Once within the heart of the home Valencia seemed to busy herself with attempting to a pick a Vase as she waited for her sister and brother in-law to finish their chat. Their words meaning nothing to a child of seven who was far more focused on completing her task at hand than whatever formalities the two were discussing. " Cece, Let Luc help you before you get hurt " Luciana warned as she placed her bags down witnessing her younger sister attempting to drag one of the stools from the kitchen island over. The three younger siblings which remained in the United States under her care would surely be the death of her the female thought.
Her Mother had chosen to take baby Sebastian with her as he was fresh to the world and their elder brother well they had not heard from him since Lulu was eight years old. The twins and Valencia alone had not been on this world yet, So it was no shocker when her parents hadn't even thought to bring the male up when they had their daily talks. She shook the thoughts of her siblings from her head as she turned to the fridge to see its contents, fully stocked as per usual. What she would have given to grow up in a house that felt like a true home growing up. Several fruits were taken out and rinsed before placed in a bowl at the end of the island. " A snack for when you're done " Her would be husband had stated he'd finished working out just prior to her knocking so no doubt he was starving and Cece well on a good day she could out eat anyone but as of late it appeared the girl was eating like a bird something her therapist assured her would pass in time.
Eggs, milk, flour, fruits, bacon, sausage Lulu stared at the ingredients before her attempting to envision the past brunches in the De Luca home in which she attended. There was always a buffet of food set before them and she wished to make sure she did not miss a single dish as Mama De Luca always seemed to remember everyone's favorite.
From the cabinets, Luc resurfaced with several of his mother’s vases juggled in his hands. Some Valencia had been eyeing. Carefully he lined up each vase across the surface of the island. The edge of his lip curled, gladdened with the restlessness of the seven-year-old child. It was adorable that Valencia saw his mother in such a regard. Each visit sparked notes of color and life in the weary bones of his childhood home. It's been years since a child besides Andreas had habitually been within his mother’s care. Luc turned, facing another cabinet that housed their cups. Damn.. I Need to loosen up Lucius had just the remedy. Placing the shot glass on the counter, he bent down grabbing a 32Oz bottle of agave tequila from the underspace cabinet. Slapping the buttend of the bottle, properly blessing it, uHe poured well over a shot. The walls of his throat burned, a rich spiciness hummed against his lips. A comforting warmth gathered in the base of his belly.
“Which one do you want? I’ll fill it up for you CeCe, but you can put the flowers in.”
He even contemplated having another but yielding to his better nature decided against it. For now. His nerves were already brazened with liquor. Anymore and he’d get provocative, and indecent. She wouldn’t mind it though… would she? Their chemistry was tangible between the woven cotton of the sheets. Honest— passionate— rough— hard fuckin. If Lulu spared a glance, she could see the plushness of his lips flattened against the tip of his canine. He bit his lip softly at the thought. His features scoured, masking the venereal liquor-induced thoughts.
Within a few steps he was behind her, the pecks of his chest briefly pressing against the back of her shoulder. Was it intentional? Yes. Very. How did she react to his touch after four years he wondered. Lowering his hand, the tips of his finger softly brushed against her knuckles. There was no reaction, nor an inkling of the idea it was accidental either. From the bowl of mixed fruit, he plucked a grape, or two, and strawberry. "Maybe you do care about me."
Taking her ring off the female would place the golden band in one of the cabinets far from the sink to avoid another accident like in her early years of marriage when an entire pipe was forced to be removed just to rescue it.A plan slowly formulated within her mind as she stared at the ingredients before. With the oven preheated she would place the sausage, bacon, and turkey bacon within the oven. She preferred to cook the meats in that manor as it not only gave the perfect crispness but would warm a home on a cold day. The fruits cut up and placed to the side with mint leaves and a hint of lemon juice mixed in for Adrianna and Mama de Luca who more than likely would show up and wish to chat while they finished the cooking. The eggs, flour, butter milk and a few choice spice would be used to make a batter. Pancakes for Jesus the problem child of the family but Waffles for the youngest De Luca brother as last he spoke to Anthony, the eldest, he'd be attending a funeral that day and not showing his face. Luciana, Cece and her mother in-law would indulge in some crepes a special recipe she concocted when she was younger before she knew such a treat existed. And for her father in-law and husband, well that was easy they'd likely indulge in a little of everything as long as it was accompanied by loaded sunny side up eggs/
A simple meal but delicious in their own right whisking the batter together she watched as Cece pulled out the tablet from Luciana's bag as she began typing the word Terracotta to indicate which vase she'd thought best. A frown forming on the eldest sisters lips as it appeared words would not grace her sisters lips on that day either. 'Don't forget water and sugar to make them last' the young girl typed out as she watched the male fill the chosen vase, Lulu would nod in agreement as her sister looked to her for confirmation. An odd combination but a trade secret amongst flouriest to keep their flowers surviving just a bit longer.
