Hope you guys like this one, it's been bouncing around in my head for a while now. Keep an eye out for the timeline, this story might bounce around a bit… but just know: there's definitely a method to my madness.
Enjoy!
Thursday March 24th, 2016.
Laughter and cheer rang out aboard the Windridge K that warm spring night in Fort Lauderdale. A jazzy song played on the superyacht as couples joined John and Kathy Laurinaitis, the newlyweds, on the dance floor.
"I can't believe they actually did it," Samuel-Joseph Laurinaitis said as he turned to his twin sister Francesca. The twenty-two year old took a sip of champagne before smiling and looking over at her father and new mother in law.
"He's really happy, Jojo…" she began. "After Mom… I wasn't sure he'd ever be okay, but just look at him. Kathy makes him whole again." The siblings continued to chat a moment before they were joined by their new brother-in-law JJ and his wife Lola.
"Can I just say that although we're still pretty heavily outnumbered, it's awesome to have another brother?" JJ said patting Sam on the back. His head tilted back as he chuckled.
"Trust me, between Frankie and Maya, I definitely feel you Bro." Sam and JJ clinked their glasses together as the new brothers cheered for their parents.
A little while later in the buffet-style dining room, Frankie, along with Sam and their younger sister Maya, all sat with Nikki, John, Brie, JJ, and Lola.
"So Brie, how are you feeling about your retirement match?" Sam asked from across their table.
"It's definitely a little bittersweet. I mean I've loved every second of being the ring, but right now, I think it's time for Bryan and I to step back and really work on starting our family..." she responded as Frankie and Lola both noticed a sort of stare off between the sisters.
"Jojo's just gonna miss watching you in the ring…" Frankie joked as she took a bite of her red velvet cupcake. She smirked watching her brother's eyes widen and cheeks redden in embarrassment.
"Did somebody have a crush on his future big sister?" Nikki asked, fanning herself with her hand. Sam shook his head and rolled his eyes as Frankie began laughing hysterically.
"Join the club, Kid," John joked before kissing Nikki gently on her temple.
"Well speaking of crushes…" Brie continued, "Frankie, what's going on with you and Mojo?" she asked as all seven pairs of eyes landed on Frankie.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"Well I heard you guys were… getting close..." she said, choosing her words carefully. When Kathy and Johnny's relationship started to get more serious, they introduced all their kids to one another. Within those two years, Nikki and Brie both noticed the fact that Frankie never dated, and whenever they all got together for anything but girl's night, she always seemed to be a third or fifth or sometimes even seventh wheel.
Frankie smiled softly and ran a hand through her long blonde mane. "Mojo… yeah, I mean we're friends- but that's it," she shrugged.
"Do you want something more?" Frankie looked up, surprised to hear JJ's voice. She smiled again warmly, looking around at all of her concerned siblings, new and old.
"I don't know. He's nice… kinda cute…" she trailed off smiling.
"And a total meathead," Nikki pointed out.
"Not everybody wants to date a giant steroid, Nicole…" Brie snarked. "No offense, John," she added taking a sip of wine.
"Sure," he said smiling and raising his glass.
The cool breeze hit Frankie's face the second she stepped out onto the deck. She smiled listening to the gentle waves as the boat made its way through the harbor. She leaned forward against the railing and took a deep breath, taking in the salty sea air. A few minutes, she heard footsteps approaching her.
"Hey," Sam said leaning against the railing next to his sister.
The twins stood in silence for a minute, both taking in the view before Sam spoke up again.
"So what was Brie going on about? You and Mojo? Frankie, come on," he said, turning his head to look at his sister.
"What?"
"Don't 'what?' me. You know exactly what I'm talking about, Franks..." he responded, turning back to look at the water. Francesca was silent for a moment, really hearing what her brother told her. She sighed before turning to him.
"It's okay. This won't be like last time… I promise, Jojo."
"Let's hope not," he said, pulling her in for a side hug and kissing her temple.