The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties (Aunties, #3)

by Jesse Q. Sutanto

“My, my,” she muses, “they don’t make jawlines like this very often.” She turns his face this way and that. “Oof, very good nose. Very mancung.” She smiles at me, her hand still clutched around his jawline. “He’s a good-looking one, isn’t he? He’ll give you very handsome children, my dear.” “Aiya, this is why I always say, quickly have children,” Ma cries with enthusiasm, seemingly having forgotten that her son-in-law is in the literal clutches of a mafia lord. “Very beautiful grandchildren.” “Yes, thank you.” I force a smile. “Could I, um, could I have him back, please?” Julia Child lets go of Nathan, who sags with obvious relief. “I’m afraid not, my dear.” It takes a second for her words to sink in. “I’m sorry?” Julia Child leans back, looking relaxed, completely unperturbed. “My dear, I’ve been in this business long enough to know who has a killer instinct and who doesn’t.” “What—” “You, my dear girl, have it. So does your family.” She nods at Ma and the aunties, who smile like she’s told them they have beautiful eyes. I want to scream at them that it’s not exactly a compliment she’s giving them. She nods at Nathan. “But this one doesn’t. He’s an innocent babe. Look at him, so pure.” Nathan squares his shoulders, trying to look—I don’t know—manly? Julia Child scoffs. “Oh, I’m sure you’re good at what you do, dear.” She pats his knee. “But you’re not a criminal.” “We’re not criminals!” I cry instinctively. Julia Child looks at me. Then she looks at Ma and the aunties ver...