Chapter 5: At Ada's Table

The paper beneath the orange was a supper invitation.

It named every elder in Matteo's family and gave Friday's hour.

Gina had circled Ada's name in red.

"She wants us looking at you," I told Matteo.

"Perhaps." He folded the paper and handed it to Ada.

"Or she wants me to know she's looking."

Ada read the invitation and made a face.

"Then invite her. I cook better when somebody hates me."

Matteo smiled before he could stop himself.

I had forgotten his smile could be that quick.

On Friday the dining room filled with people who called Ada family.

There were no place cards, only old habits about where to sit.

I took the empty chair beside Matteo.

Last week I would have moved away when he touched my elbow.

Now I stayed while he poured my water.

Gina arrived alone in a pale dress.

"Carlo sends his regrets," she said.

Nobody asked why she spoke for him.

Ada put down a bowl of pasta in front of her.

"Eat, dear. You look hungry for something."

Gina's smile held for everyone except me.

I could see the service door from my chair.

In the first life, a man had come through it before dessert.

He wore a waiter's jacket with sleeves too long.

Keep reading free with an account. Start Reborn as the Mafia King's Wife from Chapter 1, then sign up free to read the rest of this chapter.