The smallest hint of tequila seemed to emanated off the male but surely she was mistaken. She didn't imagine the male having much reason to drink unless her presence had been upsetting to him without her realizing it or perhaps she was simply imagining things as she thought she noticed a seductive look in the males eyes. No she was definitely imagining this. Shaking her head she focused on the batter. Lost in her trance she hadn't noticed when the male appeared behind her.
Jumping at his touch before relaxing once more. Was it too early in the day to ask for a glass of wine? It wasn't unlike them to drink at Sunday brunch of course most time they had already finished breakfast but she felt as if was going to jump out her skin at a moments notice. tsk an annoyed sound left her lips at the sounds of the males words. What she believed to be a nice moment would soon be ruined if they kept on their path. " I'm not doing this in front of my sister Lucius " the males name dripped with indignation from her lips. " Cece, why don't you and Luc set the table baby " She told the young girl who seemed far more focused on her arrangement than the two's back and forth.
The young girl would huff before climbing down the islands stool and over to the male waiting to be passed whatever dishes were meant to be put. Luciana's lips parted to get one last comment out when the sounds of others walking through the door stopped her as she waited to see which De Luca was the first to arrive. " Well look at that Mama, Guess all your praying worked after all " The Ochoa sisters hadn't needed to turn to the hallway which brought them from the front door to the kitchen as the distinct voice of the middle child broke through the chatter of the group behind him all whose focus turned from one another to Lucious and the person beside him.
MLucius leaned against the opposing counter, his chin dipped as Valencia rummaged through Lulu’s purse. From his understanding, Cece was mute by choice. A traumatic event could do those things. Nevertheless, these things couldn’t be rushed. To speak for her perhaps meant to relive— and she wasn’t ready. “Terracotta? Good eye” Luc complimented, singling the vases from the several others. The rich earthy copper tones flattered the vibrant hues of the flora. Twisting the knob, cool water rushed from the mouth of the faucet. The terracotta vase was placed back on the island. This time within the grasp of the eager seven-year-old. Nodding, he did as instructed. Burrowing a teaspoon into a sugar-filled container, Its crystalline contents mounded the bed of the spoon. Lucius gently sprinkled before whisking the sugar into the solution. As promised, he allowed Valencia to arrange the flowers into the vase as she wanted.
Hn A regaled snicker amped in the base of his throat. Was she that skittish? In its own way adorable. The corners of his mouth twitched. Lucius dipped his chin, breathing softly against her ear. “Then don’t” The tips of his tongue were barbed with vexation. It was instinctual, sharp, and final. Luciana maneuvered slyly, instructing Valencia and offering his cooperation. His lips compressed, and Luc reminded himself to pick his battles. No need to make a mountain out of a molehill. Sighing, he begrudgingly complied. Lucius walked behind Lulu to the cabinet on the left side of the kitchen. He was about to accompany Cece to the dining table when the arrival of several others drew his attention. Raising his head, topazed irises bounced before settling on the troubled middle child.
“If that were true you’d be married”
Lucius offered an artificial smile stitched with a petty needle.
How easy would it have been to simply grab her purse and walk out the door leaving the male to go word for word with no one but himself. Her jaw twitched as she debated the natural outcome of what would occur if she did so before deciding against it. She was doing this for Cece and the other De Luca's not him, they would have to fight it out another day. She looked over to the male giving him a warning glare that she would walk if need be.
