Page 52 of The Capo's Nymph
Paola and I are forced to interact at one point, and she takes the opportunity to wish me joy in her own special way. "I'd say good luck, but you obviously have plenty of that. I guess you learned all about seducing powerful men from your mother."
I refuse to let her pettiness get the better of me. I simply crack my knuckles and give her a frosty smile that has her quickly backing away. Dark chuckles erupt behind me – Dante. "From Nanny Knuckles to Capo's Wife, they'd be smarter to bow down now."
"I don't want them to bow. I want them to not speak ill of my mother or sister."
"Oh, they'll learn, or your husband and I will enjoy teaching them. Come back to the table with me. It's time for me to make my toast."
After Dante makes his toast as Best Man, and the meal has been served, Maddalena is glued to my side, whispering advice about my wedding night. As she is a virgin, too, it’s not exactly helpful or encouraging.
“I’m going to check on Giacomo in a few days after school by the way.”
My eyes widen. “Nico won’t like that.”
“I don’t care what he likes.”
“Idon’t like that, Mad. And he warned Giacomo to stay away from us. You will get him killed.”
“He’s too important for Nico to kill.” I open my mouth to protest, but she cuts me off. “I just want to know he’s okay. Please don’t say anything to him, Mat. I still want to pursue my modeling plans.”
My further attempts to dissuade my sister from seeing that snake are put on hold when Francesca joins us after dancing with the Don. “I have always hated high heels,” she mutters, but her husband whispers something in her ear, making her giggle and nod. They’re not indiscrete, but it’s obvious they adore each other. A sliver of envy shoots through me. Nico doesn’t want love. He wants a permanent nanny.
“I will be back,” I whisper, wanting a moment alone with the disappointing thought. Maddelena and Frankie offer to join me, but I decline. I don’t want to spend my wedding day arguing with my sister or envying another woman for her happiness.
The wine has been flowing and tongues are growing looser. Near the guest bathroom, I overhear two men who are smoking on the patio discussing the wedding. And me.
“No surprise considering how lovely Elena was. Did you ever enjoy her?” I recognize this man. He's Paola's father. The apple didn't fall far from the mean tree.
“A few times.” The image of either of these men having sex with my mother has the wedding feast crawling back up my throat. “I’m sure Nico has already had the girl, but I still can’t believe he didn’t choose another sophisticated lady like Margareta for marriage.”
“Well, she’ll make a lovely bedwarmer and replacement mother for his children even if she's some whore's bastard."
They move out of earshot as my blood boils, but what can I even say? Everyone will think the same.
“Matilde?”
I jump, spinning to find Nico looming behind me. Did he hear them?
“Don’t wander off alone with so many men here. Are you alright?” He places his hand at the small of my back, tugging me close as he studies my face. My heart starts galloping at the closeness.
“Bathroom,” I squeak, not wanting to discuss what I overheard.
His eyes narrow, but he jerks his chin toward the door. “Go on. I’ll wait here for you. I don’t want you out of my sight again today.”
He gives me a light push and then folds his arms over his chest. I’m puzzled by his insistence as I head inside, wondering if he thinks I’ll be looking for another trellis to climb down… until I recall his first wife died after she went to the ladies' room at a wedding reception.
***
An hour later, I’m sitting next to Dante. Nico disappeared a while ago. He said he didn't want me out of his sight, and then he took off without warning. What am I to make of that?
He finally returns while I'm watching Maddalena dance with Primo. “Where did you go?"
"I had to do a little downsizing."
Dante purses his lips, looking annoyed. "How could you leave me out of the fun?"
"You had to guard Matilde for me."
It's obvious their conversation means more than I'm understanding. Part of me worries about the Seconda tradition and the Trio men's track record with infidelity. But we haven't even had our wedding night yet, and he promised earlier to be faithful.
