Chapter 53: Once And For All

A short while later, Luca and I are sitting on the edge of the back porch, sipping coffee and listening to the sounds of the world waking up around us. It's still only about seven in the morning, but it feels like we've been awake forever. Still, it's nice to have a moment of quiet, just to ourselves.

"So," I say casually, "that's my family."

He laughs, and for a second I'm lost in the sound. Lost in him.

"They're a little crazy, I know." I smile down at my coffee cup. "But we're there for each other."

"I know a thing or two about that," he says, grinning at me. "Also a thing or two about delinquent younger brothers. We can't let Javy anywhere near Rafe - I bet those two would get into all sorts of trouble together."

"What about me?" I ask. "Am I allowed near Rafe now? Since we've properly established that I don't have any interest in him?"

He gives me a teasing look. "I'll consider it. But just to be clear, it's not you I don't trust - it's him."

"Fair enough."

"Actually, spea