Page 42 of Even Ground

“Don’t you dare.” Pania elbows me.

“I know. I was just kidding.”

She waves her arms in the air. “How Delaney puts up with you, I’ll never know.

“True love. That’s what it is.”

Pania snorts. “You keep telling yourself that.”

Amelia sings all the way to Lorenzo’s, and when we pull into the parking lot, she strains to lean forward. “I hope Maria’s there.”

“Is that your friend?” I ask.

“Lorenzo is her Poppa.”

I exchange a glance with Pania and we both nod, slowly. That makes sense.

We barely step in the door when Amelia’s recognised.

“Amelia.” A young man with a name badge approaches us. He holds out his fist and Amelia fistbumps him. I clamp my lips together in amusement, and notice Pania doing the same. He smiles at us. “Would you like Josh and Delaney’s usual table?”

“They have a usual table?” Pania asks. She leans forward a little, looking at his badge. “That sounds great, Jason.”

Amelia grabs her hand. “It’s this way.”

She leads us to a quiet corner of the restaurant and slides into a booth. I slip in beside her and look around.

There are burgundy leather booths around the outside of the room and circular tables in the middle with table cloths that match the colour of the booths. Soft lighting makes the room look cosy and welcoming.

“Josh said Delaney loves the garlic rolls.” I look over the menu at Pania.

“Is that right, Melly?” Pania asks.

Amelia nods. “Daddy eats all the pizza and Mummy likes the bread.”

“And what do you like?” I smile at her.

“I like all of it.” Her eyes are so wide, and she holds out her arms like she’s describing the one that got away.

I chuckle. “What type of pizza should I get?”

“Pepperoni.” She nods, her ponytail flying.

“Amelia.” A deep voice behind us brings a beaming smile to Amelia’s face. “It’s so good to see you.”

I look up to see a white-bearded, older man beside me. “I’m Lorenzo. Welcome.”

“Reece Evans.” I hold out my hand and he shakes it. “Josh and Delaney are on their honeymoon, so Pania and I are helping take care of the munchkin.”

He cocks his head. “Ah yes. I read about the wedding. Such a beautiful couple. Please give them my best wishes.”

I nod. “I will.”

“Is Maria here?” Amelia cranes her neck and scans the room, but Lorenzo shakes his head.

“Not tonight, my sweet, I’m sorry to say. Maybe next time.”

Amelia juts out her bottom lip.