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Jess ignored him, used to the constant suggestion. “I’ll see if I can get one of the girls to take my shift at the diner tomorrow. It’s one thing to ask Aunt Berta to watch him for a few hours each afternoon after school. Asking her to babysit a sick child all day is too much. I’ll make up the time this weekend.”
Tony frowned. “Sunday is the party at Nonno and Nonna’s house.”
Joey had a big announcement he wanted to make to the entire family. As soon as he’d made that known, Nonna had flown into party mode—Moretti style—demanding everyone attend. No one was excused. Something made apparent by the fact Nonna was making her famous eggplant parmesan and had recruited all the aunts to help with the preparations.
The second she’d announced the old family recipe was on the menu, one that every member of the family would walk fifty miles barefoot across the desert to eat, they knew attendance was mandatory.
Tony had been looking forward to taking Jess and Jasper, introducing them to everyone. While they’d met most of the guys, she still hadn’t met his grandparents or father. Nor had she met Tony’s kid sister, Layla, and her men, Miguel and Finn, who were coming up from Baltimore.
“I know, but I can’t afford to lose the pay,” Jess said.
Tony crossed his arms and shook his head. “You’re not working this weekend, Jess.”
She narrowed her eyes. “I’m not listening to the caveman routine tonight, Tony. I know you like to think—”
“Stop.” Tony placed his finger against her lips. “I’ve let you win every damn fight when it comes to money. Every. Single. One. I’m not losing this one.”
Jess started to speak again, but he cut her off. “I mean it. I want you and Jasper to meet my family. You can afford to lose one goddamn day of work.”
Jess glanced in Rhys’s direction, no doubt hoping he’d step in to support her cause.
Tony shifted his gaze as well and knew immediately his roommate was on his side.
“Jess,” Rhys started quietly, “Jasper has done nothing but talk about this party. I think he’d be just as disappointed as Tony if you weren’t there. And I know I would be too.”
Tony had to hand it to his roommate. He was the king of diplomacy and he had a knack for knowing how to appeal to Jess. Tony could probably learn a thing or two from him, but he decided he’d leave the peaceful discourse to his friend. Tony loved sparring with their stubborn beauty too much to play nice.
Jess sighed and rubbed her forehead. “Fine. I’ll call in tonight and give my shift away tomorrow. I just—”
“You just nothing,” Tony interjected. “You deserve a weekend off, Jess. Take it.”
Jess shrugged. “Okay.”
Rhys chuckled. “Great. And gird your loins because Tony’s family parties last at least five hours, include thirty to forty people, and consist of appetizers, wine, salads, bread, wine, soup, wine, the main course, wine, dessert and then…more wine. It’s an all-day affair.”
“Oh my God,” she said, with a smile that passed for either amused or horrified.
Tony smiled, then gave her a quick kiss. “You’re going to love the Morettis. And they’re going to adore you.”