Although she was certain her husband would disregard it as he so often did with their arguments in the past. " Your words hurt hermano, but I didn’t expect anything less. Right China a doll " Jesus told feigning injured before smirking and snatching a piece of fruit from the bowl. Hearing Jesus' words Luciana would flinch before her gaze shifted to her husband. They’d all knew why Jesus referred to her a such, a pretty Nick name hidden with levels of distain. " Enough you two or do I need to end it " A Voice boomed from behind as the Head of the De Luca family walked in and greeted their guest before giving his sons a warning glare.
Tipping his hands towards the ceiling, Lucius stepped back ploddingly. Not now echoed not so much as a reminder but a warning. His estranged wife didn’t need anymore reasons to tuck tail and run. Though Luc imagined Lulu believed garnered all the reason she needed to. For mama's sake, and a little of his own, Lucius backed off. The questions became exasperatingly persistent, resurfacing as Lulu’s nerves withered. A time and a place. Lucius fastened his lip yielding his snarky rebuttals. Not for her or even his sake—His mothers. For the past four years the matriarch was unrelenting in her interrogation to where Luc and Luciana stood in their marriage. It was an understatement to say she adored Luciana and Adrianna. He’d be at the mercy of her lectures if he fussed with Luciana in front of her. So… he let it go.
“Careful” Lucius warned, ripples of topaz freckled with brazen golden narrowed. He soured, his upper frame stocking forward. He had the smallest inclination to approach the De Luca with the proclivity for being a dick. Lucius didn’t fear his father but he did respect him, especially in his own home. He knew better than to pick a fight in front of their parents. “He didn’t get beat enough” He muttered but ultimately dropped the issue. “How was church mami?”
As expected her arrival had been more than awkward to say the least. Perhaps it had no been too late to turn and walk right out the front door. She allowed the two men the proceed with their staring contest as she considered the possibilities of leaving Cece to play with Andreas and walking out the door. There were many excuses she could utilize in that moment to get an easy escape although she had hoped to catch up with Adrianna who had yet to arrive. Had Cece not killed her phone battery she would have been able to text and avoided the fuss but it seemed as they were trapped. " Aye mi via, leave your brother alone! we didn't beat any of you " Lucious mother soon said before swatting both brothers on the back of their heads.
It was if her boys were fussing with one another since they day the left her uterus. She recalled Lucious waited eagerly for his baby brother only to shut off the monitor whenever he felt he cried too much. And Jesus was merely two when he began causing trouble and blaming it on his elder brothers laughing each time her husband would punish the boys in his stead. " It would have been better with you two there. But i see gods plan is always right " the elder woman stated before walking over to the two and pinching the girls cheeks. " Next week we shall be there as full family once more. And you will wear a shirt " the woman stated as she began pushing past the two to take over the cooking. What shenanigans the two were up to while she was not around were better left unsaid as she preferred their makeup to the later. " She is back for good isn't she Lucius?" Her sons were always her pride and joy but at times it appeared she was forced to give them a little nudge in the direction their hearts lied. Had the others not been so stubborn as to ignore her advice than they'd be happily married, but she new her golden boy would do the right thing.
Allowing the two to has it out and get comfortable she would take the meats out of the oven and began plating them. She had faith in the girls ability but Mama de Luca had always showed her love for her children in many ways the weekly ritual of her sunday cooking being the most evident to those whom known the family. " I was sorry to hear about your parents Luciana but now that you are back we will help where we can and so will Adrianna. Won't we boys " it was no secret what happened that Wednesday morning when I.C.E raided the devoroe street taking half its workers with them including the girls parents. And the woman had every intention in helping when possibly if it meant seeing a smile on her second borns face. Many nights the male denied it but a mother knew, the difference in her sweet boy after the girl had left was evident and each night she feared he would turn to the streets once more if he continued to dwell in the darkness. " Matteo, where is adrianna?" the woman questioned as only to see ehr middle child shrugging it off as he continued to steal food around him.
The brother's glares obstinately upheld each other, gilded with a genetic stubbornness. His love for his brother was boundless, but Matteo was an ass. Matteo’s lips were loose, equipped with an even more venomous and dangerously blunt tongue. He put the “A” in asshole and someday, sooner rather than later, it would back him in the corner. “Ay, Mami” His neck buckled to his shoulders. Why did he have to get smacked? He didn’t even start it. Her smart-ass son did. “Exactly.. maybe he should’ve been an exception” Lucius muttered under his breath.
