Page 32 of The Pretender

“Here we go,” I mumble, twisting the doorknob to open it. The house is warm and fragrant, immediately taking me back to happier times. My mom and nonna can cook like no one’s business, so at least we’re eating good tonight.

“Ah.” Balt closes his eyes as he inhales. “Smells like home.”

“Wait until you taste the sauce. It’s to die for.”

“Looking forward to it,” he says, opening his eyes and gazing at me with warmth.

We remove our coats and hang them on the rack by the door, then kick off our shoes before proceeding through the house to the dining and kitchen area. My mom and Nonna are behind the island, fussing over platters of food while Brogan sits perched on the edge of it, chewing on a piece of carrot. My brothers, Brogan’s parents, and my dad are setting the table and pouring water into glasses.

We watch the scene for a moment before I announce our arrival. “Hi, everyone.”

My family stops what they’re doing, then my mom’s face lights up. “You both look so nice.”

“Forgive me,” Balt says. “I don’t have a lot of casual clothing.”

“You never have to be sorry for looking nice,” my nonna says.

“Can we help with anything?” I ask.

“No,” my mom says, still smiling. “Just find a place to sit.”

Nonna picks up a platter of meatballs, but Balt immediately steps forward to take it from her. “Please, allow me.”

Nonna lets him take the platter, one eyebrow raised as she turns to me. “Finally. A gentleman.”

I laugh softly. “Yes, he is.”

My mom is already pushing past me with a huge bowl of spaghetti while Brogan hops off the counter and grabs the basket of bread. Even though Mom said she didn’t need help, I grab the platter with the caprese on it anyway and bring it to the table.

My brothers glance up, and I brace myself for a snarky comment, but instead Nantes grins, holding his arms out as he walks over to me. I set the plate down just before he pulls me into his arms and gives me a huge bear hug.

“Hey, little brother.”

“Hey, Nantes.”

“Welcome home,” Guiliano says, patting my back. “Good to see you.”

I’m sure I look confused, but okay, I can work with civility. “This is Balt. Balt, my brothers, Nantes and Guiliano.”

Balt shakes both their hands. “Pleasure to meet you.”

“You too, man,” Nantes says. “We’ve never met anyone Deo was dating. Is this serious?”

I open my mouth to object, but Balt beats me to it. “We can always hope it is.” He smiles at me and gives me another wink that makes my knees a little weak.

We take our seats next to each other. Brogan sits across from me while Nantes and Giuliano sit next to them. My aunt and uncle sit on the other side of Brogan, followed by my nonna next to Balt and my mom and dad on either end of the table.

I’m preparing for the inevitable discussion about me, but for now I focus on loading my plate up. Balt picks up the capresebut holds it for me to add some to my plate before passing it to my nonna. He has manners for days. At least there’s nothing to criticize about Balt’s behavior.

After we eat for a few minutes, my mom starts in. “So how did you two meet?”

“Bookstore,” Balt says before I have a chance to answer. “The sci-fi section.”

“Figures,” Brogan says teasingly. “You’re such a book nerd, Deo.”

“So you agree I am a nerd?” Balt says, his tone light and amused.

Brogan cackles. “Nice. I guess you are.”