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"I love him." Nana lets out a cry as she hugs Arlo. "You're so cute.Sei così carino.But you must promise never to break my Constantine's heart. There'll be hell to pay if you do."
Arlo shakes his head. "I won't, Nana. I'd never cross a Mafioso."
Everyone goes silent. Nana cocks an eyebrow at me.
Arlo slams his hands over his mouth. "Oops. I didn't mean to say that out loud."
Gianluca, Benedetto, and Nana burst into laughter. Gianluca pats Arlo's back.
"I take it Constantine already told you about our family," Gianluca growls. "Don't say that again."
Arlo bites back a grin. "I won't." He makes a zipping motion over his lips. "Top secret."
Nana turns to Benedetto. "Did you give any more thought to that arrangement I proposed?"
Benedetto takes a sip of Dom Pérignon. "No. I don't need another bratty twink making fun of my weight or dictating my life."
Last Christmas, Nana tried to set Benedetto up with a family friend's young son. She said they were a perfect match. But Benedetto turned him down. He said he wasn't ready to date after his ex broke up with him, and that she should forget it.
"He's perfect for you, Benedetto." Nana sips champagne. "I asked him if he liked fluffy men last December. He told me to tell you to call him."
Benedetto shakes his head. "Not going to happen. I have enough on my plate without worrying about a relationship right now."
Nana lets out a sigh. "Don't expect me to let up anytime soon." She turns to Gianluca. "Hai già trovato un nuovo partner? Have you found a new partner yet?"
Gianluca rolls his eyes. "I'm focused on my medical practice right now and the homeless youth at the LGBTQ+ shelter I volunteer at. My schedule is too packed for a partner."
"Well, there's only so much you can do." Nana beams at me. "But at least I'll have some grandsons." She squeezes Arlo's cheek.
I can't help but snort. "That's not a topic we're discussing right now, but thank you. I appreciate it."
"I'm off to congratulate Michael on his marriage once again." Nana pokes Gianluca's chest. "Fammi sapere se posso presentarvi tutti i ragazzi caldi.Let me know if I can introduce you to any hot boys."
Nana waddles off, and I chuckle as I watch. As the matriarch of our clan, she's seen more than I can comprehend. But I've never met a pushier woman when it comes to finding her grandsons' partners.
But she approves of Arlo, and that's all that matters.
Suddenly, I spot an enormous tattooed man in a suit coat in the periphery. I squint and try to make out who it is. It almost looks like my long-lost cousin who I haven't seen in five years. He works undercover and tidies up our crime scenes with his fake carpet-cleaning operation. The sensation of an intruder builds within me.
I glance to Arlo, then back toward the intruder. To my bad luck, he's gone. I make a mental note to track him down when I finish speaking to Arlo.
Arlo's eyes are wide as he turns to me. "Did Nana like me?" He gulps. "Oh God. I shouldn't have kissed you. That was an amateur move. She thinks I'm a freak."
Benedetto snorts. "She was about to cream her panties. I think she's a cougar."
I place my finger over Arlo's mouth. "She adored you. I could tell by the way she reacted."
Arlo's breath hitches. "Am I better than Carlos?"
This time, Gianluca can't help but chuckle. "Better than Carlos?" He adjusts his watch. "Sweetie, a dumpster-diving racoon is better than Carlos. You're a saint."
Benedetto nods in agreement. "She loved you. Don't sweat it."
My heart brims with warmth. "Congratulations. You passed with flying colors."
Arlo stands on his tiptoes. "I love you, Daddy. I knew it the moment I met you. But now I can finally say it without feeling stupid."
It happens in an instant.