“We’ll go with you next time, won’t we Luciana?” Luc artfully inquired, intentionally implicating Lulu in front of his parents and Matteo. Plucking another grape the stem, The edges of his frolicsome lips curled. Luciana couldn’t possibly say no, could she? Nodding, Lucius stocked forward, puckering his lips to peck the matriarch's cheek. In doing so, his gaze momentarily flickered to hold Luciana’s. That smirk became hard to maintain as his mother persisted. He couldn’t honestly answer that. Not because he didn’t know his answer but because it ultimately was up to Luciana. She left once she was prone to do it again. China doll…
“It’s not up to me” He grimly admitted and left it at that. He was almost disappointed to say so. Lucius was more than wealthy but generous. If had the resources he never lacked in using them to help. Would she accept the help? No. Which meant he’d do it without her knowledge— just like the college. Only a few knew about it namely Matteo and Anthony. It probably wouldn’t make much of a difference anyway. Pulling out his phone, Luc silently tapped the screen. Only putting it down when the device echoed with a chime. “Adri is five minutes out”
Seeing his brother type away on his phone the males eye would slant. Jesus was not typically a jealous man but there was something about the way Lucius and Anthony had bonded with the woman that had always rubbed him the wrong way. Perhaps it was the never ending comparisons to him and his brother or something far greater that even he refused to admit to himself. “ so that person he can keep track of “ the male grumbled but stopped his sentence the moment he noticed his mother's gaze fall on him. If his mother was a saint than his father was the devil and he knew if he dared to continue and pick at her beloved golden child he would have his father to deal with for ruining Sunday brunch.
“ let’s all hope she brought wine “ Luciana told believing it would all be easier if she was at least partially buzzed. In truth she was happy to hear the girl was almost there as the two always had a special bond. She loved the girl dearly, the sister in law in every right minus a simple piece of paper. And the added bonus of the attention being turned from their failing one to Jesus’ failure to commit to the girl.
“Oh” was all the elderly woman remarked to her sons comment before focusing on placing the food odor her family. Upon her death bed she had truly believed she found the perfect match for her son. But it appeared the stubbornness ran deep between the two and while they chose to put up a happy front to her she knew the pain between the two ran deep. Her children's relationships mirrored her own with her husband is so many ways but the woman longed they found their happiness before each had experienced the very things the two parents kept hidden form them.
In Hearing the line of questioning and the males response the disappointment was evident on her mother in laws face and she could kill her husband for it knowing no one on the earth could handle to see that woman upset. The moment she had gotten the phone call of what occurred to her parents she knew her life plans would forever be put on hold. But she held out hope not saying the words out loud in hopes another solution came when she least expected it.
It seemed it was time for her to face reality a forced smile formed on her lips as she decided now was as good a time as ever to speak to them on the matter. “ I’m back as long as my siblings wish to stay. I just have to finish working something’s out “ they seemed intent on not further changing their lives and Luciana couldn’t fault the trio for that. She had already broken her lease to the apartment near her university, along with quitting her job and contacting her university to disclose that she would not be returning to their master degree program.
What little belongings she had now sat in the basement of her parents house. What was left to figure out was life back at home although she’d been doing her best to do so the past 3 weeks she had been back. For the time being she had been taking over her parents flourish business but it hadn’t provided much income with the amount of debt they acquired along with the lawyers fees. Then there was her siblings living expenses, therapy and it seemed everything else under the sun.
Just the thought of the living arrangements had caused her temple to begin to ache. If she stayed and chose to work out her marriage where would that leave him. If her husband was still living with his mother she couldn’t very much move herself and her siblings in. If they chose to remain in the family home could she move him in? Would they allow such a thing? Even Luciana had been sleeping in her old twin size bed as Cece and the twins refused to allow anyone to sleep within their parents room. As if the duo would walk in at anymore moment and scold them for takin over their space.
