Page 142 of Something Like Hail

“This family is Catholic,which isn’t so different really. Again, if you ever want me tospeak with your parents—”

“Mom!” Felix and Darli saidin unison.

Bianca pursed her lips. “Maybe I should goeat in the other room. Would that make you happy?”

“Yes,” Darlisaid.

“Let’s just eat,” Felixsaid. “I’m hungry.”

Bianca nodded and folded her hands. Noahrecognized the motion from his childhood and quickly did the same.When the blessing began, he was familiar with it and was able tojoin in. This earned him brownie points, but at the moment, he wasmore in the mood for tuna points. They dug in, Noah not having tofake his enthusiasm because the food was delicious. Conversationflowed nicely as they ate, Noah asking polite questions about thework Bianca did and how often she visited the Philippines to seefamily.

“Not as often as I’d like,”she admitted. “It’s easier now that the children are old enough tostay behind. Those flights are expensive! Felix hasn’t beensince—how old were you?”

“Twelve,” Felixsaid.

“So just a couple of yearsago,” Darli teased.

Felix ignored her. “It was amazing! You haveto go sometime.”

“I’d love to,” Noah said.He hadn’t been as lucky as some escorts when it came to travelingand still hadn’t ventured outside the country except for Mexico. Hewould love to take that trip with Felix, maybe when his birthdayrolled around. That would make a nice present. Hell, he wouldn’tmind bringing the whole family along! Even though Darli could be abrat, she clearly loved her brother. The same was true of Bianca’slove for her son, or she wouldn’t be so concerned about hiswellbeing. They were good people.

When the meal was finished, Noah helpedclear the plates. Then he was asked to sit again. He knew what wascoming next, but he still felt moved when a cake dancing with tinyflames was set before him and three voices sang in unison. Noahdidn’t bother making a wish when blowing out the candles, feelingall of the most important ones had already come true.

“Yum,” Felix said around amouth full of cake. “I’ve been watching my figurelately.”

“Yes, because you’resofat,” Darli said,shoving some frosting to the side of her plate.

“You’re all gorgeous,” Noahsaid. “I vote we have seconds. Then we’ll bring the tuna casseroleback for another round.”

“You’ll have plenty to takehome with you,” Bianca said, an extra crinkle or two appearing onher forehead. She was reassured, but still not convinced theyshould be living together so soon.

“You’re welcome to stop byanytime you like,” Noah said. “You too, Darli. In fact, we’ll haveto do this again soon at our place.” He looked at Felix.“Right?”

His boyfriend wasn’t quite as thrilled withthe idea, but he nodded.

Bianca seemed relieved. “I’d like that verymuch.” She set down her fork and patted her mouth with a napkin.“Tell me about the work you do,” she said. “Felix wasn’t able toexplain it well.”

“It’s one of those jobsthat people have a hard time understanding,” Noah said. Wasn’t thatthe truth! He felt like patting himself with a napkin too, but todab at his increasingly sweaty forehead instead of his mouth. “Iwork with a number of clients, and my job is to keep themhappy.”

Bianca nodded along. “What company isthis?”

“Studio Maltese.” That wastrue. Sort of. Soon enough the Gentlemen’s Agreement Club wouldsever all ties with the studio, but for now, it wasn’t a lie. “Theydeal in photography and have some really high-profile clients.” Hementioned a few of the more impressive names.

“Well!” Bianca said in awe.“I’ll have to pay more attention to the ads in my magazines! Istill don’t understand exactly what you do though. How do you keepthese clients happy?”

Three sets of eyes turned to him. “Winingand dining,” Noah said, grasping for something more substantial. “Itry to be a good listener too. That’s important.”

Bianca continued to nod, but her expressionremained confused. “Is this a full-time position?”

“Absolutely.” It had beenjust about any position imaginable! “It’s a hard job to describe.On that front, I have some good news. I signed a contract today andam embarking on a new position. I’ll be a manager now!”

“Really?” Felix said,already proud.

That made Noah feel guilty, but he wouldclear the air just as soon as they were alone again. “Yeah! I startfirst thing on Monday.”

“Manager of the entirestudio?” Bianca asked.

“No.” He shook his head andcame up with the perfect description. “Manager of humanresources.”