Page 33 of Casanova LLC

We raised our glasses and tapped them together.

“Salute,” we said.

I beat him to the fork and dished some salami and cheese onto Claire’s plate as I asked my beloved fucking uncle, “Are you hungry?”

“I am here, am I not?”

“It’s just that by this time of night, you’ve usually already eaten.” I caught Claire’s eye. “The man loves an Early Bird special.”

He chortled. “Oh ho ho, Young Bull. Today, I save my appetite.” He gestured at Claire. “For you.” He gazed at me. “And you.”

I left the fork on the board, refusing to serve him. “Well, then, eat up. There’s not enough of the main to share.”

His expression went mock-wounded. “But you know Number Three is my favorite.”

Claire’s head quirked. “Number Three?”

Jacopo leaned in, conspiratorial. “We learn to make but four dinners. No need for more, you see. Four nights, four meals, just in case they want to eat-in the whole visit. This one likes to start with three, because the dessert does most of the seducing for him.”

I leaned in, too. “That might have been true in my dear uncle’s day, but I’ve actually learned how to cook.”

He laughed. “Like you learned to play the guitar? Ask him to play for you. If he knows more than one song, I give to him my boat.”

I laughed, too. “No, don’t do that. How, then, will you leave?”

Claire’s eyes darted between us, not sure how serious we were. “What’s in Number Three?”

I sat back, letting Jacopo serve himself. “It’s not called Number Three. This isn’t a drive-thru.” I cleared my throat, relaxing the tension that had crept into my voice. “There were scallops today at the Rialto, so I made a fresh pasta with taleggio and truffle to complement them. And a torta tenerina for dessert.”

She threw her head back in theatrical ecstasy. “I love chocolate.” She slid a teasing look Jacopo’s way. “I see what you mean about the seduction.”

Mouth too full to talk, he could only gesture largely: What I tell you? He swallowed. “We must make you believe we are the most incredible men to ever live.”

“Are you not?”

“For three days, Bella.” He held up his fingers and ticked off: “Four dinners, one song, three days.”

So that’s what this was about. He was doing everything possible to undermine me. To puncture the fantasy. But, why? Why did he think I couldn’t handle this?

I stood. “It’s so kind of you to try to stay awake for us but let me make a plate to take with you. I’m sure Claire’s willing to share.”

“Absolutely!”

He reached across the table, patted her hand. “Grazie. It really is my favorite.”

I strode toward the kitchen. “Jacopo.” I flung open the swinging door, jerked my head inside. “Proprio adesso, per favore.”

Claire put her hand over his and squeezed. “Are you sure you can’t stay?”

Well, shit.

“No, I couldn’t possibly.”

“Please? I have so many more questions.”

Ask me! Ask me!

“Well.” He put his other hand on his chest. “If I am not intruding. It would be un piacere. A pleasure.” Then he lifted her empty water glass. “He gave you no water! Still or sparkling, my dear?”

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