Home to Me (The Andrades, Book 2) by Ruth Cardello

a second try.”
    Sitting forward in his chair, Luke said, “You don’t have to prove anything to me, Nick. I’m on your side. What are you really doing here?”
    Nick walked around his desk and sat in the chair across from his brother. “Did you ever get the feeling that things aren’t the way they’re supposed to be? When we were on Isola Santos Uncle Victor gave a long speech.”
    “I remember.”
    “He kept saying the most important things to any Andrade are family and taking care of the next generation. Father didn’t take care of us very well. We don’t take care of each other. Hell, if it weren’t for you, I doubt Gio, Max, and I would speak outside of the holidays. I wanted to be the kind of Andrade Uncle Victor described. I started spending more time with Mother, and it all went to shit after that.” Nick leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “She has a way of making me doubt which way the sun comes up. I can’t tell if she’s lying or if Gio is. Every time I try to figure it out I discover another reason to be angry. Last year I would have thrown my hands up and walked away. I don’t want to do that this time. This time, I want the truth.”
    “About?”
    “About any of it—all of it. Why did Mother want to keep us away from Father’s side of the family? Why didn’t Gio tell us we had a half sister?” Nick stopped and watched Luke’s expression. “How long have you known about Gigi?”
    “Gio told me about her after he found out you knew.”
    “And that didn’t make you fucking nuts? That he knew something that important and didn’t tell us?”
    Luke balled one hand into fist. “I have to believe that he thought he was doing what was best for all of us. He said he intended to tell us before Mother’s episode.”
    “He said he only found out when we went to Stephan’s wedding. You believe that, too?”
    “I do.”
    “Why?”
    “Because that’s what he told me, and Gio is many things but he’s not a liar.” The two brothers sat in silence for a long time, then Luke said, “I don’t know what happened between Mother and our uncles. Or why Father needed another family in Venice when he had us. Whatever happened has weighed heavily on Mother for a long time. You were right to spend time with her. She’s very unhappy right now.”
    “Because of her heart attack.”
    Luke sighed. “If she had one.”
    “Are you suggesting that she didn’t?” Nick’s head snapped back.
    “I’m not suggesting anything. Listen, Gio and Mother are at odds, and that’s never good for any of us. They both have a hard time letting go of the past. What’s the truth and what’s a lie? I don’t know. But does it matter? Would knowing change anything? Let it go.”
    “Well, Ghandi, you’re a better person than I am. I can’t let it go. I’m done walking away. I’m going to work here, side by side with Gio, until I get some answers.”
    Luke nodded.
    Nick’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You’re not going to tell me that I don’t belong here? Warn me to leave now before the wrath of Gio descends upon me?”
    “No, I think you’re where you need to be.”
    “That wasn’t at all what I expected you to say.”
    Luke stood and for once his smile didn’t reach his eyes. “None of us are the Andrades we thought we’d grow up to be. I want to know the truth, too.” He laid a hand on Nick’s shoulder. “Gio kept this office for you because he always believed you belonged here. He may not tell you that he loves you, but this is proof that he does. Remember that while you search for your answers.” He dropped his hand. “Now, let’s go to dinner and talk about all the reasons you had better not be dating Rena.”
    Nick stood and chuckled. “You’re making me sorry I gave up drinking.”
    Luke’s eyes widened in surprise. “Did you really?”
    “Three months sober.”
    Luke gave him a pat on the back and a wide grin spread across his face, this time brightening his eyes.