Better Be True (Harrison Campus 3)

“Really?” Luke looked at Nico, who nodded. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“It’s okay.” CJ shrugged, but Nico knew it wasn’t fine. “I’m staying at Nonno and Nonna’s”

Nico knew his cousin had spent the last month with his parents and grandparents. “Are you going home after the wedding?”

“No. I told Mom and Dad yesterday.”

“Ah, that would explain why they aren’t sitting with Nonno and Nonna.”

“Yeah.” CJ frowned. “It wasn’t pleasant, but Nonno raised his voice, and Mom threw her hands up and walked away.”

“Nonno yelled at someone?” Luke sounded stunned.

“Exactly.” CJ nodded.

“Good.” It was good. CJ needed to get away from his overly religious father. Nico squeezed his cousin’s shoulder. “We need to go see Nonna.”

“Yeah, you do. She’s been fussing at everyone that you’re working too hard.”

Nico laughed and reached for Luke’s hand. It already felt so normal.

“Nonna, you look amazing.” Nico kissed her on the cheek, “And you were really dancing with CJ.”

Nonna opened for a hug. After kissing him on both cheeks, she swatted him in the head.

“What’s that for?”

She pointed a finger at him. “Don’t you ever lie to me again, you hear?”

He rubbed his head and sent the chuckling Luke a playful growl. “Huh?”

Nonna turned her finger on Luke. “You too.” She waved him into a hug and smacked his head.

Nico swallowed a nervous giggle.

“What’d we do?”

“Tomasso Merighi?” Her evil eye set Nico back a step.

“What . . .?”

“Did you think I didn’t notice Luca wasn’t your boyfriend from the spring?”

“How . . .?”

“Never you mind how I know.”

Luke slipped his fingers between Nico’s. “Yes, Nonna. Nico and I promise not to do it again.”

“I should hope not.” She finally smiled. It had an edge to it that frightened Nico. “Tomasso’s grandmother asked me how you were doing since her grandson broke up with you. I told her you and Luca were so happy, you never mentioned it.”

Nico snorted, then it grew into a full laugh.

“Rozzo.” She tossed up her hands and flicked them when she brought them down.

“What?” Luke whispered in his ear.

He took advantage of the closeness to nick a kiss. “Uncouth. Why didn’t you say anything earlier?” Nico asked, flushed.

“Because I sensed the spark and knew you’d come to your senses.” She eyed them closely, and Luke blushed just as hard as Nico was. “And it looks like you have.”

Someone in the hall started tapping their knife to their glass as Elisa and Elliott reached the head table. The family took up the call. Even Elliott’s family seemed into the moment.

Elisa rolled her eyes but didn’t seem too put off as she kissed Elliott. All the happy couples followed suit. Luke leaned in, and Nico closed the distance, smiling into the kiss.

He pulled back and stared into Luke’s eyes. “The first of many more to come. Better get used to it.”

Luke linked their fingers. “I’m totally down with this tradition.”

Epilogue

Christmas Day – Iowa

Luke

Luke: Made it home safely.

Nonna: Good. Have fun. We’ll miss you.

Luke carried his bag up the stairs and beckoned Nico to follow. Flying on Christmas Day was much better than leaving earlier. The whole arrangement had been perfect.

Nico hadn’t lied when he said Christmas Eve was a bigger deal for his family. Elisa and Elliott were there and took the train to Philadelphia to spend Christmas with his family. She was training him well.

Luke stopped by his room first and dumped his bag, then led Nico to the guest room. His mom had made it up, put towels on the bed and a new comforter.

Nico plopped his bag down and tugged Luke into a soft kiss. “Merry Christmas, sweetie.” Nico reached for his backpack and pulled out an envelope.

“What?” They’d exchanged gifts at the Amatos’ last night.

“It’s customary to open gifts you’re given and not ask what they are.”

Keeping his dark, twinkly gaze on Nico, Luke slid his finger under the flap and pried it open. He pulled out three slips of paper and shifted through them.

“Is it customary to guess what it is after you open it?”

Nico kissed him again and grabbed the sheets of paper. He held up a menu from Esposito’s Bakery. “My family bought Esposito’s from Rocco. He’s staying on for at least three years to help train someone to run it for the family.”

Something in the way Nico said that thrilled Luke.

“This is a picture of Mrs. R’s house. Quinton and his girlfriend are moving out after the spring semester. So the apartment is available to rent come June.”

“What? Why?”

Nico put a finger on his lips. “Last is a Phillies’ schedule. I thought we’d catch a few games this year after you move there.”

Luke had only gotten a job offer the week before school ended. He had until January 15 to accept. “This is sweet, but what’s going on?”

“My father wants me to take over Esposito’s and learn from Rocco. CJ is coming too.”