Page 17 of Marcello DeLuca

Marcello accepted the watch with amazement. “Thank you, Nonno,” he said quietly, his voice thick with gratitude. “I will cherish this and the legacy it represents.”

As Don Ermano took his seat, the room erupted in applause, the depth of the moment not lost on anyone present. The watch wasn’t just a gift; it was a tangible connection to the past.

As the evening’s formalities ended, the atmosphere lightened once more. Conversations resumed, and laughter filled the air again. But seeing the gifts Marcello received—symbols of power, wealth, and responsibility—had given me a deeper insight into the world he was a part of, a world that was foreign to me.

Marcello turned to me. “Well, that was something,” he said with a half-smile, trying to lighten the mood. “What did you think?”

I smiled back, trying to convey all the emotions swirling inside me. “I think you have an incredible family—a very rich, incredible family.”

“Thanks. Are you comfortable being here tonight?” he asked, searching my eyes.

I shook my head. “No, no, I’m fine. And I think you’re going to do amazing things, Marcello.”

He leaned in, his forehead resting gently against mine. “With you by my side, I know I will.”

“Nipote, vieni qui,” Don Ermano called out in his native tongue, his voice both commanding and tender. He motioned with his hand, beckoning Marcello to come closer. The old man's eyes, still sharp despite his age, were filled with a warmth and pride that was unmistakable.

Marcello turned to me. “My grandfather wants to talk to me. Do you want to go over with me?” he asked, his voice soft, as if trying not to break the spell of the moment.

I shook my head gently, giving him an encouraging smile. “No, you go. I’ll hang out right here until you get back,” I said, squeezing his hand. “This is your moment with him.”

As Marcello walked away, Romeo sidled up next to me again, his earlier flirtatiousness now replaced with a seriousness. “So, Lanay, what’s it like seeing Marcello in this setting?” he asked, his tone genuinely curious.

I glanced at Marcello, who was deep in conversation with his grandfather, Ramiri, and Vito. Seeing him surrounded by his family gave me a new appreciation for his stories.

“It’s impressive,” I admitted. “He’s talked about his family, but seeing it all in person... it’s something else.”

Romeo nodded, his gaze lingering on Marcello. “Yeah, it’s quite a setup. They’ve always made sure the path is clear for him. I guess it’s easy to shine when you’re standing on the shoulders of giants.”

I smiled. “Definitely. It’s amazing to have such a strong foundation to build on.”

Romeo’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he gave a thin smile. “True. It’s just that not everyone gets handed a golden ladder to climb.”

I laughed softly. “But isn’t that what family’s for? To lift each other up?”

Romeo shrugged. “Sure. But some people just have all the luck, while others like me have no support.”

I nodded, still watching Marcello with admiration. “Well, we all have different paths, this is true. The good thing is we all have the power to change our luck,” I encouraged. “Besides, Marcello is strong with his own mind. I am sure as time passes he will show more of his strength independent of his family. It’s going to be wonderful to see his growth.”

Romeo’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Yeah, wonderful,” he said, his tone dripping with an irony that I couldn’t understand. “But don’t mind me. I’m happy for my friend. I’m just a little salty over no one in my family attending my graduation last night.”

Before I could respond, Vito’s voice carried over the room, directing the room’s attention once more. “To Marcello,” he toasted, raising his glass high.

I gave Romeo a sympathetic nod before turning my attention to Vito.

“To a future filled with success, honor and loyalty. Make us proud,” Vito continued.

Everyone raised their glasses, echoing the sentiment. “To Marcello!”

Marcello stood, his glass held high, and looked around at the faces of his family and friends. “Thank you, everyone. For your support, your guidance, and your love. I promise to honor the DeLuca name and make you all proud.”

His words were met with cheers and applause.

After Marcello returned to my side, I noticed Romeo had disappeared from the crowd.

I leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Marcello’s cheek. “Well, Mr. DeLuca,” I whispered with a playful smile, “looks like you’ve got the world at your feet. Just don’t trip over those fancy shoes.”

He laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and pulled me closer. “I’ll do my best, Ms. Sanders. But if I do, promise you’ll catch me?”

---