade’s shoulder and smiled, making my chest warm.

“Okay, dinner time!” Aunt Bernice called.

Two tables had been pushed together in the private dining area. Frankie sat beside me with Naomi on her other side. Sade took the chair across from them so she could continue talking to her new friend.

Dinner began with a prayer from Mom and quickly dissolved into several conversations happening at once.

Frankie joined them easily. She laughed at Dad’s stories, asked Brent about the home renovations he mentioned, and promised Aunt Cherry she would try the peach cobbler even after Aunt Bernice filled her plate. I handed her the hot sauce.

Her eyes moved from the bottle to me. “How did you know?”

“You used it at Cielo.”

“That was weeks ago.”

“I pay attention.”

Her lips curved into a soft smile. “I like that.”

Our fingers brushed when she accepted the bottle. Beneath the table, her knee rested against mine and remained there. By the time dessert arrived, Aunt Bernice had invited Frankie to one of her cooking classes, Sade wanted to attend Zumba, and Dad had asked whether I planned to bring her to every family dinner.

“I hope so,” I said.

Frankie looked at me. The pleased surprise in her eyes made my heart flutter. Before either of us spoke, Dad tapped his fork against his glass and the room quieted.

“My beautiful family,” he began, rising from his chair. “I have an announcement.”

Christian lowered his head. “Here we go.”

“What?” Dad looked offended. “This is good news.”

“Then tell us,” Xander said.

Dad spread his arms. “The Valentine family has been selected for Family Feud!”

For a moment, no one spoke.

Sade gasped. “We’re going to be on TV?”