Family: Out of Business

Revealed

Lexie's pov

"Alexandra, Elliot James and I have important family business matters to discuss with you in the study after dinner," my now pretentious half-brother informed me as we sat down to dine. I hate how sometimes he references us by our given names, just like Father always did.

"That's fine, Brother, but I have some exciting news of my own I'd like to share while we're all together." I smiled brightly at Claire as I grabbed her hand to hold for emotional support, mine not hers. I know without a shadow of a doubt, she is the only one at this table who will be happy to hear what I have to say.

"Lexie," EJ replied in a cautious tone, as he looked at me apprehensively, "Are you sure now is the appropriate time and place, considering present company included? Perhaps your news can wait until after dinner, when we have our discussion in the study?"

"No," I responded bluntly, "I want Claire to hear this as she's part of the family and this news most definitely affects all of us." I smiled at my niece as I gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

"What is it, Aunt Lexie?" she asked excitedly, grinning in response to her uncle's clearly annoyed facial expressions.

"Alexandra," Tony butted in. "Elliot James is correct in suggesting the adults speak privately after dinner," he said, joining our little brother in offering up a condescending warning, which I will promptly dismiss.

"You know, Anthony," I responded, just as condescendingly, if not more so, "Just because you accepted the position as patriarch of this family, that does not make you my father. Although, you do sound more and more like him everyday, fratello (brother)."

I heard my niece swallow hard as EJ snickered.

Wiping his mouth before he purposefully laid down his napkin, excruciatingly slowly, my older brother looked me in the eye and coldly stated, "I've endured enough of your impudence now, little sister. Mi concederai il rispetto che merita il mio titolo o non sarai più il benvenuto in questa casa (You will grant me the respect my title garners, or you will no longer be welcome in this house). Capiscimi (Understand me)?"

Feeling my sweet niece's eyes on me as her hand nervously shook beneath mine, I realized I needed to swallow my pride for her sake. I don't want to leave her here alone with my two overbearing, oft moronic half-brothers to fend for herself. She needs me and to be honest, I need her as well. I love my little niece with all my heart and I can't wait to give her a baby cousin who will adore and admire her.

"Sì, Fratello, mi scuso per essere irrispettoso (Yes, Brother, I apologize for being disrespectful)."

Tony nodded as he glared at me. I know I've pushed him a little too far. He takes his responsibility as head of this family very seriously and it's quite the burden to bear. I should be more understanding and less judgemental, for all our sakes.

"Sei perdonata, Sorella (You're forgiven, Sister)."

"What's your news, Aunt Lexie?" Claire beamed at me, bouncing excitedly in her seat. "Please tell us."

"In a little under six months, you're going to have a cousin, Sweetheart," I replied happily, focusing my attention solely on my niece as I gently rubbed my mostly still flat belly.

Claire gasped as my asshole half-brothers groaned.

"OH MY GOD! Are you pregnant, Aunt Lexie?"

"Told you she wasn't just getting fat," EJ snarked at Tony.

Ignoring my annoying half-siblings, I replied smiling, "Yep, I'm gonna have a baby, Claire. You'll have a cousin, and Uncle EJ will have another niece or nephew, and your father will be a first time uncle. Isn't that exciting?"