by Ella Frank
Chapter Six
CONFESSION
You don’t get to choose who you give your heart to.
It decides for you.
AS ROBBIE WALKED in the front doors of the retirement community where his nonna now resided, he scanned the interior, where bright sprays of flowers sat arranged on tables, and TVs played daytime soaps and the news.
The front desk was empty for the moment, but Robbie was in no rush, and as he soaked in the homey area that had the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through it, a sense of relief washed over him.
He’d been worried when his nonna had told him she was going to move out of the home she’d lived in his entire life, that she would wind up in some drab, run-down, sad facility that would drive her to drink. But as he stood there and took in his surroundings, he realized the place felt like a fancy country club.
“Good afternoon, can I help you?”
Robbie spun on his toes toward the front desk to see a man—early to mid-twenties at the most—with short, spiky blond hair. He had a nice smile, a kind smile, that he flashed in Robbie’s direction, and his sunny disposition had Robbie grinning.
“Hi, yes,” Robbie said, and held his hand out. “My name’s Robbie, I’m here to see Cheryl Bianchi. This is my first time here.”
If it were possible, the man’s smile grew even wider and his turquoise eyes sparkled. “Right, you’re the only grandson,” he said, and shook Robbie’s hand. “I’m Noah. I’ve heard all about you. Your entire family, actually. I just love your nonna.”
The unexpected familiarity should’ve been disconcerting, but Noah’s easy nature and charming grin made Robbie feel at ease. “Well, if you’ve met my entire family and are still managing to smile, you have to tell me your secret. They usually send me running for the hills.”
Noah came around the desk, and Robbie noted the sharp uniform of white pants and a navy-blue shirt as Noah pointed to the clipboard and pen sitting on the counter.
“Compliments,” Noah said, and then laughed. “That’s my secret. Compliments work every time.”
“And especially on the Bianchi clan,” Robbie agreed, as he picked up the pen and wrote his name down.
“That and a smile.” Noah flashed his pearly whites again. “That’s what my grandma always told me.”
“My nonna, too,” Robbie said as he put the pen down.
“I can imagine Cheryl saying that. Okay, if you’ll follow me, I’ll show you the way to her apartment.”
As Noah headed off down the hallway, Robbie followed and took in the wide-open space to the left, with tables full of wine and water glasses, napkins, and utensils, and Noah informed him that that was the main dining room. They passed by the common room that had a beautiful bar lining the back wall and a couple of pool tables, and Robbie had to admit that he wouldn’t mind moving in himself—in forty years or so, of course.
When they reached a set of elevators, Noah pressed the up button. “Your nonna is on the third floor, and make a right. Her apartment number is 307.” As the doors opened, Noah held them. “Tell Cheryl I said hi. It was nice to finally meet you.”
“It was nice to meet you too,” Robbie said, and found that he actually meant it, because even though this man was a stranger, he’d managed to take Robbie’s mind off his troubles for more than five seconds just by having a friendly disposition. That was something Robbie appreciated, as he always tried the same approach when he was at work.
As he took the elevator up to the third floor, Robbie’s mind drifted back to the night before. It had been a long, rough night—and not in a good way. He’d tossed and turned and barely gotten any sleep thanks to the hundred and one things on his mind, and by the time he’d finally drifted off, it had been close to three in the morning.
Luckily, this was his Friday and Saturday off, and going to see his nonna, and then Elliot, was exactly what he needed. Family and friend time always put him in a good frame of mind, and considering the conversation he planned to have with Julien and Priest when he got home, a good frame of mind couldn’t hurt.
As the elevator dinged, Robbie walked off and headed right as instructed. When he reached 307, he knocked, and several seconds later the door was pulled open to reveal—his baby sister, Felicity, standing inside.
Thank you, God, Robbie thought. It seemed fate had led him exactly where he was meant to go today, because just seeing her, and the joy that now lit her face, made Robbie’s heart feel about ten times lighter than it had been.
