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“Nico, did I raise you as a barnyard animal? Get a plate and sit down!” Yaya called, but when she turned back to the camera, her eyes were twinkling with an affection that immediately warmed Luca.
“Sorry, Yaya,” Nico dropped a kiss on her head as he passed.
“You seem well?” Luca prompted with a droll smile.
Yaya blinked. “I’m back to normal.”
“It’s true,” Fiero came into view, sitting beside Yaya, glass of wine in hand. “What’s happening with Watney?”
Elodie’s voice came from off camera. “No work talk!”
Fiero laughed. “Sorry, mi amore.” He lowered his voice to a stage whisper. “Email me an update.”
Luca grinned. His chaotic family were anchors in his life; he knew how lucky he was to have them. It wasn’t all roses though. “Where’s Gabe?”
He knew the answer before it was even given.
“He stayed home this weekend.” Despite the fact they were close knit and supportive, Yaya’s voice assumed a defensive tone, as if pre-empting an attack before one could be made. Luca, though, had no intention of disparaging his cousin. They were used to his peripatetic appearances at Villa Fortune. He came when it suited and stayed away when it didn’t. Their only frustration came from knowing he was hurting and there was nothing they could do to help him. Years had passed since the accident and yet he had been forever altered by that snowy night.
“Oh, shit, sorry.”
Luca glanced up at the interruption – Bronte’s soon-to-be brother-in-law, aka the groom-to-be, had wandered out onto the terrace holding a glass of beer. “I didn’t realise –,”
Luca shook his head once, turning back to the FaceTime. “Guys, I should get back to things here.”
“Va bene, va bene.” Yaya waved her hands. “Have fun.”
“Email me about Watney,” Fiero reminded. Elodie’s hand appeared, playfully slapping Fiero’s shoulder, but Fiero caught it, lifting it to his lips as the call was disconnected.
“Didn’t mean to interrupt,” Edward offered by way of an apology.
Luca slid the phone into his pocket. “Not at all.” He propped his hip against the railing. “It was my family. We usually have dinner most weekends – I told them I’d video call while I was over here.”
“You’re close to them?”
“Yes.” He studied the other man and saw pure happiness in his face. Easy, uncomplicated, confident contentment. What must that be like? “You’re looking forward to tomorrow?”
Edward sipped his beer. “Honestly?”
Luca lifted a brow. “Certo.”
“I can’t wait. I think I fell in love with Alice the second I met her. Though it took her a bit longer to fall for me.” He grinned. “Fortunately, patience is one of my virtues.”
“You seem very well-matched.”
“I think so.” Edward lifted his beer, eyeing Luca’s empty hands. “But what kind of host am I being? Come inside, let me get you a drink.”
“You look so happy.”
Alice paused, midway through slipping off one high heel shoe. Her eyes found Bronte’s and she smiled, holding a hand out. “That’s because I am, dearest. How come I haven’t seen you all evening?”
Bronte looked around the almost empty restaurant, taking a seat beside her sister.
“Don’t tell me. Your gorgeous Italian billionaire boyfriend has been monopolising you.”
He’d definitely been monopolising Bronte’s thoughts. It was fair to say she’d had little run-time for anything else. “Sort of.”
“Hmmm,” Alice placed her head on Bronte’s shoulder, stifling a yawn. “I’ll allow it. He’s pretty yummy.”
