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“It’s never too early to understand the importance of a dollar.”
“You’re such an accountant.”
“Iaman accountant.”
Even though I’m making more than enough money to provide for my whole family, Dominic insisted on finding a job. The first year was a tense one, spent constantly worrying about him being recognized. We’re far enough away from New York City, but you can never be too careful in this day and age. He’s almost unrecognizable from the man he used to be, but that didn’t make us any less tense about being discovered.
He decided to take a job at a small, independent accounting firm in town. It has no more than five full-time employees, which is perfect for keeping a low profile. In the grand scheme of things, it made sense for Dominic to take the position. His loan sharking days might be behind him, but he’s still got a knack for crunching numbers.
Lana bursts in through the front door, her arms full of brightly wrapped boxes. “Everybody’s favorite aunt is here!” she announces. “Where’s the birthday girl?”
I walk over and take some of the gifts. “Isabella took Felicia out for ice cream. Her friends will be here any minute now.”
My best friend looks around at all the streamers and balloons filling the living room. There isn’t an inch of our home that isn’t covered in birthday-related paraphernalia. “You went really hard on the decorations this year, huh?”
“I did that,” Dominic says, his chest high and proud. “I want all her classmates to know her dad throws the best birthday parties.”
I shrug. “He’s got a super competitive streak.”
“Whatever makes you happy, big guy,” Lana replies with a dry grin.
Tomasso squirms in his seat, his face curling up in agitation. A soft whimper bubbles past his lips, giving way quickly to ear-piercing sobs. He puts his hands up, reaching for me with his tiny little fingers. “Mama!”
I pick him up, holding him close to my chest as I soothingly pat his back. “It’s okay, sweetie. I’m here, I’m here.”
Dominic scratches behind his ear. “I think he hates me.”
“Don’t be silly, sweetheart. Tommy loves you very much.” I shoot him a cheeky wink. “He just loves me more.”
My husband stands at my side, one hand on the small of my back as he dips down to kiss the top of Tomasso’s head. “I can’t say I blame him.”
Lana smacks her lips. “So… You’re about to have a bunch of kindergartners running around on a sugar high. Please tell me you’ve got mimosas or something to take the edge off.”
“We’re serving the kids Shirley Temples with their pizza party. I can make yours non-virgin if you’re good.”
She rubs her hands together. “IfI’m good? Babe, I’m a fucking saint.”
A sharp gasp at the front door alerts us of a new arrival. Felicia points a finger at her Aunt Lana. “That’s a dollar in the swear jar!”
Lana grimaces. “Why is it that every time I leave your place, my wallet is a million times lighter?”
“Because you swear like a sailor,” Dominic says casually, bending down just in time to catch Felicia as she throws herself into his arms.
“Nona got me three scoops,” she announces, already buzzing. She hasn’t even had cake yet. Something tells me today’s going to be a long, eventful day.
Isabella shrugs unapologetically. “What can I say? I love to spoil my granddaughter.”
Felicia eyes all the presents Lana brought in. “Can I open one now?”
I shake my head, smiling gently. “Why don’t you wait for your friends to arrive? You can open all of them at once when they get here.”
“But I wanna open one now!”
“Patience, principessa,” Dominic tells her. “That’s something you and your mother have to work on.”
I nudge his calf with my foot. “Hey.”
Felicia opens her mouth like she’s about to protest, but the doorbell rings. She rushes past us, excitedly pulling open the front door. A hoard of eight to nine girls and three boys greet the birthday girl loudly, storming in as they excitedly chatter about everything and anything.
