CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

When Charles walked into his bedroom that night, all seven of their children were in his room and that old school music was playing in the background the way Jenay always liked it. He was glad she was back in her groove again. But you could barely hear the music for the chatter.

Jenay was sitting up in bed, her back against the headboard, and his weary heart sung as soon as he saw her beautiful face again. He couldn’t wait to hold her again. And kiss her. Just touch her again. Bonita and Donald were seated on either side of her, as if they were her protectors, while Carly and Ashley and Tony and Bobby were all laying around on that same bed. Tony was the only one fast asleep. But he was always the most sensible one in the family and had enough sense to get himself some sleep while his siblings were talking Jenay’s head off. Brent sat in the chair near the bed half asleep too.

Jenay smiled when she saw her husband again. “Hey.”

“Aren’t you tired of these people?” Charles asked her.

“Not a chance,” said Jenay.

“Thank you, Mommy,” said Bonita with a smile. “Don’t listen to Daddy. He just wants you for himself.”

“And I will have her to myself. Everybody better be out of my bedroom when I get out of the shower.” They knew he meant it as he made his way toward the ensuite bathroom, closing the door behind him.

“Wonder how their trip went?” asked Bobby.

“Where did they go?” Bonita asked.

“You think they told me? I have no idea. Pop won’t let any of his children even sit in on conversations he has with Uncle Mick or the Gabrinis.

“Hell, he wouldn’t even let Frankie sit in on the convos,” said Ashley, “and he’s the head of the third most powerful syndicate in the world.”

“He’s keeping that circle tight,” said Jenay. “And no child of mine had better even think about joining in on anything Uncle Mick and Daddy are involved in. Every one of you better stay out of it. And that includes you too Brent.”

Although Brent wasn’t that much younger than his stepmother, he understood what she meant. Big Daddy had fought their whole lives to keep them out of that mob life, no matter what situation came up. And that included now.

As they heard the shower water running, Jenay spoke up. “You heard your father. Everybody out!”

They all reluctantly kissed her and left the room. Donald was the last one to go. He turned around and looked at Jenay. “Had I been there that day, I would have given my life for yours, Ma,” he said to her. “It’s so great to have you back with us.”

“ Oh Donnie ,” she said heartfelt, but then she turned serious. “I would have kicked your ass if you gave up your life for me. Don’t you ever even think it, you hear me, Donald Sinatra? Children before parents. Always! And when you have your own kids, although the clock is ticking on that, you’d better think that way too.”

Donald smiled. “Yes ma’am.”

“What’s the hold up anyway?”

“The hold up?”

“Why haven’t you found somebody to love?”

“I’m out here working, Ma. Making that money. I don’t have time for no love.”

“Take time. You used to.”

“And that’s why I stayed in trouble.”

“You aren’t lonely?” Jenay asked him. “Daddy thinks you are.”

He was, but he would never burden her with his issues. “I’m good,” he said and smiled. And then, before she could ask him anything more, he left.