"I'm not," Nikki replied. "That was amazing."
"I meant the bite, silly."
"So did I." Alex sighed as Nikki climbed from the bed. "You know I'd much rather stay here with you, right?"
"I do now, and just knowing that is enough. Go take your shower. I'll be here when you get back." She watched Nikki head for the bathroom, admiring her naked form. She snuggled back under the covers with a smile and quickly fell asleep.
Chapter Nine
Alex watched Nikki as she helped Ilario set up the rented table and chairs out in the courtyard. With the promise of a beautiful early April day ahead, it didn't take much to convince Dani and Nikki to have lunch outside. "You are not holding up your end of the bargain, Tesoro," Maria called out to her as she set the onions beside the tomatoes on the counter. She looked over at Maria guiltily. "I'm happy you are in love, but you will not have any food for your guests if you do not get your mind, and your eyes, back to work."
"Okay, okay." Alex set to work cleaning and chopping the onions for Maria's special meat sauce for the lasagna. "Do you need some basil?"
"No. I already clipped some this morning. We have enough for today." She smiled at Alex and shook her head. "There is no need for you to go outside right now. Chop those tomatoes into a nice fine dice. We want them to look pretty for the bruschetta."
Alex heaved out an exaggerated sigh and said, "Sì, Madre." She ducked away from Maria's swat, and reached for a tomato. She chopped and prepared all of the ingredients while Maria sautéed and assembled her meat sauce. Alex looked around to see what else needed to be done and realized they were finished, even the desserts were made. The sauce needed to cook for another hour or so, and then the lasagna could be assembled. She pulled a bottle of water from the fridge and turned to Maria. "How is Caitlyn doing? I haven't seen her for months."
Maria beamed and the pride she had in her only child became evident. "She is doing very well, working hard her senior year. She will be coming home for a visit soon, now that softball season is wrapping up."
Alex rubbed her thigh as she said, "It’s a good thing she didn't need me to work with her this year." She smiled as she thought about her protégé. "She really didn't need it anyway. She's already very good. The fact that they made the championship again this year is evidence of that."
Maria nodded her head and squeezed Alex's shoulder. "True, but she will always look up to you. You have been her mentor for many years, Tesoro. That is not going to change. I think she uses the lessons these days as an excuse to spend time with you."
The corner of Alex's mouth lifted slightly as she replied, "Maybe I do the same." She turned when she heard Nikki and Ilario enter the kitchen.
Nikki walked up to Alex and gave her a quick kiss. "I'm going to go take a shower. I'll see you in a little bit." Alex watched her leave the room, and blushed when she realized Ilario was making fun of her.
"Behave yourself old man."
"He smiled at her as he tilted his head in the direction Nikki had disappeared. "That one is a keeper, Tesoro, and she obviously loves you very much."
She walked over and put her arm around him as she replied, "Sì, Papà. I am very lucky, almost as lucky as you."
He grinned as he looked over at Maria. "Almost, but no one is as lucky as me."
When the doorbell chimed, Alex, Rachel, and Madison headed for the kitchen while Dani and Nikki answered the door. Alex pulled several dishes from the refrigerator and began to assemble the bruschetta and crostini. With Rachel's help, the appetizers were arranged neatly along the counter, and the kitchen tidied before their guests wandered in.
"This is some place. Must have set you back a couple of million. I didn't realize they were paying you that much over at St. Mary's."
"This isn't mine, Dad. It belongs to Alex." She looked over at her and smiled apologetically before introducing them. "Alex, these are my parents, John and Donna."
"Pleased to meet you." Alex was startled when they ignored her completely.
"Well, if this isn't yours, have you bought your own place yet?"
"No, sir. I've been staying here for the last few months helping out." She looked up and smiled as Alex helped Madison get some bread with ricotta and honey.
"I have appetizers here if you'd like. Please help yourself. We have tea and soft drinks in the fridge." Alex told the group as she helped Madison climb up onto one of the high chairs at the counter. "I have some apple juice or milk for you, piccola. Which would you like?"
"Juice."
Alex was surprised to hear Donna call out, "Don't you have any wine?" She closed her eyes briefly and sighed as she continued to pour Madison's juice.
"Here you go, piccola. Keep it far enough from the edge that you don't spill, okay?" She smiled as Madison nodded and took a bite of toast. She looked up at Donna who was watching closely, and nodded. "Of course. Let me get that for you." She turned to Rachel and asked, "Would you mind lending me a hand for a moment?" At her nod, Alex turned towards the western hallway, quietly leading her from the room.
Once they turned the corner, she looked at Rachel and rolled her eyes. She walked a few feet down the hallway to the small alcove containing a statue of a nearly naked woman holding a gallon jug. While Rachel admired the piece, she walked up to it and placed her right hand on the bottom of the jug, inserting her finger into the small fingerprint scanner. Seconds
