Page 107 of Vicious Intentions
“Buonasera, figlio mio.”She smiles warmly, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek.
The weight pressing against my chest eases at the sight of her smile.
My mother seems like a different person lately. I know she’s been taking her medication religiously, but I don’t think that’s the only reason. With each day that passes with her living here, where she is safe and loved, she’s been flourishing. It’s been months since I’ve seen her talking to herself or drifting into a confused daze. Months since her last episode. And even if everything in my life feels fucked, I thank God for that blessing at least.
“You look so tired,figlio mio,”she says, cradling my cheek in her palm.
“I feel tired.” She frowns.
“You can’t spend all your days focused on work, Matteo. You need something else in your life. Something to give it meaning. A happy distraction. Maybe even… a wife?” Her eyes light up, a sly smile on her lips.
“You’ve been eavesdropping,” I say with a grin, tapping her nose lightly.
“A little bit,” she admits, settling back on the couch. “So is it true? Are you really going to get married this summer?”
“If all goes well, yes.”
“Will you still live here, though?” she asks, and I can tell the subject unsettles her.
“You made this place a home, Mom. Where else would we go?”
That lights her up again. “Do you think your future wife will like me?”
“How could she not?”
“Do you think I will like her?”
“Yes. I’m positive you will. Annamaria is very… lovable.”
“Annamaria,” my mother repeats, as if committing the name to memory. “That’s quite a name.”
“She’s quite a woman.”
My mother’s smile dims slightly. “I also heard she’s the youngest daughter of Vincent Romano.”
“You’ve heard a lot, it seems.” My own smile fades.
“She’s not going to be very happy to be part of our family, is she? Not if it means she’ll never be able to see hers again.”
My lips press into a thin line.
“That will depend on how her father accepts the marriage. I have no issue with her maintaining a relationship with her family once the dust settles.”
My mother pats my hand and sighs. “Matteo, my beautiful, clever boy… that is the most delusional thing I’ve ever heard. And I should know since living in delusions is my forte.” She lets out a shaky laugh. “Her father will never accept you. Chicago will always see New York as the place that stole their beloved daughter. You could never let her see anyone she loves again. Not if you intend to keep her.”
I fall silent at her words, unsettled by how perceptive they are. My mother’s mind has never been clear enough for such insight, yet her words feel undeniably true.
“Do you intend to keep her?” she adds, a hint of apprehension in her voice. “Or is she nothing more than a pawn in your vendetta with the Outfit?”
“She is to be my wife. I will treat her as such.” My mother’s rigid posture relaxes instantly when she sees the resolve in my eyes.
“That’s good. I’m glad you feel this way. I will do my part in making Annamaria feel at home, too. And hopefully, one day, she’ll accept us as her family.”
“I hope you’re right,” I say, pressing a soft kiss on the top of her head, putting an end to this unsettling conversation. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to shower the day off me and go to bed. It’s been a long day.Ti voglio bene, Mamma.”
“Ti voglio bene, figlio mio.”
As I walk up the flight of stairs to my bedroom on the third floor, my mother’s words follow me up every step.
