The room was silent for a long time. I was scared but I kept my head high and prayed that they would listen to reason. It was my father who spoke first.
“Ella, you know we love you. I’ve worked hard to ensure that you have the opportunities that your Mama and I never had. To watch you love a man whose family are mobsters scares us. We want only the best for you. I know that love is a powerful force. We want you to be happy. But we are afraid for you, my darling.”
“I know you love me. Your love has made me who I am, Papa. That’s why I want you and mama to trust me about this. Joe is my soulmate. He is a good man. If you give him a chance you will see that I’m right. Please, Papa, give him a chance. For me.”
My father looked down at his hands. He was silent for a few minutes. My mother put her hand on his knee and squeezed it. I waited with bated breath.
“Bring Joe home for lunch. I’d like to talk to him.”
‘Thank you, Papa. I will.”
After lunch, we had an espresso and then, they left. I called Joe.
JOE
Visions of being chased from their home flashed before me as Ella and I stood at her parents’ front door. I rang the bell, gingerly. Ella’s mother opened the door and smiled brightly at us.
“Hi, my love. Hello, Joe. Please come in; it’s freezing out.”
She took our coats, and Ella and I went through to the living room. Giovanni Lastra was standing over the fireplace, putting a log in the fire. He turned when we entered the room, looked at me for a second, and extended his hand to me.
“Welcome to our home, Joe.”
I was taken aback. After our last encounter, I wasn’t expecting much. I was glad it wasn’t a repeat of the last disaster. I shook his hand.
“Thank you, Mr. Lastra. You’re looking well.”
“Would you like a drink? Whiskey, was it?”
“Good memory, sir. Thank you.”
“Have a seat, Joe,” Ella’s mother said. “Ella, come help me in the kitchen please.”
I knew what that meant. I was about to get a grilling. My palms were sweaty. I loved Ella desperately and wanted her parent’s acceptance. The ladies left us to it.
“Joe,” Giovani started, “I’d like to apologize for my behavior the last time you were here. I’m usually a fair man, but when it comes to my Ella, I’m extra protective. I know you’ll understand when you have your own daughter one day.”
I waited for him to carry on. He obviously had a lot on his mind.
“Joe, it’s no secret that I’m not a fan of your family and what they stand for. It is out of respect and concern for my daughter that I want to talk to you today. Ella’s mother and I have worked hard to give her the advantages that we’d never had. She is our only child and the apple of my eye. She expressed her love for you, and as a loving father, her happiness is very important to me. I know my daughter well. She is a good judge of character, and it is for that reason that I will agree to give you a chance to make her happy.”
“I accept your apology, Mr. Lastra. I love Ella immensely and her happiness is of the utmost importance to me. I will love and protect her. She is a wonderful young woman. You can be very proud, sir. You and your wife have done a wonderful job.”
“Please, call me Giovani.”
And that was that. The ice was broken. Lunch was a delight. My Ella smiled the whole way through.
After lunch, we thanked her parents. When we walked out to the car, Ella threw her arms around me. “I love you, Joe Coli.”
“Let’s go for a drive, gorgeous. I want to show you something.”
ELEANORA
I was on cloud nine after lunch with Joe and my parents. My life was perfect. Joe took me for a drive after, to the botanical garden where we’d often picnicked. After the morning rain, the trees and plants looked beautiful. Droplets hung from the leaves, shining brightly in the rays of the afternoon sun.
Joe held my hand as we walked through the gardens. We sat at a bench admiring an olive tree, its beautiful leaves rustling in the soft breeze.
“Close your eyes, my gorgeous. I have a surprise for you.”
“Okay, what are you up to? I’m not going to open my eyes to find you buck naked, am I?”
“Would that really be such a bad thing?” Joe cackled. “An excellent idea, but no, I have something else in mind. Now, close your eyes and put out your hand.”
“Okay, but no freaky stuff.”
Joe laughed and I waited as he put something into my hand. I opened my eyes. It was a small, velvet box. My breath caught in my throat. I looked up at him, and a devilish smile lit up his face.
“Well, are you going to open it or what?”
I opened the box. “Oh, Joe! I’m so happy.” I opened the box, took out a door key, and held it up. “Oh . . . a key.” I said, disappointment and sarcasm dripping from every word.
“I thought you’d like it.” He was still grinning.
“Uh, yes, of course. Thank you. I assume it’s the key to your apartment?”
“You’re correct,” he said, eyes shining. “I want you to live with me.”
“Joe, that’s wonderful. I’d love to but what will our parents say? They’re still smarting after the dating bombshell we hurled at them.”
“I have something that might help with that. Check my pocket,” he said as he pointed
