Page 5 of Blood and Penance
“Leave the door open,” Georgio orders as soon as I walk inside my bedroom.
When I walked in on Lio screwing one of the housemaids in our bed during the first year of our marriage, and he looked at me like I was the one intruding, that’s when I found out he was a piece of shit, and we haven’t slept together in the same room since.
Wherever I lay my head will always be a place of peace for me. So, I moved my shit out of that room into one of the many rooms of his mansion. Of course, he bitched and complained because I’m his wife and I should sleep beside him. However, it’s something I will never budge on. I’m not sleeping in the samebed he’s fucking other women in. I don’t have much, but I do have my dignity.
I walk into the bathroom and slam the door behind me. I grab the marble vanity and take a deep breath. “How the hell did this become my life?” I mumble, shaking my head.
I blow out a breath, regain my composure, then lock the bathroom door, hoping that Georgio won’t hear it click into place.
After a few minutes, when he doesn’t come knocking, I kneel then reach under the sink’s cabinet where I stashed a burner phone, so I can talk to my sister without Lio listening in.
I pull it out, then send a quick text message.
Me:Be ready. Will be on the move tonight. If I don’t show up at the meetup point. Leave without me.
Sera:Okay, sis. Are you good?
ME:As good as I will ever be.
Sera:I love you. Be safe.
ME:I will. Love you both too.
Knocking on the door startles me. “Mrs. D’Amico.” Georgio knocks again. “Boss is looking for you. The guests are leaving.”
I power down the phone, then shove it in the back of the cabinet. “I’m coming!”
I check my makeup in the mirror, then blow out my breath, trying to push down the nervousness within me. I can’t believe I’m getting out.
I unlock the door then push it open. Georgio is looking at me through narrowed eyes. “What?”
“You were in there a long time. Is everything alright?”
“Of course. What the hell do you think I can do in a second-floor bathroom, Georgio? Jump out the damn window?”
I push past him then head out of the room with him trailing behind me. This is the last time I’m playing hostess as Mrs. Lio D’Amico, and I can’t fucking wait.
Chapter Three
Gianni
Taking a deep breath, I ask God to give me strength before I step into my mother’s bedroom. When she took a turn for the worse, my mother moved to another room to spare my father from having to see her in this state, according to Lorenzo.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen her myself. Unfortunately, her cancer is progressing at an alarming rate, faster than the doctors predicted even a few weeks ago. So, she has stopped treatment and stopped attending church over a month ago. She’s been too tired to make the trip, which I understand. And since I’m not allowed in the house anymore, per my father’s orders, Father Girardi has been stopping by, giving her communion, and praying with her. I wouldn’t be here now if she hadn’t sent amessage through Father Girardi for me to come and administer her last rites.
To prepare me for what I’m about to see, Lorenzo explained that her beautiful, dark hair has almost completely fallen out, she’s lost a lot of weight, and her once olive skin tone has changed to an ashen gray. He says she’s like a talking skeleton. Despite his insensitive description, I’m thankful I know what to expect. While I’ve done last rites, presided over many funerals, and visit the hospital every week for my parishioners and the community, it’s different when it’s your own family.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” I mumble before I push her bedroom door open.
With the door closing behind me, I pause, my gaze instantly drawn to my mother. She’s asleep. Lorenzo said she’s been in and out of consciousness for the past few days, which Father Giraldi confirmed.
Upon seeing me, Father Giraldi, who's sitting next to her bed, stands from his chair.
“Father Giraldi, nice to see you again.” He reaches for my outstretched hand, grasping it.
“You too, Gianni.”
Since I entered the priesthood, he’s never called me father. He’s my mentor, but he’s been our family priest for as long as I can remember.
