“Are you threatening me, Gino?” My blood was boiling.
“It’s good advice, that’s all. How’s Ella?”
It wasn’t saying her name that bothered me; it was the way he said it. If he ever tried to intimidate Ella, I’d rip his fucking head off. I spoke very slowly and deliberately.
“Gino, don’t get personal. I’m not going to change my mind about the deal. And if you ever talk to me about Ella again, I’ll kick your ass so fucking hard, you won’t find it with a mirror.”
The battle lines were drawn, and both of us knew it. It was time to put Gino in his place.
He stormed out of my office and slammed the door so hard on his way out, the windows rattled. He went straight to my father’s office, like a sulky brat. I watched him through the one way glass as he left shortly after. He did not look happy.
ELEANORA
My father was on the mend, my mother was chirpy again, Bria and Franco were getting married in a week’s time, and I had my Joe—life was good again. We hadn’t seen much of Gino. Not that I was complaining. Bria came over one afternoon after work. We grabbed a bottle of wine and went out to the gazebo by the pool.
“What’s new in your world? You pregnant yet?”
“No. You’re worse than my mother! She practically follows me to the toilet with a pregnancy test kit every time we visit.”
“You can’t blame her, really. She’s an Italian mama. I’m surprised she hasn’t hidden a fertility potion in your handbag. You may wanna have a look, just in case.”
“Now that’s a scary thought.” We laughed as I poured myself another glass of wine. “Are you ready for next week?”
“I am. I’m not sure who’s more excited about my wedding, me or my mother. She’s driving me nuts. Fabio isn’t exactly helping. He keeps dodging her and rushing off to ‘meetings’ every time she comes around for a fitting or something. He better not be like that when we have kids. I’ll lock his ass up in a room full of dirty diapers if he doesn’t behave.”
“I don’t doubt that for a second.”
“Gino’s been very quiet. What’s he up to?”
The mere mention of his name sent acid to my throat.
“He’s been conspicuous by his absence. I must say, I’m not missing him. No more dinner invites, thank God.”
“Are he and Joe still locking horns at work?”
“That will never change. Gino acts as though he’s accepted the pecking order, but I don’t trust the peace.”
“What do you think he’s up to?”
“Not sure, but from what I’ve seen, Gino is not the type of man who’ll back down without a fight. We’re keeping a close eye on him. Are you and Fabio staying for dinner?”
“If only. We’re meeting the priest for a ‘little talk’ and then dinner with the in-laws. That’s why I’m here for a few glasses of wine.”
“Been there, done that, girlfriend. Chin up; you’ll survive.”
“That was absolutely no comfort; thanks, Ella.”
“Get out of here, you nutter. Time to face the music.”
Joe arrived home shortly after Bria left. He looked so handsome in his tailored suit, I wanted to kiss him all over. He, on the other hand, looked super pissed.
“Oh dear, what did he do now?”
“Poor me a large whiskey and I’ll tell you.”
“Sounds serious. Come, let’s sit outside at the pool. Get into something comfy and join me outside.”
“Great. I’ll be right back.”
I watched the birds fly over the surface of the pool, scooping up bugs as they went. It was a beautiful evening. The crickets were chirping, the birds were singing, the last rays of the sun were warm on my face, and it was all so Italy. I loved my country so much. Growing up in Sicily gave me a deep love for nature, and I hoped Joe and I could impart that to our children.
“You’re deep in thought, my gorgeous. Thinking of me?” Joe bent over me and kissed me. Then, he sat down next to me on the hammock swing.
“Always. I was also thinking of our babies and how I want to show them the whole of Italy when they’re old enough to appreciate it.”
“Ah, that’s lovely, darling. Wait a minute, you’re not pregnant are you?”
“Get that smirk off your face, lover boy. I am not. You keep those swimmers of yours on a leash buddy. I’m not ready yet.”
“Killjoy.” I pinched him on the arm, and he grabbed my knee and squeezed it. It tickled like hell and he loved it. He enjoyed reducing me to a puddle of goo.
“You wanna tell me why you were so upset when you came home?”
“I’m so tired of complaining about the same shit. I feel like a broken record. I’m irritating myself now. I can only imagine how you must feel.”
“My love, family is tricky. You didn’t bring this on yourself. I love you, warts and all. Don’t be sorry. We’ll make do.”
“Enough about me. How’s your father doing? It’s been a few weeks now. He must be getting stronger.”
“You know Papa; he’ll probably enter the Olympics soon. Poor Mama is on edge, but then again, if you were ill, I’d be a mess.”
Joe flexed his biceps. “Me, ill? Never! Not while I have my gorgeous nurse taking care of my every need. Speaking of which—I think I need my temperature checked.”
“Okay, strip and I’ll see what I can do.”
JOE
My father called me early on Sunday morning and asked us to join him and Mama for breakfast. Ella and I loved spending time with my parents; they doted on my beautiful wife. I had a feeling it wasn’t about eating a meal together.
“Buongiorno!” My mother
