Page 97 of Someone Exactly Like Me (Wounded Hearts 1)
Great, Giovanna’s here. As if I wasn’t already feeling nervous and uncomfortable.
“Gigi. I didn’t know you were coming.” Always the gentleman, he kisses her cheeks.
“Mamma told me you were coming for dinner.”
She calls his mom, Mamma?Simmer down.I call Candi’s mom, Mom because I’ve known her since I was a kid. This is no different, not that it matters.
“Hi, Giovanna.” I really don’t want to kiss her.
“Oh, Destiny.” She tilts her head, forcing a fake smile. “How nice to see you again,” she says, lacking sincerity, as she purses her filler-filled lips and leans in for more of an air-kiss which is fine by me.
His mamma has made delicious stuffed shells, a salad, and the best garlic bread I’ve ever eaten. They all chatter in Italian during dinner and Nicco tries to fill me in on a few things they’re talking about. Watching Giovanna tease him and flirt with him turns my stomach, though it really shouldn’t. I don’t belong here. Unable to physically vanish, I sit quietly and eat my meal.
After dinner, I help clean up the dining room and kitchen while Nicco and Marco play with Franco in the living room. Nicco kneels down and lets Franco climb onto him, riding him like a pony. With each demand of, “Go, go, go” from Franco, he neighs and circles the room weaving in and around the few pieces of furniture. When he passes the sofa, he grabs a rose-embroidered pillow with his teeth and shakes his head around like a dog, causing Franco to erupt into laughter. I love his playful nature and watching him with kids. It’s a side of him I never would’ve expected. A side that’s quite sweet.
Giovanna walks in to join them while Angelina and I finish drying the last few dishes. His mamma pulls out a large tray of tiramisu, homemade no doubt, sets it on the counter and goes to the living room.
“How long do you have here to visit?” Angelina asks in somewhat broken English.
“Not long. I leave next Sunday after we stay at Ponza Island with you.” I wipe the plate in my hand and place it on the counter. “Thank you so much for letting us stay.”
“It is too bad you can’t stay longer. Sí, of course.” She smiles warmly. “We are happy for you to come stay.”
A boom of laughter explodes from Giovanna, drawing our attention. She’s clinging to Nicco’s arm, stroking her long hair. Marking her territory again.
I’ve never been great at keeping my emotions from painting themselves all over my face.
“Psh,” Angelina rolls her eyes and makes a hand gesture that doesn’t look at all complimentary. “Do not concern yourself with her. EvenIknow Nicco would never go so low.”
“Oh, it’s fine.” I shake my head. “Nicco and I are just friends. He’s helping me with some research for my book.”
She turns her head to the side, lifting only one side of her mouth. “Friends? Is that why his eyes twinkle when he looks at you?” The other side of her mouth rises.
They do? I have no answer. All I can do is shrug and shake my head.
Once the dishes are done, she and I go to the living room.
“Does everyone want wine with dessert?” Nicco asks.
Me, Angelina, and Giovanna all say yes. He and Marco go to the kitchen to get the wine.
The three ladies chatter in Italian while I sit quietly, watching Franco entertain himself. Feeling a little out of place, I go help Nicco and Marco bring the wine glasses in.
As I approach the kitchen, I hear Marco. “It’s been four fucking years since Ana, Nicco. It’s time to let it go,” he half-shouts, slamming his hand on the counter.
“I know how fucking long it’s been!” Nicco spits, rage steaming out of him, the vein in his neck swelling.
Before I can sneak backwards out the doorway, Nicco sees me.
He says something in Italian to Marco and they drop whatever it was that had them both heated.
“I — I’m sorry. I just came to see if you needed help bringing out the glasses.”
“No, it’s okay. I’m sorry you heard that,” Nicco says, forcing a smile.
“It’s my fault, Destiny. I apologize,” Marco says, handing me two glasses of wine.
Once we finish dessert, Marco and his family leave and Giovanna heads out as well. Nicco’s mamma turns on an ancient-looking TV and nestles into a worn chair that’s partially covered with a dark red knitted blanket.
