I understand her sentiment.
“I know, and you don’t have to.” I hug her again and take a bite of her gelato to tease her. She always makes me feel light-hearted.
“Hey, that’s mine.” She turns away, pretending to protect her dessert.
“Come.” I grab her hand and walk briskly toward Sal.
“So nice to see you looking so happy,” Sofia explains. “But thanks to you and your family I’m here. I tell your mother every day that I am so happy she has such brave and honorable sons.” She gives him a hug and hands me the gelato.
“I’m so sorry for all your suffering. Francesca has nothing but the best compliments to say about you. It was clear to us she wasn’t going to let you go missing any longer than need be, you’ve needed this time to recover so we’ve not talked much at Mama’s dinners,” Sal explains.
“I love your mother; she’s made it an easy transition for me and she’s easy to be around.” Sofia pulls her hair back and puts it in a ponytail as we speak as it’s getting very hot.
“Let’s have a glass of wine at the café.” I point toward the square.
“Sure,” Sal agrees as he slips his hand in mine and Sofia puts an arm though mine like old times.
I’m not sure if she’s scared she’ll be snatched again or if it’s like our school days when we went to private school together. I don’t care for now. Because I’ve been reunited with my best friend and she’s safe and maybe she’ll settle close by.
“Oh, don’t forget to call your parents. They know you are okay and it’s safe now.”
“I will.”
She’s quiet a minute so I change the topic to tomorrow's Sunday dinner for surly it will be a great family reunion.
Sunday afternoon dinneris outside under the trees at Mrs. Micheli’s house.
A breeze blows up from the valley beneath us and it’s welcomed – just as much as a small rain shower would help to cool things off.
“Sofia!” We hug and kiss at the door. She’s making an attempt to blend in with the family and pretends she’s fine when Sal gives her a light kiss on each cheek in greeting.
The trees give shade but it’s all we need without the sun. We congregate around the small garden fountain until the sun sets, giving us a break from the heat as the cold breeze of night unfolds as moonlight emerges. The sun disappears.
“Francesca, I’m so glad you are okay.” Juliet gives me an unexpected hug and a kiss on both cheeks.
“Thank you. I confess I noticed that you have the save the date announcements on the desk. . .” It's my lame attempt to make polite conversation as I take in her petite figure and gorgeous, but casual dress.
“Oh, yes, so many people to invite. I wanted a small event in Greve, where I’m from, but Dante wanted to invite friends and contacts,” she says, rolling her eyes. “You know how that goes.”
“Oh, yes.” I let out the tinniest of giggles due to the fact I interrupted their ‘business’ at the gala this summer.
No doubt her wedding will be populated with other unsavory characters like myself and the hot men standing near us, all waiting to kiss the ring of the don and give their blessing on his wedding day.
“I’ll help you with your wedding if you like,” I offer, “I wasn’t in a good place the first time around.”
“But you are now!” Juliet cheerfully exclaims.
“Yes, very much so.” I smile, “I wish you both the best of luck, I think you make a great couple.”
“Thanks, my family still doesn’t know the truth, that’s tough. But they love Dante.”
“That’s good, I mean, is there any way to really announce that you are part of a mafia family? They’d be too afraid to come visit you. Better they don’t know, then they have nothing to hide,” I advise her.
“You’re right. I never looked at it like that.” She smiles, a genuine smile that makes me feel welcomed. “Come, let’s go get the antipasti and bottles of water,” she invites me to go into the kitchen with her like we’ve been friends for years.
“We should get together to shop for your honeymoon,” I reply on her heels.
“Oh, that would be fun, it’s so nice to have you here, I only have one friend from college that I can trust. You’ll meet Ava soon—she’s my maid of honor.”