These and so much more were all things to be discussed at a later date perhaps when alcohol was involved and the pair was far away from his family as she was well aware it may lead into a screaming match as so many of their phone calls about their life had done before. Although this time they could just as easily choose to walk away, the thought left her with a loneliness in her heart she could not explain. While she lived a life away from her husband these past four years, the knowledge that he was always on the other end of the phone every Friday night between the time of 6:00pm and 10:00pm was somehow comforting. Many had told her the likelihood that he had found another to warm his bed at night and she knew such a fact to be true. Yet the very thought of no longer being a De Luca seemed to bother her, perhaps it was his family she had not wished to give up and she found a home in them or perhaps it was something far greater something she refused to admit even to herself.
He continued to type, tap…tap…tap warned his unofficial sister-in-law that the father of her children was here. A rolling eye emoji slid across his screen and he briefly cracked an amused grin. Luc intentionally excluded the information about Lulu. The girls were close and admittedly he didn’t want to take what would be another silver lining in this awkward reunion. From his peripheral, Lucius caught the scroll from the third oldest. The lines between his lips stitched into mischievous taunt. “Jealousy doesn’t look good on you hermano, You should work on that” Luc playfully and cooly advised. Lucius was well informed of how possessive Matteo could be of Adrianna, the extent boundless. Their relationship was a bundle of complications. Love was there, but was it enough? Not according to Adri.
Unknownst to Matteo, Luc held some form of communication with Luciana. It wasn’t intimate or warm, typically the conversation consisted of the well-being of the clan. At least he knew where his wife was- Jesus? Well, he didn’t have much ground to stand on.Lucius hated to offer his mother false hope, but that's what Luciana left him with. False hope. The core of his chest ached as the matriarch's face contoured with disappointment. He could feel the heat of his father’s glare on the nap of his neck. He didn’t know the business that Lulu referred to, but Luc imagined it would be discussed when the couple were offered privacy.
After several minutes, the security system chimed– Front Door Open Steady centered footsteps entered the passageway. A scent of madagascar vanilla and rum was an alluring sillage but overbearing. “Mami!!” A jovial yell erupted from the heart of the home. An effortless smile in equal measure etched itself between the ruby hue of her lips. “Careful Osito, don’t fall” Her voice lowered, as she brought herself to her knees to accept Andreas' embrace. Adrianna quickly pecked his cheek and just like that the child disappeared further into his house. Probably to tell his father of her arrival. She neared the kitchen, holding the neck of a moscato wine bottle in one hand and her purse in the other.
“Gotta give it to her- she always prepared.” Lucius teased, stepping forward to embrace Adrianna briefly. His gaze momentarily flickering to hold his little brothers. Backing off, his frame no longer walled Luciana. “Lulu! When did you get back??” She was almost breathless, Excitement flushing her features. Quickly Adrianna placed her bag on the counter and went to embrace Luciana.
The news seemed to lift the mood of the room as his mother smiled and patted her sons back. God willing, by the end of the year she would be able to have both her boys on a path to a happier life. And Anthony well she prayed that his adventure that day would lead him one step closer to rectifying his mistake and divorcing that woman. Mama had known better than to hope for her two youngest to find such love, not yet at least, especially her little Marisol. She desired for them to see all the world had to offer before finding someone to settle down with. Her elder ones had already taken the plunge in different ways and it was time for them to discover the adventures they could have with another by their side. She could feel the thoughts slowly begin to consume her as she watched the reaction of those around the room with the news of her immenite return.
Her chest began to tighten as the pressure weighed in. Her gaze searching her husbands for some type of anchor but he appeared less than pleased at the offer. Perhaps the others were right, perhaps he had started a new life for himself or even with another and her being there further complicated matters. Before she could find herself spiraling anymore the sounds of the front door beaconed her attention and a breath of relief came in the form of her chosen sister. " thank god " the female whispered. As the two embraced in a hug.
It'd taken much of her energy not to break down in the females embrace. But that was a talk for another day, when they were alone away from both families and she could finally talk to her four girls about all that pained her while that sat getting drunk and possibly binging on far too much ice cream. The question caused her face to contort at as she grimaced prepared to answer. " T-Three weeks " She had put off visiting the de luca's long enough not wishing to face the chaos she left behind.
Even her weekly phone check-ins with her husband were done within the walls of her parents basement to allude that she was still back in her university apartment. Although mainly it caused an argument of the background that had been unknown to her husband and the meaning behind it before she would ultimately hang up and call back days later. It was always a bargain if his anger had subsided on the days it had not she would simply hang up and do it again, although she couldn't imagine now that she was home it would have the same effect. " But i was handling the situation with my parents so it didn't give much time to come around " the female quickly explained knowing Adrianna had known bits and pieces of her parents situation as she asked her professional advice on the matter.
