*****
Half an hour later, they were still sitting in the family room watching a basketball game waiting for dinner. Braylee hated sports, but her father seemed to be enjoying it. Stephanie was texting and giggling like a school girl. She must have been talking to her new friend while she sat reading an “Ebony” magazine. Her back was aching just a bit, and she would almost kill somebody for a glass of wine to relax her frayed nerves. Her mother had emerged from the kitchen twice but never acknowledged her either time. She didn’t expect her to. Braylee should probably leave, but something kept her rooted to her seat.
This would be a good time to be wrapped in the comfort of Alex’s arms. At times, she felt he knew her better than she knew herself. His instincts were right on the money tonight, and she was thankful that he’d pushed to join her. He hadn’t arrived yet. Since she couldn’t be cocooned within the safety of his arms, Braylee stood and stretched.
The doorbell rang. Stephanie hopped up to answer it. “I’ve got it.” Braylee checked her watch. It was too soon for it to be Alexandro. She was hungry and tired, so if Stephanie wanted to play housemaid, she could knock herself out.
Mr. Hinsdale glanced her way before turning back to the game. “You seem antsy over there, Braylee. How are you doing?”
“I'm all right really. Just a little stiff. Went to the gym yesterday, and did some water exercises. It’s been a while since I’ve been. I should be asking you how it feels to be home in your favorite chair.”
He faced her. “That’s interesting. You hate the gym and never go. Nate used to always try and rope me into convincing you to go with him.” His voice dropped. “I’m sorry by the way about Nate. He was a good fella. You didn’t know this, but he’d always help me out when I was in a jam and didn’t want to embarrass myself with you.”
Her voice was soft. “No. I didn’t know that. He was good at that. Taking care of people. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t miss him. I find myself remembering something and wanting to call him on the phone. Then I remember…”
“It’ll take a bit of time, but eventually, it won’t get easier, but it’ll get better.”
“Thanks, daddy.”
Familiar sounds coming from the hallway started getting louder and increased as they made their way to the family room. Braylee craned her neck to see Alexandro, Cecily, and Fabi.
As much as she was horrified to see everyone given the fragile state of her situation with her family, she also felt a sense of comfort and safety with them around. She walked over to greet them. “What in the world are all of you doing here?”
Cecily smiled wide as did Fabi. He couldn’t seem to keep his eyes away from Stephanie, and she couldn’t seem to keep her eyes away from him. Oh. NO! It couldn’t be. He was not her new friend! Braylee would have a sister to sister chat with her later. Fabi answered, “We were starving, and Alex said he was coming over here for dinner, so we kind of invited ourselves. We hope you’re not upset with us for being a bit rude.”
“Alex told you about dinner, huh?” She looked over at Stephanie while her eyes darted around the room. This wasn’t the best of timing, but they were there to support both Stephanie and her. That’s what family was supposed to do. Braylee couldn’t deny the Manchetti crew welcomed her into their lives and treated her like she was one of them. It felt good to be connected as if she finally had a floor placed underneath her. “Well, I’m glad to see you.”
Mr. Hinsdale got up out of his chair and came over to the small crowd. He stuck out his hand. “I’m Braylee’s father, James Hinsdale.”
Alexandro gripped his hand in a firm handshake. “Yes, Sir. It’s good to see you again.”
“Yes, it is. The last time we met, I wasn’t in such good shape. I can see and think much more clearly.”
Braylee waited for her father and Alex to finish before making the rest of the introductions. “Dad, this is Alex’s niece, Cecily, and his brother, Fabi Manchetti. You guys already know Stephanie.”
Cecily spoke a bit shyly. “Hello, Mr. Hinsdale.” Fabi shook his hand a bit too enthusiastically. “I see you have the game on, Sir. I’m a huge basketball fan.”
Since when? Alex frowned because he couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen Fabi watch basketball. Braylee caught Stephanie’s eye and shook her head. Stephanie attempted to look innocent and turned away.
“Please, have a seat, everybody.” Her father playing host was going to take some getting used to. However, before anyone could sit, Mrs. Hinsdale waltzed into the room. She appeared caught off guard. “Dinner is re — ready.” She almost stopped mid-sentence as she looked from person to person.
She was not welcoming in her response. “I wasn’t expecting so many people, but I guess there should be enough.”
Braylee was a bit embarrassed at her mother. “Mama, these are my guests. This is Alexandro Manchetti, his brother Fabi, and their niece, Cecily. I left you a message that Alex would be attending tonight.”
Alex had warned them about the tension
