Page 106 of 7+Us Makes Nine

Giovanni stared into my eyes, so many unspoken thoughts darting between us. His movements were hesitant as he stepped forward, approaching me. I could tell that he too, was trying his best to pretend that everything was fine. To pretend that I wasn’t the woman he had so rudely kicked to the curb just hours ago. Beneath the calm expression, he was keeping on his face, I could see that he was practically looking at me as if seeing a ghost.

He extended his hand to me, and I forced myself to accept it. “Nice to meet you, Arianna,” he said, his voice deceptively smooth. He then brought my hand to his lips and kissed it. I fought hard not to snatch my hand away.

Meanwhile, our parents stood around us, beaming and clearly under the impression that we were off to a good start.

If they only knew…

When Gio released my hand, I was tempted to rub it against my skirt to wipe away his kiss, but I refrained. I had to be on my best behavior, so as not to embarrass my parents.

It was going to be a long evening.

Mrs. Romano smiled politely. “Well, I hope you all are hungry.”

“We certainly are,” my mother said.

“Please, take a seat then,” Mrs. Romano said, leading us to the dining room table.

The table was set beautifully, and the house was spotless. Already, I could tell that Mrs. Romano seemed like a sweet woman who was determined to leave a good first impression on me and my parents. I knew she couldn’t have possibly known how much of a jerk her son was, and what she was signing me up for.

“Let me help you set the table,” my mother offered.

“I can help too,” I chimed in, wanting an excuse to limit my time in Gio’s presence. I hoped we would eat fast, and leave.

“No, that’s all right, dear,” Mrs. Romano said. “You’re the guest of honor. Please, take a seat and make yourself at home.”

I swallowed and once again, tried not to cry as I watched my mother head to the kitchen with my future mother-in-law.

“Arianna.” I turned around to see Giovanni standing behind me wi

th an exceptionally large and beautiful bouquet of flowers. “These are for you,” he said, though not quite meeting my eyes.

“Thank you,” I said, without making any motion to take them.

Giovanni pursed his lips together. “I’ll just set these in the living room then, so you can grab them on the way out.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

He headed down the hall and out of sight. When I turned back around, his father and my father were both staring at me. I fidgeted slightly under their gaze.

Mr. Romano smiled. “Let’s have a seat, shall we?”

I stared at the table, hesitating to figure out where to sit. Mr. Romano moved toward the head of the table, while my dad took the corner seat beside him. Just as I was about to move toward the other side of my father, Mr. Romano pulled out a chair for me beside him.

“Thank you,” I said, feeling as if I had no choice but to accept the seat.

“No problem, dear.”

Shortly after that, Gio returned. And to my horror, he sat down beside me.

Trapped between my so-called future husband and father-in-law, I felt smothered already.

Moments later, my mother and Mrs. Romano returned, carrying dishes of food to the table.

“So, Arianna—I understand that you’re a teacher?” Mr. Romano said.

I smiled politely. “Yes, sir. I teach second grade.”

“How do you like it?”

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