Page 48 of The Consequence of You
“Fuck this,” he growls before slamming his fist into the mirror hanging on the wall outside Papa’s study. It smashes, shards of glass falling onto the floor. He reeks of whiskey, and blood drips down his fist. I reach out as he passes, hoping he’ll let me help him, but he just shrugs me off as I fight back tears.
Papa exits the room. He can barely make eye contact with me.
“Luca is going to Sicily. He’ll live with Uncle Santos. He’ll finish university there and learn the family business. I won’t have this disrespect any longer.”
“Papa, please, this isn’t his fault. Don’t send him away. He’s grieving.”
“My decision is made. I don’t want to hear anything else about it.”
He stalks down the hallway in the opposite direction, and I’m left standing alone.
This is all my fault.
A few months ago, Luca was a normal teenager. Papa was firm, but never dictatorial. We were happy. Our family is unrecognisable now. Our mother’s death broke it.
I broke it.
CALLIE-PRESENT
Lifting the glass of water to my mouth, I take a small sip. I shake my head when Rossi offers me the platter of cold meat. My appetite has been non-existent today.
Luca smiles at me, and I can’t help but wonder how hecan even bear to sit in the same room as me, let alone make conversation.
“How are you, sorellina?”
“I’m well. How are you and Papa?”
“I’m good. I’m looking forward to a new challenge. Papa is still working too hard and insisting on being hands on with everything. You know how he is.”
“Sounds like nothing has changed then?”
We’ve both encouraged him to let go a little over the years, as our mama did, but he’s a workaholic. Always has been. He has been talking about retiring for a couple of years, but we both fear he could burn out before then.
“No, but with me taking over the management in the UK it means when he is home, he should be able to relax a little more. Spend more quality time with you.”
“I appreciate the sentiment, but you and I both know he isn’t going to just stand by and leave you to it when he’s here.”
We laugh but it’s awkward. I pick up a piece of bread and chew it, but it feels like sawdust on my tongue. Luca strums his fingers on his knee.
“How’s university life? How’s the course going?”
“It’s good. Interesting. I don’t miss high school, that’s for sure.”
Luca nods.
“I just wanted to say, nothing needs to change now I’m home. You’re still welcome to have people over or hold a party here any time you like.”
“Thank you. But parties aren’t really my scene.”
I’m not sure why I told him that. I’m sure he doesn’t really care one way or another and is only being polite. I recall his social life at my age, and it was nothing likemine. He was always hosting parties, and he was out most weekends. Another thing I spoiled for him.
“Fair enough. Are you seeing anyone special?”
My eyes flick to Rossi, and I wonder if he told Luca I had Asher here the other night. He subtly shakes his head before popping another quartered fig in his mouth.
“No. Not at the moment. Are you?” My deflection is deliberate. I’d rather talk about Luca than myself. He smiles.
“Nothing that’s worth going long distance for. The plan has always been for me to return here, so all my lady friends knew there was no permanence on offer. Plus, variety is the spice of life. You know how indecisive I can be.”
