Page 43 of La Dolce Vita

"I feel great," Marietta said and took a seat. "How's Zia?"

"She’s okay. Didn’t you see her? She was knitting, out on the terrace," Mirabella said. She's been a little tired lately.”

Marietta looked concerned. Mirabella waved it off. "Zia needs to pace herself. She can't chase after the kids like a twenty-year-old. I told her to rest. Besides, I'm their mother. It's my responsibility."

"She's depressed," Catalina volunteered. "That's the problem."

"So, King B still won't let Rocco come around, huh?" Marietta asked.

"Nope," Catalina said.

"And what about you?" Marietta asked Mirabella. "Are you pacing yourself? Any of the fevers, vomiting, or seizures?"

"She had an episode the other day, a cramp in her hand." Catalina offered.

Marietta’s eyes stretched. "Cramp? What kind of pain?"

"It was just a cramp, and it went away without me medicating myself. I feel fine, especially after last night." Mirabella gave Gianni a sip of her water. Catalina took a seat. She pulled over the fruit basket and plucked a banana. She started to peel the fruit.

"What happened last night?" Catalina and Marietta said at the same time.

"Never mind it. I have news. Giovanni and I have a plan. One we can agree on."

"Does it include you coming to Paris with me?" Catalina asked as she bit off a piece of her banana.

Marietta’s gaze swiveled between the two women with curiosity. Mirabella smiled and shook her head no. "I'm headed to Chianti with the kids. We're going to pay a doctor a visit in Firenze. A different kind of doctor. She might be able to help me."

The women didn't speak, but the question was in their eyes. They hadn't put a name to what Mirabella's problems were, but they were all in constant worry over her recovery. Everyone in the family knew of her physical issues, but only Marietta and Giovanni knew about the frequency of her nightmares. Mirabella felt better, stronger each day. She just needed to be sure.

"Well I have news," Catalina said.

"Do share," Marietta chuckled.

"Headed to Sicilia in the morning. Going to visit Francesca and... Rosetta," Catalina said.

"Wait, who?" Marietta frowned. "Hold up, wait a minute..."

"I've given permission for Rosetta to return," Mirabella said. "And before you say anything, Marietta, the decision is final."

"Why on earth would you do that?" Marietta asked.

"I have my reasons," Mirabella mumbled.

"Apparently, Vito isn't getting better. AndZiaJosefina is struggling with his care, Rosetta too. Mirabella thinks it best that she come back and be my apprentice. Go to Paris with me."

"I'm going to Paris with you," Marietta said.

"No," both Mirabella and Catalina said at the same time.

Marietta frowned.

"You're pregnant," Mirabella reminded her.

"I'm four months pregnant. So what? I'm doing fine," Marietta said.

"Well I have another reason," Mirabella smiled. "A much better trip in mind."

"Not interested in boring ass Chianti. I can't stand Tuscany." Marietta shook her head.

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