" But lets not talk about that because I cooked and need a drink " her head motioned towards her husband knowing if anyone could understand the difficulty of dealing with a de luca man it was Adrianna. And if on queue Jesus would walk out the kitchen with the remainder of food to the table giving Adrianna a kiss on the cheek in the process. " Your late little mama " his words were meant as simply an observation but somehow garner a slap across the back of his head by his father. A silent ouch escaping his lips before he held out a seat for his son.
Whatever Luciana ventured his eyes to find, for him to be, was seemingly vacant. Perhaps two years ago or maybe even last year he’d be more keen to show it. Frankly Luc was tired of disappointing those around him… and namely? Himself. The weekly check-ins ended abruptly with a click of the dial tone. Usually by Luciana’s hand and it riled his nerves beyond compression. She didn’t care to go back and forth; Lucius didn’t care not to be heard. Nothing ever got resolved. This time they were within arm's reach; Luciana couldn’t simply just walk away or click off the phone to run and tuck tail.
After embracing Adrianna, Lucius maneuvered smoothly to the side. As the woman immediately embraced, Luc grabbed the plate mami handed to him and moved. The plate sampled a little of everything. Pancakes, smoked sausage, bacon, and fluffy. A beguiling aroma wafted and his mouth watered to taste Luciana's cooking. “Thank you..” He said gently to Luciana, gesturing to the plate of food.
Looming over the counter next to his mother to spectate, for once being the wallflower as the girls made up for lost time. Adrianna couldn’t have more impeccable timing. Saving grace to the ”china doll” that was beginning to feel closed in. Three weeks!? Shock briefly painted their faces, Lucius’ more so than Adrianna’s. There was mutual solidarity within the woman involved with the De Luca men. With the exception of the estranged and separated wife of Anthony. She cupped her tricep and gave a supportive squeeze accompanied with a grin in likeness. An indication that she didn’t need to know her reasons to support them. Being entangled with Jesus gave her an indicator of what she was dealing with. At least Luciana was child free. Andreas was a miracle, a blessing. His father? Well, that was to be determined.
Lucius gave no attestation, he was disturbed and mildly irritated. Three fucking weeks? He shouldn’t be surprised, not even a little bit. This fitted snugly in the mouse-like behavior of hers. Adrianna nodded, releasing her hold on Luciana’s arm. “Come lets eat, we got a lot to talk about after” Adrianna assured, As she routinely did when walking into the home, she pecked the cheek of the glue of the household, Mama, and Papa De luca. It was always a pleasure to see them… their third son? It was up to a flip of the coin. Today he seemed rather generous with his affection. She fastened her lips, becoming still as Jesus pecked her cheek. Adrianna told herself she didn’t care to question why. It’d do her no good in the end.
She didn’t know whether to process his “observation” as a warning or just that. An observation. Before she could quell Matteo’s curiosity, a firm smack connected to the nap of his neck. Adrianna was unsure what he did to earn it, but found it comical, nonetheless. She followed After Jesus, kissing the top of Andreas’ head before taking a seat on the opposing end of Adrianna while Lucius seated himself to the right of her.
A marriage even their own was by no means meant to be perfect however Luciana perfect the art of running from her husband when her outcome was not ideal. The woman of the neighborhood often remarked how she ran leaving him behind to chase higher dreams. While they or their kin would never due so to one like him. Even away she ran from his arguments by simply ending calls until she was ready to deal with them often when the time had passed and he no longer cared to argue them. Now by a sick twist of fate her running would be forced to stop.
The afternoons talk with her father in-law seemed to confirm that. Once upon a time, even the one time she visited from university, he would remain seated by her an arm securely wrapped around her chair as she would speak to whomever. Now, Now it felt as if they were back to the first day they'd met, simply strangers as he stood eating at the counter rarely if ever sparing a glance at the female.
Had it not been for Cece who seemed content spending time between Lucius and Mama de Luca she would have imagined it was back int he past. " Give it time Mija, We De Luca men are passionate beings. Especially when our women are involved " her father in-law told patting the girls knee when he observed she was far more focused on his son than the conversation at hand.
