Page 56 of Two Chances With You

“Hey,” I reply as I walk past him on my way to my room, “you know what the first rule they teach you in America is?”

“Sure, if you want to survive, mind your own business.”

“Very good. How about the second one?”

“That’s one I don’t know.”

“Fuck you!” I go into my room and shut the door behind me.

“So you see? You really did learn a little English. Good work. I hope you know a few other vocabulary words though,” Paolo shouts.

I don’t bother answering, and I collapse onto my bed. At that very instant, the intercom buzzes from downstairs. I hurry out of my room. Paolo is already in the living room, heading for the intercom.

“I’ll get it.” I practically snatch the receiver out of his hand.

He stands there, aghast. “Wait, I’m not clear about this. This is my house, you’re my guest, but you’ve taken control of everything.”

I glare at him but then I smile. “Come on, I’m just serving as your butler.” It buzzes again. I pick up the receiver. My heart is racing.

“Hello, is Step there?” A female voice. My heart races faster. “It’s me, Pallina!”

“Hey, it’s me. What are you up to?”

“I wanted to see your new home, and then I was going to drag you on a pub crawl.”

“We can negotiate the details on that last item. Okay, come on up. Sixth floor.”

I push the button to open the downstairs door. Paolo looks at me and smiles. “Woman?”

I nod.

“Do you need me to leave you the apartment? Should I lock myself in my room and pretend I’m not around?”

My brother. What does he think is going on. What does he really know about me anyway?

“It’s Pallina, Pollo’s old girlfriend.”

He says nothing. Then he seems to grow sad. “I apologize.” He heads off to his room in silence. My brother. What a character, a man from another era. In fact, maybe that explains his timing.

Doorbell. I go to answer the door. “Hey!”

“Fuck, Step!” Pallina throws her arms around my neck and holds on tight. “I still can’t believe you’ve finally come back.”

“Keep this up, and I’ll leave again, eh?”

“Come on, forgive me.” Pallina regains her composure. “Show me around the apartment.”

“Come with me.” I shut the door, and I lead the way, acting as her tour guide.

“This is the living room, light fabrics, window treatments, et cetera et cetera.”

I go on talking, describing everything I see. I see her moving along behind me, looking at everything carefully, every once in a while reaching out her hand to get a better understanding, to judge the heft of some object. Pallina, how you’ve grown, lost weight, gotten a new hair style. Even your makeup looks a little dark, or is it that my memories are just faded?

“And this is the kitchen. Do you want anything?”

“No, no, nothing for now.”

“Oh, listen, I can’t stand the sight of you being pointlessly polite, okay?”

---