“Okay…”
“That’s not really a big surprise to you, I’m sure.”
“No, not really. I feel a ‘but’ coming.” Now, I was nervous.
“Gino is going to throw a shit fit when my father announces his decision. As the older son, Gino will argue that it is his right to be next in line. But we all know that he’ll fuck it up, royally.”
“No argument there. But how are we going to avoid that backlash?”
“Here’s the kicker. My father wants me to move our operations to America. Sicily is saturated with families like ours, fighting for dominance. America is a land of new opportunities for the Coli family, and my father feels that I’m the right man for the job.”
I was silent for s long while. A million thoughts crossed my mind as I stared at the sparrow’s nest high up in our tall ficus tree. The chicks were shouting hungrily at their mother as she brought back insects and worms to nourish them. I couldn’t imagine leaving my beautiful Sicily. I’d lived there all my life. It was part of me.
Joe took my hands in his. “My darling, I know this is sudden, and I can imagine the thoughts that are running through your head right now—but Papa is right. It isn’t safe here for us. Gino will undoubtedly cause us countless headaches, and I don’t want us to start a family in a place where you aren’t safe. I’ll give you time to digest it all. Let me know when you’re ready to talk about it.”
We sat quietly under the ficus.
***
ELEANORA
“America! You’re shitting me. Really?” Bria was floored, and to be fair, so was I.
“Yup, looks like it.”
“That’s big, Ella. How do you feel about it?”
“I know it’s the smart thing to do, but leaving my friends and family behind—I’m not sure I can do that.”
“No shit. Have you told your mother yet?”
“I haven’t told anybody but you. I thought that if I said it out loud it would become real. At the moment, it’s just a thought milling around in the head.”
“When do you need to decide? Is Joe’s father in a hurry?”
“He’s not getting any younger, and retirement is top of his list. But if we go, it will be within the next year.”
Bria put her arms around me. I felt the sadness in her hug. I couldn’t imagine living my life without sharing it with my bestie.
“Who the hell is going to be your muscle is America? Who’s gonna beat the shit out of bitches like Boobzilla, if I’m not there?”
I laughed and held her tightly. “I’ll go to America if you promise to go with me.”
“Duh, I thought you’d never ask. I hear they have incredible dancing academies there. I can show those newbies a move or two. And Fabio’s father could always do with a few more casinos. That’s it, we’re going with you. But first, let’s get me hitched.”
“I love you, Bria. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Watch out, America, here we come!”
“I’ll drink to that!”
JOE
“America—the land of opportunities. America?”
Fabio’s eyes were dancing. He was the first person I told of our plans. I knew he would tell me the truth and not some pointless crap.
“What do you think, Fabio?”
“I think that’s a fucking brilliant idea!”
“I thought you might like it. I’m gonna miss my wingman, bud.” I looked down at my shoes, just in case a tear fell from my eyes. I didn’t want to look like a nancy boy in front of my main man.
“Miss me? Who said you’re gonna miss me? Fuck that! Bria and I are coming with you. Sicily is so yesterday. America is where it’s at, buddy. Don’t think you’re gonna get rid of me that easily, Mr. Coli.”
“That’s fantastic! Don’t you think that you should talk to Bria first before you move your bride to be across the world?”
“Ah, Bria’s a riot. She’ll be packed and ready to go before I’ve finished my sentence. That’s what I love about her. She’s a firecracker waiting for a place to explode. How does Ella feel about it?”
”She’s thinking it over. The thought of leaving her parents is hard for her. Plus, losing Bria is another worry she’s added.”
“Well, don’t you worry about that. The dream team is sticking together. Where you go, we go.”
“Cheers to that, bud!”
When I got home that evening, Ella had a spring in her step. She had dinner ready and our favorite red wine was open and breathing.
“What is this? Is my little flower ready to seduce me? You know you didn’t have to work this hard. One flash of that cute butt of yours and I’m ready to rock and roll.” I smacked her gently on her butt cheeks.
“As a matter of fact, I have some news.”
“Oh, do tell.”
“I had a chat with Bria today. I told her of our plans to move.”
“And?”
“And she was gutted until she announced that she and Fabio are coming with us.”
“Really? That’s very interesting. As it happens, I had a chat with Fabio today, and he said the very same thing. It looks as if the dream team is moving to America.”
“Yup! Watch out America, here we come. I hope they’re ready for Fabio and Bria, god love them.”
“Let’s not tell the authorities until we land.”
“Good idea! But who is going to tell my parents that I’m leaving? I’m not looking forward to that, Joe.”
“Don’t worry, my love; we’ll do it together. I’m sure they’ll be on board when we promise to invite them to summer with us in Palm Beach, Florida.”
“Is that where we’re going to live, my love?”
“Absolutely. It’s gorgeous there, and where else can I take my gorgeous wife
