Chapter Seventeen - Mixed Signals

Regina I was amazed by the flow of conversation at the table. I always knew the D'Amore family was different despite being the most feared but I never knew it was to this extent. Laughter echoed around the table. Domenico D'Amore had lost his stiffness and became more relaxed. I still caught his eyes scanning me but if he was displeased, he didn't let it show. His open affection for his daughter and wife didn't cease. He showed it in front of me, not minding. My papa loved me but he only showed it behind closed doors, where others would never notice. "Are you okay?" Dante whispered in my ear. Only then did I realize I had been gaping. "Of course" I mumbled and went back to eating. I made sure not get lost in my thoughts until dinner finished. Dante kept glancing at his watch ever so often. "Do you have somewhere to be?" He nodded, not looking at me. "Father, mother...." he stood up. "We have to get going" he announced. I joined him, standing. "Thank you Mr. and Mrs D'Amore" I said with