Page 34 of The Pretender

His comment confuses me, so I just keep eating after mumbling, “thanks.”

“Bet Dad and Zio are happy,” Guiliano adds. “Now they can relax about what to do.”

Uncle Salvo nods, leaning his elbows on the table. “It’s good timing, Deo.” I notice how he glances at Brogan and my aunt. “I’ve got a little health problem going on, so I need to back off from working so much.”

“What kind of health problem?” I ask.

“Cancer.”

My chest tightens. “Zio, no.”

He nods and I glance at Brogan, who wipes their eyes.

“It’s okay. We caught it early so my prognosis is good.”

“Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

“We didn’t want you to worry,” Sofie says. “Besides, we’ve only known a couple of weeks.”

“We wanted you to come back because you wanted to,” my dad says, “not because you felt guilty or pressured to do it. It’s a lot of work. You have to want to do it.”

I nod, exhaling slowly. “You’re sure you’re okay, Zio?”

He smiles. “So far so good. We started treatment right away and I’m responding well, but I need to rest a lot more.”

When Brogan meets my gaze, they smile even though it’s tinged with sadness. I’m really surprised they didn’t tell me, but I’m guessing that directive came from the family.

“I’m glad to be here now.” The words are true. “It took me a long time, but I had to figure things out on my own. I came back because I was ready to.”

“We can get started in a few days,” Dad says. “There’s lots to learn.”

“How long are you staying with us, Balt?” Sofie asks.

“I’m not sure yet, but a while. I took a sabbatical.”

“What do you do for work?” Dad asks.

“I’m an accountant.”

“Ooh, youarea nerd.” Brogan grins.

Balt chuckles. “I’m good with numbers.”

“That’s an asset,” Zio says.

“Work too hectic?” Guiliano asks.

Balt nods. “I have a difficult long-term client and I needed a break. When Deo said he was coming home, I asked if I could come along for a change of pace. I’m happy to help any way I can too.”

I notice the shared glances between my dad and uncle, my mom, Sofie, and Nonna.

“Maybe we’ll take you up on that,” Dad says. “We could use some financial advice.”

I’m pretty sure I’m beaming now. Not only is Balt fitting in and convincing my family our thing is real, but they must be getting a good vibe if they’re even considering letting him look at the books.

“Enough work talk,” Nonna says. “Mangia. We have tiramisu for dessert.”

“My favorite,” Balt says.