“Thank you. My family has worked very hard to provide essential food items to all of Rome. And even some of our greatest chefs in the area rely on us for fresh Roman ingredients.” He’s grinning, watching the child in his arms with a joyful demeanor. Vince joins our conversation with a polite pat to the man's back, who nods and opens the front door. A rush of cool air greets us, and the rich aroma of something incredible cooking surrounds us.
The children giggle, their feet patting over the black wood floors as they run up the staircase in the center of the house. To our left is a gigantic kitchen with high ceilings and windows in every area there can be. There’s a huge circular white wood table next to it in the front wall in an area seemingly carved out for it, surrounded by windows with at least 20 chairs around it.
I haven’t even glanced to my right yet because I’m so captivated by the kitchen area. Vince nudges my shoulder gently, and I glance over to see the other side of the staircase. A gorgeous seating area with a tall white stone fireplace and antique-looking couches rest cozily. However, it could also fit about twenty people.
That seems to be the theme of the whole house somehow. It’s grand and humongous, yet it feels cozier than most homes I’ve been in. Intimate. I can’t help the grin on my face as the man strides over to the kitchen where four people are cooking, playing music on a speaker I can’t spot. They’re laughing and drinking wine. Some look closer to teenagers than they do adults, but every one of them looks happier than I’ve ever seen anyone.
A fifth person comes from a door at the back of the kitchen. Her chocolate hair reaches her waist, that’s tightly cinched with a white apron. Underneath is a pale blue dress that stops just above her ankles.
The moment she sees our tour guide, she reaches her arms out to him and the embrace with the child still on his hip. She kisses him softly, then the head of the little girl, who lets out an infectious giggle.
Watching such an intimate affair feels wrong, but I can’t take my eyes off their happiness, glowing in every corner of their perfect home. I want this, I think to myself. Whatever this happiness is, I want it. I’ve always wanted it. After a moment, the man turns away from his effortlessly beautiful wife and extends a hand to us. We step closer to them as he introduces us.
“Oh! I’m so sorry, Kiri, this is Vincenzo San Giovanni, and….” His hand hovers for me to give my name.
“Jessica Lee.” I nod with a smile, and Kiri smiles back with such warmth I sense it tangibly.
“I’m Kiri. You’ll have to excuse my husband, Rome. He’s rather aloof.” Her English is perfect, with a slight hint of an accent, but it’s barely noteworthy. If anything, it makes her even more attractive.
“Thank you for having us today,” Vince speaks up and extends a hand. She wipes hers on her apron with a pink-cheeked chuckle and shakes it.
“You’re more than welcome. We thought you should see the way we live here before you make any further business ventures.” Vince grins and retracts his hand from their shake.
“I appreciate the hospitality.” He nods, and they welcome us to sit down as one of the older boys, who looks to be my age, calls the children to lunch.
“He is single.” Rome raises an eyebrow at me as I watch his son. He’s also gorgeous. Freckled skin, a tone between the paleness of his mother and the warmth of his fathers. He’s handsome, chiseled jaw, thick muscular physique that would give the security team a run for their money, and a smile to rival his mothers.
They sit him down next to me, and Rome on my other side. Vince sits next to Rome, glaring in my direction like he’s trying to communicate some unspoken thing I’m supposed to get with just a look. When I’m sure everyone but us is focused on the crowd of children barreling down the stairs, I widen my eyes at him and gently shake my head.
He rolls his eyes in response and lets out a sigh.
“Jessica, would you like to say grazia?” I know an inkling of Italian to understand that Rome is asking me to pray for our meal. I swallow nervously and bow my head, the rest of the table following.
“Uh. God bless this meal and our time with this wonderful family… Amen.”
“Amen.” They resound, and the children immediately reach for the items on the table. This table is large enough to fit everyone, which means there are countless kids, teens, and adults.
Vince and I follow along, grabbing what we want and putting it on our plates. There are five different types of pasta, meats, and salads. A couple of variations of bread that have been sliced, but it’s obviously home-baked with unique designs on top. I try to put one of everything on my plate and listen to the quick conversation, everyone talking over each other. It’s a wonder they can understand.
“So you’re from California, Jess?” Kiri speaks up, nodding at her husband, who turns to me.
“Yes, I am.” I nod. He reaches behind me to get his son’s attention. I try not to grin, feeling flattered that they’re definitely attempting to set Dreamboat and me up.
“Dom loves American culture, don’t you, Dom?” Kiri prompts, and Dom finishes chewing the bite of meat in his mouth. I notice his eyes, one blue and one brown, his choppy chocolate hair swaying to no side in particular, and I have to say I’m getting a glimpse of our life similar to this. Peaceful, simple, and flooded with smiling, content children.
The thought is ridiculous, wistful even, but I let myself enjoy looking at him and picturing it for a moment longer before he speaks.
“Yes, America always fascinated me growing up. California in particular.” He forms his rounded, plump lips into a smile; the dimples in his cheeks show as he does so.
“Is that so?” I take a sip of the red wine by my plate. It’s delicious, the best I’ve ever had, and I wonder if they also grow it here.
“Yes, I’m in charge of our vineyards. California has some of the finest in the world. I hope to expand our business there someday.” I raise my eyebrows at his talent and ambition.
“This is made by you?” I raise my glass, and I think Vince scoffs.
“Yes.” He smiles even deeper, revealing his perfect teeth this time.
“Wow. It’s incredible.” I nod and take another sip.