Page 7 of Merciless Monster

“Hey, I’d take on a legion of tough guys if I had to. But mother scares the shit out of me.”

“Ain’t that the truth?”

“You’re flying solo for this occasion. What’s the matter? Couldn’t scare up a date?”

“Funny. No. I thought I’d scope out the local talent for a change. Why isn’t Lisa with you?”

“She had a previous engagement.”

“Speaking of engagement, isn’t it about time you put a ring on that girl’s finger?”

“You should talk. You are the oldest. You’re the one who’s expected to carry on the proud De Luca lineage. I’m the baby brother. All I’m required to do is show up and smile.”

“You’re dodging the question, little brother.”

“Lisa and I love each other. A ring isn’t going to make any difference.”

“Have you told her that?”

“Lisa is a modern woman. She gets it.”

“Uh-huh. She’s a modern woman whose biological clock is no doubt ticking loudly in her ears.”

“Slow down, bro. No one is talking about kids.”

“All women want kids. They can’t help it. It’s nature. Like earthquakes and tsunamis.”

“Is that your educated opinion, Dr. De Luca?”

“You joke, but I bet Lisa will be up the duff before the end of the year. Watch my words.”

“You’re full of shit. I’m amazed there aren’t scores of little Dantes running around Rome.”

“Not this De Luca. A broad would have to be pretty cunning to catch me out that way.”

“Famous last words.”

* * *

“Dante! My goodness. It’s so good to see you.”

“Congratulations, Gina. You make a beautiful bride.”

“Thank you. May I introduce you to my husband, Jeff? Jeff, this is Dante, my mother’s cousin’s son. He lives in Rome.”

“It’s a pleasure, Dante.”

“Welcome to the family, Jeff. You must be a tough man, seeing as you’ve survived the family thus far.”

“It’s been an interesting few days; I’ll give you that,” Jeff chuckles.

He seems like a nice guy. Not at all what I’d expected when I heard that Gina was marrying a foreigner. I didn’t expect him to be so very English, but, hey, different strokes. Gina sure has filled out since the last time I saw her. I wouldn’t have recognized her if we passed each other on the street. She’s very attractive.

“Mother tells me you are doing well in Rome,” Gina says.

“Yeah. We’re keeping the wolves from the door.”

“Dante here is being very modest, babe,” Gina says to Jeff.

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