Page 18 of Amadeo
“Yes, it is, but we were on lock—” I halted. We had been on lockdown for more than a month. Because of Deacon. I didn’t think now was a good time to bring any negative subjects up. I really wanted to save that discussion for later.
Pausing, she looked over at me. “Lock?”
“He means lockdown,” Zia spoke up now.
I slowly shook my head and took another bite of my cannelloni.
“I’m sorry,” Zia said to me. “Did I step out of a boundary?”
“I wouldn’t think so,” Gia told her. “I mean it isn’t any of my business.”
Damn, if I kept stuff from her why would she share anything with me? “We were on lockdown for a couple of reasons,” I explained to her. “One, was a violent attack on our family in the Descalia Corp parking garage of all places.”
She immediately lowered her head. Then she raised it up to ask, “And the other reason?”
“Deacon,” I replied honestly. “You heard my father. I would love to say it isn’t true. But I can’t. He was at war with us.”
“But why?” Gia asked. “He is an FBI agent. How can he be at war with you?”
I picked up my tea and took a drink. I just didn’t know where to start. Deacon's list of sins was long.
“I'm sorry. It really isn’t my—”
“Yes, it is,” I cut her off. “You are staying here in our home and Deacon Walker is your patient. I think it is your business.”
“But perhaps not at dinner?” Zia said. Raising her hands, she apologized, “Again, I am interfering.”
“No, Zia, you aren’t,” I told her. “Dr. Ribisi and I…” My voice faded off.
“Yes?” Zia asked and gave me a huge grin.
I chuckled as I shook my head. Leave it to her to just bring it all out in the open. “Ok, the truth is Iaminterested in Dr. Ribisi. So, I want to be as honest as I can be.” I looked from Zia over to the good doctor.
She cocked her head at me. “If that is true, then you’d better start calling me Gia. Not Dr. Ribisi, don’t ya think?”
I nodded as I wiped my mouth with a napkin. “Ok, Gia. So how about we finish this divine meal made by my Zia Angel.” I turned my head to give Zia a wink. Then turned my gaze back to Gia. “And drink her magical Italian tea.”
“Have some of my Sbriciolata al Limone,” Zia added as she waved her hand to that dish on the table.
“Oh yes, her lemon crumb cake.” I nodded. “Gonna have to pull double duty at the gym now.”
“Mo, no, mio Deo,” Zia disagreed. “I think you will be just fine.”
“Hesurelooks fine,” Gia added, then raised her hand to her mouth as she looked embarrassed.
Zia stared at her and laughed.
I just stared. I mean this might just be the first compliment I’ve gotten from her since we met. If you could call her scowling and nearly hissing at me when she first saw me…a meeting. No, it had been a confusing day for me. I had never before encountered anyone who disliked me upon sight. Even now as she acted more friendly, I did feel the vibe of her mistrust.
We continued with our meal.
After Gia asked Zia what part of Southern Italy her tea was from she replied, “Bari. But Italy is better known for its coffee. I sort of mixed Italiana with New Orleans style to make my tea. Of course my espresso is entirely Italian though. I remember my mother’s cooking. I draw from that a lot. You see, our family was huge. Larger than this even.” She motioned to all the people along the table.” With my sons there are seven of you and with their mates that makes…” Wait a minute. You and Luca are still wifeless!”
I laughed. “You make it sound like we’re naked and without protection in the world.”
“You might as well be,” she said. “Without love there is no real living. Everyone needs to experience it.”
Gia slowly shook her head.