“Ah!” Felicity squealed, and then ran forward to throw her arms around his neck. “I didn’t know you were coming to visit Nonna today.”
“Neither did I,” Robbie said, and planted a kiss on her cheek. “But I’m glad I did, or I would’ve missed you. You should’ve texted me you were coming to town.”
“What do you mean I should’ve texted you? I already told you I was going to come and spend a week here; you just forgot. Plus, I wasn’t sure if you were working today or not.”
“Hello, not working,” Robbie said. “And you could’ve stayed with me, you know.”
“Umm, don’t you think I should probably meet your boyfriends before I come and crash at their place?”
“They wouldn’t have cared, and it’s my place too, now,” Robbie said, knowing deep down they really wouldn’t have minded, even with everything else going on.
“No, no, I’m perfectly happy here. I’m going to hang out with Nonna, visit with Vanessa a bit, and stay until this fancy-schmancy restaurant opening of your famous Mr. Thornton.”
Oh shit. With everything else that had been going on, it had completely slipped Robbie’s mind that his ma and sisters were all going to be swooping in on Thursday to come to the opening of JULIEN.
“So…” Felicity drawled, as she eyed him. “If you aren’t working tonight, does that mean you’re free to come and have a few drinks with your favorite sister?”
Robbie thought about what he was supposed to be doing and his plans with Elliot, and sighed. “Well, I’m supposed to be meeting El for dinner, and then heading home to—”
“Oh, come on,” Felicity said, and reached for his hands. “I haven’t seen you in forever. El either, for that matter. We could make it a night.”
When Robbie hesitated, Felicity angled her head and batted her lashes, much the same way he would do if trying to get his way.
“Please. You know you want all the gossip from back home. And man do I have some great gossip about Penny.”
Poor pregnant Penny… Hell yes, he wanted that gossip. “She still hasn’t told Ma, has she?”
“Nope, and the other day, Mr. Jack Paulson stopped by to pay Ma a visit, and oh my God. Can you say ‘awkward’?”
Robbie’s mouth fell open, but before he could ask for more details, Nonna called out, “Felicity? Who’s at the door?”
Felicity grinned like a loon. “It’s Robbie.”
“Oh, well, bring him in. What are you both standing out there talking for?”
Robbie laughed as he wrapped an arm around Felicity’s shoulders and tugged her into his side, Nonna’s words easily translated to: Come in here so I can hear the gossip too.
“So, drinks after this?” Felicity said as they shut the door and walked down the hall, and Robbie decided, what the hell?
A drink or two with his best friend and baby sister might do him good before he headed home.
What’s the worst thing that could happen?
“DO YOU THINK he’s missing us half as much as we miss him tonight?” Julien said, as he sat opposite Priest, who had his eyes closed.
It was close to ten thirty, and around an hour ago they’d received a text from Robbie telling them not to worry about him—he was with Elliot and his sister and would be home before midnight.
“I’m not sure. I’m the last person who’d know what he’s thinking right now,” Priest said into the shadows, as the light from the lone candle on the side of the bathtub made them dance across the tiled wal
l.
Julien had suggested they take a bottle of wine and soak in the tub to help pass the time. But as they lounged there in the warm water, it was apparent their minds were both still firmly fixated on the one who wasn’t there with them.
“I keep wishing that I could hit a rewind button,” Priest said. “That I had a chance to tell him everything instead of him hearing about it on the television. It makes me look guilty.”
“Spoken like a true lawyer. But he knows better than that,” Julien said, then took a sip of his wine and placed it down beside the tub. He then sat up so he could put his hand on Priest’s.
“Does he? How? You should’ve seen the way he looked at me before he got out of the car today.” Julien entwined their fingers as a frown appeared between Priest’s brows. “It’s those eyes of his. They’re usually so bright they twinkle, and right now, I feel like I’ve snuffed the light right out of them.”
