“Anytime.” She smiled over her shoulder. “Would you like to stay for a drink?”
“Sure. Nothing like a good ride to make you crave a prosecco.”
Her hand dropped away from the reins like I reminded her of something, and she slowly turned to look at me.
“What?”
“Nothing.” She shook her head, and whatever it was that she was thinking, she let it go. We handed our horses off to their groom and began to walk toward the house. “Let’s go into the garden for those drinks.”
“Wait.” Niccola shifted on his bar stool, clearly eavesdropping on my conversation with Mama. “Even I could see that train wreck coming.”
“It’s not that big of a deal.”
“How can you not see this for what it is, Elio?” Mama looked surprised. “Your life can’t be filled with lies and deception. Not sharing that you were supposed to marry Anna with the woman you want to be with was a terrible decision. You men are so clueless.”
I rubbed my eyes, hating all the voices in my head.
“I can’t believe you couldn’t see that coming.” Mama shook her head.
“I can’t either,” Niccola chimed in, and I gave him the middle finger.
“Listen,” Mama swatted my hand away, “go talk to your father about this stuff.”
“No,” Papa yelled from another room, “I’d be zero help. Take notes from your mother.”
I pushed the conversation aside. It wasn’t the reason I started talking.
“Mama,” I stopped her as she went to leave, “have you ever met Elenora before?”
“No. Why do you ask?”
“There’s this photo with you, Papa, Francesco, me, and her.” Her head snapped back, clearly confused. “It was taken years ago at some event.”
“We meet so many people and take so many photos at those functions, I guess it could be possible, but that doesn’t mean I knew her in any way. Maybe you should speak to Francesco about it?”
“Yeah, maybe.” I started to pull out Sienna’s note but shoved it back down as I saw my mother stand a little straighter.
“Anna, dear, how are you today?”
“Fine.” Her annoying voice was like nails on a chalkboard. “Elio, can I speak with you for a moment?”
“I’ll leave you two be. I have to go check on the staff.”
“I’ll help!” Niccola hastily abandoned me and ignored my death glare.
I kept my back to her but heard the scuffle of her flat shoes on the marble floor.
“I was wondering if we could talk for a few minutes.”
“I have three.” I had no time for her anymore.
“I know you’re mad at me,” she whispered. “I could apologize, but I won’t.”
“Good chat.” I turned to leave, but she blocked my path.
“I won’t because when you love someone as much I do you, you shouldn’t have to apologize for your actions.”
I dipped my head back and tried to calm the monster that begged me to rip her head off.