Page 8 of Frayed Bonds

My eyes land on an unusual head of caramel blonde hair at the bar. No one in our family has hair like that. I try to remember if any of my brothers mentioned bringing a date.

A bit morbid, if you ask me. Who brings a girl on a date to their father’s funeral?

Antonio.

That boy cannot read social cues and take a hint, and he’s the only one oblivious enough to do something like this.

“Ambrose.” Kaia's voice rings through my ears.

I turn my head towards her, but my eyes remain on the girl sitting next to the group of men below.

“Did you hear me?” Annoyance laces her tone, and when my eyes eventually reach hers, I can see it as well. She is no longer carrying her heels but is now standing with her arms across her chest glaring at me.

“I’m sorry.” I apologise genuinely as my focus shifts entirely to her.

Kaia and I have been close for years. What started as a fling when she worked at our bakery, turned into a trustworthy friendship.

One of the few I cherish.

“I said I came up here to say goodbye.”

My brows furrow, “Kai, what do you mean? You know these Vitale celebrazione della vita, celebration of life, parties go on till dawn, besides if you leave now, you'll miss Zita dancing on the tables.” A small smirk pulls at my mouth but disappears quickly when I realise her face is still gravely serious.

“She dances on the tables at every party. I'm sure I'll survive missing it this one time.” She lets out a strained laugh. Her eyes leave mine and drift out towards the shoreline beyond the villa's back stairs. My eyes follow hers curiously to see what has her attention, but the calm waves stare back as if to ask what are you looking at? I glance at her again only to see she's now staring below us.

“I meant goodbye for a while Brosy, I’m heading home for a bit.”

The glass in my hand slips and falls to the floor, causing silence to follow suit. Her words replay in my ears.

I can ignore the stupid nickname she always uses to stop me from being mad at her. I can ignore the stares and whispers from my family members below, but I can’t ignore what she said.

“Home? I thought Tevici was home?” I attempt to sound unaffected. Even though the glass slipping out of my hand may have given it away.

I know Tevici isn't home. It has merely been a replacement home for the last few years, but to think she is referring to her actual home makes me worry.

She rolls her eyes. Kaia moved to Tevici when she was thirteen to stay with her aunt and go to school in the city. She’s originally from South Africa, her family had practically given up their life savings at the time for her to get here.

“My father’s sick,” she says softly, looking down at the mess I made below. “I don't have a choice but to go back, Brosy.” She answers the question I never asked.

“Just because you call me that, doesn’t mean I won’t be upset with you.”

She chuckles. At least my attempt to lighten the mood was successful.

“I know,” she turns to face me again, “But I'm hoping it will lessen the blow of the sudden news.” She pushes a stray curl behind her ear.

“What news?” Antonio’s voice interrupts the tension, and my grip on the railing tightens.

Looking over Kaia's shoulders, I spot Antonio standing in the doorway. I raise both my brows, a silent way to question why he's eavesdropping. Instead of answering, he simply walks closer and stands between Kaia and me, staring down at her expectantly.

“News that I'm going on vacation for a while.” She smiles brightly at Antonio. I watch a goofy smile light up his face, and I'm seconds away from wiping it off with my fist. “I came up to say goodbye to Ambrose,” she pats my chest lightly and I stare down at her manicured nails. “You have to take care of him while I'm gone, Nino.” Her bright eyes leave my brother’s, and the mask falls for a split second as she looks at me.

“I think he's got this all under control,” Antonio says, throwing his arm over my shoulder.

At roughly 6’4”, my youngest brother is well on his way to being the skyscraper of the family. His height is matched by his lean muscles, which often lead people to misjudge how strong he is. A very unfortunate underestimation for most people.

“I’m sure he does.” Kaia smiles at the two of us. The sadness in her eyes makes me want to wrap her up in a hug and fix all of her problems, but I know she’ll never let me, nor would I let myself. She’s a big girl that can take care of her shit. Besides, I've got enough to deal with here.

“I’ll see you both soon. I'll Facetime you a bunch,” she says, and Antonio nods like an idiot as if she’s talking to him.

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