An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

Family Nights

STEF POV

"Wow, something smells good! And I know it's not my cooking!" I say walking into my home after two exhausting AA meetings that nearly made my head spin as I see Lena cooking at my stove and all the kids. It was jarring for damn sure, for I felt like I was living another life as she turns around smiling at me as Frankie butters garlic bread.

"We are making dinner, Godmom!" Stefanie says happily setting the table along with Jude as I walk over to the stove lifting the top off one of the pots and Lena slaps my hand away.

"Whatttt?" I frown rather dramatically as she shakes her head.

"It's not done, Stefanie!" She jokes as I laugh and stick my tongue out at her as her smile remains. "But if you must know, it's meatballs. Frankie found a recipe and wanted to try it out along with a sauce and some pasta."

"Yup, then we can watch the Godfather movies." Frankie says as I laugh and light a smoke leaning my back against the counter.

"I don't think those are age appropriate for your little brother, my love."

"He knows more than us, Mom." Callie says as I glance over at Jude who smiles at me and I shake my head.

"Oh don't I know it. Where's Corey?"

"He should be back soon. Mike took him for a bit to the hardware store to get some supplies. He's going to help him renovate some apartments in his complex and clean up the yards." Lena says as I grab the glass of water behind me and take a sip.

"Good. Maybe it will get his brain working again since it seemed to be out of commission."

"One can hope. But he won't have any room to get in trouble. That's for sure." She whispers.

"He'll always be a giant dumbo though!" Frankie says as I shake my head and puff my smoke again.

"Well, that he can't help. But I'm gonna change and be back to help." I say as Lena nods and I wink at her heading to my bedroom as I place my smoke in the ashtray and soon hear a knock.

"Yeah?" I call out as the door opens slowly and Lena peeks in. "Come in. You don't need to knock, ya know."

"It's polite to." She says closing the door behind her and taking a seat beside me on the bed. "You could be naked."

"As if you haven't seen me naked." I laugh as I grab my smoke again and I catch her smile.

"How was your meeting?"

"Ahh, a lot. Two back to back is always a lot. Ya know I hate that I have this problem. I really do. The time I wasted, the money, the time going to these freaking meetings. I should have learned better ways to cope." I place my finished smoke in the tray and refrain from lighting another one.

"But you are learning now, Stef and that's what matters. I understand though. I feel the same about GA. It's a lot." She laughs as I turn to look at her and smile.

"You doing okay in GA? Mm, sweets?" I gently grab her hand rubbing it as she nods her head.

"I am. And I thought dinner would be nice here since the beach was a long day, and we all can watch a movie?"

"Sure. Sounds good, love." I wink getting up now to change out of my clothes and into some lounge wear as Lena remains on the bed growing quiet. "Are you heading home after?" I turn around to look at her as she stares right back at me. "I'm not kicking you out, Len. I was just curious. The Godfather is pretty long, and I wouldn't want you to drive home late. I mean I can drive you. Or if you need privacy to call um...to call Denni you can use the phone in here. Do you need something comfortable to put on?"