A faint smile appeared as she nodded her head finishing the last her wine. The sun painted hues or organs, pink, and purple into the home as the last of the dishes were cleaned along with the last of a bottle of wine. " Lucius, Take them home " Papa instructed and he said the last of his goodbyes to the two. Lulu was far too into her conversation with Adrianna to realize the aide the elder male was providing. " I'll call you tomorrow. If he doesn't kill me first " the female told giving Adrianna one last hug, the later of her sentence being whispered into her ear.
Through it all Jesus had surprisingly remained on his best behavior merely aiding Adrianna with keeping Andreas busy as he spoke shop to his brother. Sports, business etc. The only indication of his opinion on the situation being the look of pity he gave if he noticed the male even blink in their direction. " Just remember Hermano, the makeup will be worth it " Jesus joked as he gripped his brothers shoulder before swooping his son up life an airplane. It was the only thing he could imagine saying to help ease the tension he witnessed in his elder brother. The male was sickening with how he compared the relation between he and his wife and JEsus and Adrianna but he much preferred that than to see him sulking over the female as if she'd stolen his man hood. " Time to go little man, Tio needs to get rid of his blue balls. And you still have homework " the male told as he carried his son into the kitchen the boy far too amused at the fake plane right to question what blue balls had even been.
It wasn’t Lucius’ intention to be dismissive or nonchalant to Luciana. He didn’t know and wasn’t confident in where they stood. He left effectively abandoned. For four years everyone was in his ear with their own opinions. Coupled with his own, Lucius couldn’t help but think. It wasn’t that he didn’t care. Lucius cared all too much. It consumed him, overwhelmed him, and even now he was a bundle of nerves. Lucius offered his hand to Valencia to guide her to the dining table. He seated himself on the opposing side of Luciana, leaning into the spine of his chair.
After prayer led by the matriarch, Adrianna made Andreas' plate before her own. He, like his father, favored waffles over pancakes. Oddly enough he didn’t have much of a liking for eggs, so instead she gave him two spoonfuls from the bowl of mixed fruit and smoked sausage. Adrianna cut the waffles and sausage into bite sized pieces, “There you go baby” her own plate only consisted of several spoonfuls of the mixed fruit, eggs, and buttered toast.
What was only two to three hours felt like forever. It was probably because Lucious knew what inevitably came after that made it all the more sluggish. Still, the food was pleasant and it was nice to see everyone gathered and cordial for once. Even Jesus, the menace of the siblings, was behaving himself. The brothers talked for the remaining duration of the brunch. Their discussion ranged from businesses, the scene of the streets, and even to the Lakers basketball team. Well Luc did. Luc advocated for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Pacers in an upcoming game. Lebron was older and past his prime but still an avid asset to their team. “Is that all you focus on, the makeup?” He teased, stuffing the last piece of his pancake onto the bed of his mouth.
Adrianna finished, gradually nursing the wine nestled between her fingertips. As she did every Sunday brunch, took the dirty places and placed them into the sink to be cleaned. Running some water, a teaspoon of bleach and dabs of Dawn, she cleaned them as they came. Adri fixated on the calmness and control of the routine. A simple pattern of rinsing, wash, and rinse again. She did this to lighten up the overall load that came with hosting. Sometimes, Adrianna didn’t know how the matriarch did it for decades. The boy was three so she highly doubted he knew what “Blue ball” even entailed. Still, a maternal tick crawled on her, the nap on her neck. Not to make a fuss, Adrianna launched a disapproving scowl.
Eventually it was time for them to leave. Adrianna was enveloped in a smothering hug from the brother’s fathers and received a warm embrace from their mother. She approached Luciana veiling her hands in the warmth of her own. Her squeeze was firm but comforting, “We can talk about it over some wine” The girls departed with a hug, Adrianna waiting for Jesus to decide future plans of the day. Namely who would Andreas remain with for the remainder of the day. Lucius’ lips were fastened, offering no verbal protest. Despite his coolness to his wife this evening Lucius wouldn’t have allowed her to leave without an escort. It was just unseemly. “I assume you’d like to see your siblings… or do you want to go to my house?”
