Page 104 of Destino

Fabiana embraced her, and Mira felt a bit at ease. “Is he okay? You said he was hurt?”

“He’s better. I just came down here to get my head clear.”

“C’mon let’s find Catalina.”

“That’s right!” Fabiana forced a smile. “I want to see this serenade.”

Together they walked in silent contemplation to Catalina’s room. Mira was curious about Fabiana’s news that Lorenzo had been in a fight. She kept the questions to herself. When they entered Catalina’s room, they found her at the window. She looked back with tears in her eyes smiling then signaled for them to move closer. Mira and Fabiana eased in behind her and became enchanted by the heartfelt song bellowing out of the young man who played the guitar himself. Beyond him were 12 other members of his family watching proudly. Mira found him relatively attractive. Maybe not as charismatic as Dominic but not the ogre that Catalina described him to be.

Signora Clara and three other ladies were present, one of which was Zia from the vineyard. The old woman wore a blue dress, her silver hair pinned neatly behind her head. She stared intensely and didn’t speak. When the song was done, the girls clapped and the family below cheered.

“Ciao!” A beautiful woman said, stepping to Mira’s left. She was almost Catalina’s twin. “I’m Aurora, Catalina’s cousin.”

“Ciao.” Mira said shaking her hand.

Signora Clara announced something in Italian and the women lit up with smiles and applause. Catalina spun in her dress, smiling brightly at them.

“She said it’s time to meet the guests. It’s Catalina’s day.” Aurora translated. “She’ll be more of a spoiled brat than usual.” Aurora chuckled, but Mira detected a hint of envy in the tone. “You’re that designer. Mira Ellison. I saw your fashion show on the TV. I speak English really well.”

“You do. And nice to meet you.” Mira said.

Catalina's eyes cut over to Mira and Aurora. They narrowed on her cousin, as if she had taken away her favorite toy. She marched over and tugged Mira away. “These are my auntsZia TadeaandZia Pagna. This is also myZia Carlotta.” Mira nodded to the women and smiled at Zia who forced a smile in return. “Oh and that’s Aurora my cousin.” Catalina said dryly.

Signora Clara again spoke in Italian and the women nodded in agreement. Fabiana answered the woman and sneered. Whatever was said the tension in the room raised a notch.

Thankfully everyone began to walk out. Mira caught Catalina’s hand and delayed her. Fabiana closed the door, getting the message that they needed to be alone. “It was very lovely, the serenade. He’s a charming guy.”

“Franco is excited. He wrote me a letter.” She went to her dresser and got the letter. “Myziagave it to me this morning. Really sweet.”

“I want to talk to you honey.”

Catalina nodded.

“I spoke to your brother.”

Catalina’s smile faded from her lips. “Why?”

“Don’t worry. I didn’t tell him about Dominic.”

“Shhh!” Catalina gasped, her eyes switching to the door. She pulled the drawer open on the dresser. “There’s nothing to tell. We said we wouldn’t discuss this anymore!” Catalina slammed the dresser door shut.

“Yesterday when you helped me with your dress I saw how talented you are. Really talented. Maybe you could go to fashion school. Learn a bit about designing.”

“Me? Really?”

“Sure. There are schools in Milan and New York.”

“School?” Catalina frowned.

Mira nodded, “I will be between New York and Milan. My store might not open in Naples. You can do your apprenticeship with me. I think it would be a great way for you to come into your own.”

“Franco will not want his new wife going off to school.”

“That’s why I spoke to your brother…”

Catalina’s eyes stretched with alarm. “You didn’t tell Giovanni this?”

“No. I just suggested he talk to you. To hear what you want.”

---