Page 61 of Lucas & Melissa Falling in Love
Chapter 21
Though I hardly have a right to with my father’s health in question and my future with Melissa uncertain, I feel ebullient. The woman I adore just made love to me in a wildly erotic way. We walk down the stairs and I’m holding Melissa’s hand, as if she suddenly needs my reassurance.
“You know my family will love you.”
“No, I don’t know any such thing. It’s sweet of you to say so, but you’re prejudiced.”
I laugh.
“Tell me something about them—who will be there?”
“My mother, my sister Sabrina and her husband Vito. They have three children, Paul, Alicia, and Thomas, but they are very small and probably won’t be here tonight.”
She lets out a low whistle and I look at her, impressed at her whistling ability.
“Left over from Girl Scouts,” she says. “I have new respect for Sabrina. Three small children seems like a lot of work. Who else will be there?”
“What makes you think there will be more?”
“I know you have more family members,” she says. “I Googled the Fierro family while you were in the shower.”
Laughing, I say, “Then you know my sisters Rosalie and Theresa will be there. That’s all. For tonight.”
“What about Louie and Benedito?” she asks. I don’t hide my surprise.
“Our drivers?”
“They’re like family, aren’t they?”
I nod. “Louie is at the hospital with my father and I’m not sure about Benedito. He isn’t one to stay at home in the evenings.” I’m not sure what to think of her observation about Louie and Benedito, why she would think they would dine with us, but I realize she didn’t grow up with servants and only knows people as equals. The flip in my chest tightens and I pull her into a squeeze as we reach the bottom of the stairway.
“Ready?” She nods and we walk into the dining room.
My mother stands at the end of the table and she comes to us and hugs Melissa.
“Welcome to our home and to dinner. Please sit.” She places us at the right of her at the long table which is only two-thirds filled this evening.
We’re seated and a young woman I don’t recognize places a final serving dish on the table. It smells of garlic and citrus. I realize I’m famished.
“Let us say grace,” my mother says and does the sign of the cross. I glance at Melissa and she folds her hands. I know this is not her family’s ritual, and I’m proud and grateful that she goes along.
After the prayer, dishes are passed around and plates filled. My mother introduces Melissa to everyone she hasn’t already met.
“It’s so unusual for Lucas to bring someone for dinner.”
“Heck, it’s unusual for Lucas tobeat dinner, Mama,” Sabrina says. Theresa snickers and my mothertut-tutsher.
“Even so, I think it hasn’t been since he was a young pup of sixteen years old that he brought a girl home.”
“You can’t count that against me,” I say, remembering the girl in question and hoping I don’t run into her. But since she’s a neighbor, there’s a good chance. I’m not too concerned, though.
“How is Diana?” I say, thinking she’s probably married with kids like Sabrina by now.
“She works in her family’s company,” Sabrina says without a wistful note. “You’ll see her, no doubt.”
I feel Melissa tense and take my hand under the table.
“Don’t worry,” Sabrina says to Melissa. “Their relationship ended badly.” She smiles devilishly.