“Non. Non, Joel,” Julien said, and tugged on Priest’s hand until he had to sit forward. Julien cupped either side of his face and said, “It’s still there. It’s just caught up in a haze of confusion, that’s all.”
“Hmm.” Priest let out a heavy sigh and reached under the water to wrap his hands under Julien’s thighs and bring him closer, up onto his lap. With some deft maneuvering, Julien got his legs on either side of Priest’s waist and was thankful they’d opted for a wider tub. “You’re always so wise with your words, mon cœur. How did you get so smart?”
Julien chuckled as he looped his arms around Priest’s neck, and was happy to see the hint of a smile. “It wasn’t always the way, you know that.”
Priest ran his hands up Julien’s back, making him arch forward, and their bodies brushed up against one another. “What do you mean?”
“I wasn’t very smart the night you showed up at the wrap party for Chef Master.”
“I was just thinking about that today.”
“Were you?”
“Yes,” Priest said, nodding. “The only other time my patience has been so tested. I think making me wait was incredibly smart. I had asked you to—”
“Better myself?”
“Yes.” Priest kissed Julien’s chin and smiled at the memory. “And the man you became? He deserved someone begging at his feet. I was more than happy to be that person.”
“Mmm.” Julien let his eyes fall shut as Priest kissed his way up his jaw. “It still wasn’t very smart of me. What if you’d walked away and never come back?”
Priest raised his head and looked Julien in the eye, and the intensity of his love, the enormity of what he felt, was right there blazing out at him.
“There wasn’t a chance of that happening,” Priest said, and Julien sucked in a breath as Priest lay back, taking Julien with him, making the water lap at their sides.
Julien let out a breathy moan, as Priest’s hands molded to his ass and he craned up to take Julien’s lips in a scorching kiss.
“I never had a choice with you,” Priest said against his lips. “But even if I did, I still would’ve chosen you.”
Julien shut his eyes and rested his forehead to Priest’s. “You know what?”
“What?”
“That’s exactly how I felt, and now we have to trust that Robbie feels the same.”
Priest wound his arms around Julien’s waist, and as they settled into one another, he kissed the top of Julien’s head and whispered, “See?”
“Hmm.”
“You’re so wise. How would I ever get through life without you?”
“I’m sure you’d manage,” Julien said, and smiled when he felt Priest’s lips curve against his temple. “But luckily for you, you’ll never have to find out. Ten more minutes?”
“Yes, ten more minutes sounds like heaven.”
“Agreed,” Julien said, letting the water and Priest envelop him. “Then we’ll dry off and go and wait for our princesse.”
“It’s getting late. Do you think he’ll come home? Or call to tell us he’s staying with Elliot?”
Julien raised his head and traced his thumb along Priest’s lower lip. “Oh, I have a feeling he’ll be here. Like me, mon amour, he’s never been able to stay away from you—even when he wanted to.”
And tonight, Julien had a feeling, would be no different. Like a moth to a flame, he and Robbie always came back to the man with the serious eyes and fiery hair.
Chapter Seven
CONFESSION
Realizing what the problem is doesn’t always make you feel better.
In fact, I’ve found it usually makes me feel worse.
“I DID SOMETHING really, really stupid,” Robbie said as Felicity put a tray of Jägerbombs on the table, and then slid into the booth beside her brother. It’d been her turn to treat, and the three of them—Elliot, Felicity, and Robbie—had decided to stick with what they’d started with two rounds ago, and Jäger had been the drink of choice.
Elliot reached across the table they’d snagged at O’Malley’s, took one of the glasses, and handed it to Robbie. “Do you plan to tell us what? You’ve been saying that for the past half hour, and your pout has become more and more pathetic.”
“Has not,” Robbie said, and then bit down on his—apparently pouty—bottom lip.
“It really has, babe,” Felicity said, and then looked him up and down. “And what’s with these clothes you’re wearing? Don’t tell me we’re taking another slide back into the post-Nathan era?”
