Page 162 of La Dolce Vita

"Yes, you are."

"I was thinking. I dunno. I was thinking of calling my adoptive mother."

"What? Why?"

"I know I've said horrible things about her. And I know you got me some justice. But she was the only mother I've known, and I'm not angry anymore. I feel like it’s done. I'm happy. I want her to know it. Does that make any sense?"

"No. But if you want to call her I won’t stop you. I just think we should move on."

"I guess you're right." Marietta rested her head on his chest.

"Is there a phone here? One I can use to call home?" Lorenzo asked.

"I think so. I saw one in the kitchen. Not sure if it’s on, or if you can make long distance calls. I'll find out." She said and tried to escape the bed. He stopped her. He rolled on top of her and started to kiss her face and neck. Marietta giggled. She stretched her arms up above her head and put her hands to the headboard. Lorenzo drew up her short nightie and kissed her round tummy.

"The baby move yet?"

"Not yet. She's sleeping," Marietta said.

He kissed the baby again. He rested his face against her bump gently. Careful not to put too much pressure. She stroked his head. They were so tense with each other in Italy. Every conversation was about Isabella. Every thought was about the pending doom of his secrets being uncovered. It was such a waste of energy and time. Isabella would be found. Their enemies would be destroyed. Her husband was more than capable of doing both.

"Ever think about moving from Italy? Leaving Sicily? Coming to America? What life for us could be here?"

"No," he said. "I hate America."

"Stop it. America is great! It could be good. And there is so much opportunity. You got business here, and Mirabella's is still in L.A. We could have a real life."

"Our life is in Italy. Our family is Italy. We can have it all there." He lifted his head from her belly and looked at her. "Do you agree?"

"Yes, Lo. I agree. As long as I have you, our family life couldn't be better for me."

Lorenzo eased up her body and stopped to lick playfully and suck her nipple. Without warning, he was inside of her. And she liked the way her body had to adjust suddenly to the invasion. He sucked on one nipple then the other. She held on to his arms and thrust her pelvis up in time with each stroke. She let him love her, and she loved him the best way she knew how.

***

The church was a hundred and sixty years old. A freed slave who led the rebellion against plantation owners who refused to educate slaves founded it. And later those same freemen created the community of Apple Grove. It was a traditional looking American structure. A white church with a steeple sat on twenty-two acres of land. Giovanni slowed as his van merged with a procession of cars. Two men with orange vests directed the parking. The cars were lined up across the lawn. Giovanni was instructed to turn left to find a slot. He could see out across the field covered with balloons, tents, and tables. There were also three huge barrels turned on their sides and split into half turned into grills. And the music could be heard even with the windows rolled up. It was a celebration.

"Park over there, sweetie." Mirabella pointed.

"Mommy, where are we?" Eve asked.

"Church," Marietta answered.

Giovanni parked. He glanced at his wife. "Is all of this for you?"

"I guess so. For us. Let's get out. We're late," she mumbled.

They had driven thirty miles outside of Apple Grove to a little cafe for breakfast. And then the family took a tour through some recreational parks. The kids were able to see Cliffside views of mountains. Much different than the ones they were used too in Italy. Marietta snapped many pictures. And then they saw a bear. Eve howled with excitement. It was the highlight of the morning. Mirabella also found a farm she knew of that let Eve ride the horses. She's ridden before in Sorrento, but her little girl took every experience as if it were a new adventure.

"Giovanni, can you get the boys please?" Mirabella asked. She was using baby wipes to clean Eve from the chocolate Lorenzo kept feeding her. Giovanni unbuckled his sons and helped them out the van. They were a bit anxious for freedom and began to run the moment their feet hit the ground.

"Mia! Hi!" A female voice yelped.

Giovanni looked up. A short woman with poufy hair waved her hand at them. She walked fast with two teenage boys following. "Ohmygod!It is you. Minnie said you were coming, but I didn't believe them. Look at you! Welcome home!" the woman grinned. She hugged Mirabella tight. "Ohmygod, Mia! I’m so happy to see you" she said and squeezed her.

"Hi, Sheila. I want you to meet my family."

"This is my daughter Eve," Mirabella said.

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