Page 137 of Blue Gold
I’m not even that skinny.
With a sigh, I closed my eyes and got comfortable on the couch, enjoying the warm afternoon sun that came in from the window. Its warmth reminded me of the Amalfi Coast, and I was counting the days until our upcoming trip next month. I sure hoped Daniel and I would make up by then. Without noticing, I dozed off, only to be awakened by the sound of the phone ringing.
Perking up, I looked around the empty condo as the phone kept on going. One glance at the window told me I’d slept for too long, as well as the dry drool on my chin. The annoying ringing kept on, and I thought of not picking up when the call went to the answering machine.
“Ciao, bello, it is me, Vito—”
Realizing who it was, I practically jumped up and ran to get it. Reaching forward, I snatched the phone, almost making the rest of the items on the counter fall, and picked it up.
“Allô? Vito?”
“Keeping me waiting, I see,” he chuckled.
I gasped, cleaning the drool from my chin. “No, no, I was just… huh, taking a shower.”
“Mhmm, that explains it all. You are forgiven, then, for making Vito wait.” He clicked his tongue. “Anyway, I’m leaving for Milan tonight, but I thought we could meet before I do. Okay? Okay.”
My lips stretched into a big smile, and I nodded. “Oui. Yes. Please.”
“Please order anything you want. It’s my treat,” Vito said in French.
“I already ate at home.”
He glanced at me from behind his menu, eyes narrowed. “Did you?”
Reaching for my water glass, I took a long sip and nodded. “Yes. I mean, I wouldn’t have if I knew we were meeting.”
He smiled at me when a waiter came to our table.
“Are you ready to order?”
“I’ll have a cappuccino,” he said in English.
“You can eat if you want to—”
“It’s all good, bello,” Vito insisted before handing over his menu. “But do me a favor, and don’t burn the milk, okay? Coffee shouldn’t be served boiled,” he told the waiter, who nodded while writing it down, then left us alone.
“Are you sure you don’t want to eat? Now I feel bad.”
“Of course I am, bello.” He switched back to French, making it easier for me. “Besides, I’ll be visiting my sister tonight, so it’s better I save room for her food.” He laughed while pulling out a cigarette case from his bag. Opening the golden case, he took out two cigarettes, offering me one.
Taking it, I leaned forward as he lit it for me.
Since we were sitting outside, smoking was no issue, and after blowing out the smoke, I watched it disappear into the air.
“Are you close to your sister?”
“Which one of them?” He blew out smoke. “’Cause there are five.”
I gaped at him, my brows rising. “Seriously? So many?”
Proud, he nodded. “We’re a big family. I also have three more brothers.”
“That’s amazing.”
He cocked his head forward. “How about you? Any siblings?”
“Only one.”