“Seriously,” Elliot said. “When you texted SOS last night, I didn’t realize things were quite this bad.”
Robbie looked down at his pants and oversized sweater that had a hole as an accessory and then raised his eyes to meet the judgmental ones roving over him. “I don’t look that bad.”
Elliot screwed his nose up. “We’re looking at you, Bianchi, and trust us, you look that bad.”
Robbie poked his tongue out. “Gee, thanks, El. Like I don’t already feel wretched enough.”
“Just telling you like it is. Don’t act like you wouldn’t do the same. I only wish you’d called sooner. I didn’t realize things were quite this dire.”
“My hair is done. I’m dressed. It’s really not that bad.”
“Your hair is not done, it’s brushed,” Felicity said, and reached out to flick the longer strands that were flopping down in Robbie’s eyes. “Big difference. And you’re wearing an outfit most senior citizens would be comfortable in.”
“Well, you should know, since you’re practically becoming an honorary Golden Girl this week.”
Felicity’s mouth fell open, but then she shrugged and picked up her shot. “You’re right, I totally am. So which one do you think I’d be?”
Robbie and Elliot looked at her and said at the same time, “Blanche.”
Felicity laughed and then tossed back her drink. “Yeah, yeah, whatever. Don’t try and act like you two aren’t as slutty as I am.” She paused and then turned to look at Robbie. “Or at least used to be.”
“Yes. That’s right,” Elliot said as he picked up his shot. “We should really raise a glass tonight to mourn the death of our old, slutty sister Roberta, and usher in this latest version sitting with us. Roberta 2.0.” Elliot let out a booming laugh that had several other patrons of the pub turning to look their way. “That fits you perfectly, since it’s two men you snuggle between each night, you lucky little fuck.”
“Yeah, well, if you’re both done,” Robbie drawled, and picked up his drink, “can we get back to me?”
“What were we talking about again?” Felicity said.
“How he’d done something really stupid,” Elliot said.
“Oh, that’s right,” she said, and pushed her long hair behind her ears. “Please, continue. I always love these kinds of stories.”
“Only because you use them against us later,” Robbie said.
“I swear whatever you say will stay right here.” Felicity held her hand up. “Pinkie swear.”
Robbie narrowed his eyes but wrapped h
is finger around hers and shook on it.
“Okay, now spill.”
Robbie’s shoulders sagged and he let out a huff of air. “I’ve gone and fallen in love with two men.”
“Uh, no shit,” Elliot said. “When anyone looks as miserable as you after only a month living with the person—or people, sorry—he’s dating, it can only mean one of two things.”
Robbie stared at Elliot, waiting for him to continue.
“You either made the biggest mistake of your life or you fell madly in love with them and now realize how fucking complicated that’s actually going to be.”
Robbie blinked several times, dumbstruck by Elliot’s bluntness…and accuracy.
“Tell me I’m wrong.”
Felicity shuffled into Robbie’s side and wrapped an arm around the crook of her brother’s elbow. “No one likes a braggart, Elliot Lawson,” she said, and then stroked her hand over Robbie’s sweater as though she were soothing a skittish animal. “So you’re in love with them. Call me crazy, but isn’t that a good thing?”
“Unless he told them and they don’t feel the same way,” Elliot said. “Or one does and the other doesn’t.”
“No,” Robbie said, his nose scrunching up as he vehemently shook his head. “It’s nothing like that.”
“Good. ’Cause that would be awkward as fuck, all things considered.”
It really would be, Robbie thought. But he was positive he had nothing to worry about on that front. The thought might’ve entered his mind for, like, a split second yesterday. But he’d banished it almost as soon as he’d had it, knowing that Priest never would’ve opened up to him the way he had in L.A. if he hadn’t deeply cared for Robbie. That man didn’t speak unless he was ready to be heard.
“It’s not that. I haven’t actually had that conversation with them yet, but…” Robbie blew out a breath that kicked up his hair. “That’s what’s making me so confused.”
