by Sienna Mynx
“Scusi, Donna,” Leo said as Mirabella left the office she met with the men in. He looked troubled.
“What is it Leo?”
“The signorina. Bee?”
“Belinda. Yes?”
“She came to your room last night. She wanted to see you.”
“Oh? Something wrong?”
“She asked that I tell you she really wants to see Italy. She said you promised to speak to her mother about it.”
“Oh? Oh, yes. I forgot. Ah... what are you doing today?”
“Doing?”
“Leo,” Mirabella smiled. She touched his arm. “I’m not leaving the compound today. You can take her for a drive to the beaches. Just don’t stay out to late. And make sure she buys whatever she wants in the shop. I’ll cover it.”
“I will tell her.” Leo said and gave her a shy smile. Mirabella touched his face. The side of his face scared the worst. He looked into her eyes. “Thank you, Leo; for being at my side always. I don’t think I tell you enough how important you are to us, the family.”
“Grazie Donna.”
Mirabella left him in the hall. She went in search of the children. She found them and took a seat to watch as they played. She laughed. Eve danced around with her hands to her hips. She worked her bum and twirled. The more cheering she heard, the more excited Eve became. Mirabella clapped when the music stopped. Eve panted and grinned brightly. “I’m going to dance for Papa today! Dance for him like it’s his birthday!”
“He will love it,” Mirabella said.
“He’s going to play the guitar for me. Isn’t he?”
“Come here,” Mirabella said. She extended her hand to her daughter who came over with her arms open for one of her hugs. Mirabella hadn’t spent much time with the children lately, and it was taking a toll on all of them. Her boys didn’t reach for her. Gianni took comfort against Cecilia’s breast instead of her own. Eve constantly talked to her about being strong and capable to heal them. Why her baby girl felt the need to prove her strength troubled her.
“Mira?” Minnie knocked on the door.
She glanced up at Minnie. She smiled. Eve turned and grinned at Minnie. She went straight to her and hugged her leg. Minnie chuckled and picked Eve up, despite her size. She carried her over to the chair and sat across from Mirabella. Eve talked about all the things in her life she thought were interesting. Minnie was very patient. She listened intently. When the little girl bored of their meeting she got down from Minnie’s lap and went in search of a snack. They were alone.
“I have something for you.” Minnie said.
Curious, Mirabella watched Minnie pull a crumpled letter from her shirt pocket. She handed it over.
“It’s from Marietta. She wants to see you.”
Mirabella accepted the letter but set it aside. Minnie looked at her with sympathy, and that irked her. She didn’t need to be pitied. She wanted Minnie’s respect. It was something she wanted from her family in Apple Grove all her life. But no matter how wealthy or generous she was to them, they all pitied her because her mother was a heroin junkie. They pitied her because her grandmother died when she was young. They pitied her because she caused her grandfather’s stroke, and his death was her fault. They pitied her because Cutter told the town she murdered her baby before it was born. It was the only emotion they carried for her. Yet, when Marietta arrived Minnie loved her on sight.
“I think Belinda should see Italy.”
“Oh?” Minnie frowned.
“If it’s okay with you I told one of my men to take her to the beaches to do some shopping.”
“It’s not okay with me. You should have asked me first. Belinda is a troubled child.”
“I thought she was nineteen?” Mirabella asked.
“She’s still my baby. And I know what’s best for her.”
“I understand Minnie. But keeping her locked away won’t help her.”
“She’s lies Mirabella, she’s done… criminal things.”
“It’s just the beach Minnie. And she will be watched closely.”
“I suppose. I guess it’s okay.”
Mirabella smiled.
“Mira, you need to read the letter.” Minnie said.
“I asked you to come to Italy because I knew this would be difficult for Marietta. I want you to help her. Since you are so fond of her.”
“I’m fond of you both.”
“Don’t concern yourself with our relationship. Keeping Marietta healthy and calm to deliver her baby. That is all that matters.”
“It is not all that matters, honey. She has a husband. She could lose that child she is carrying. She wants to talk to you. To explain things. You can understand that. Right?”
“What I understand is my sister is a master manipulator. What I understand is if I go to villa Rosso and tell her what I really think of her, she would lose that baby. I stay away to keep us from that conversation.”
“Can I ask you another question?”
“Of course,” Mirabella smiled.
“What happens after the baby is born? Especially if it comes early. Those little darlings need pre-natal care if they come early into the world. What happens then?”
“I’ll get the baby what it needs.”
“But what happens to Marietta? You can’t keep her in a room forever.”
“I don’t intend to. I want to help my sister. She’s a sick woman. Sick like Bessie Mae. You do remember what happened between my grandmother and her twin sister. How Bessie Mae self destructed.”
“No matter what life threw at you, you always found a way to be strong and compassionate. Even to those who weren’t compassionate to you.”
“This is me being compassionate. I’m showing as much compassion to this family as they have shown my husband.”
“Can you read the letter?”
Mirabella didn’t answer. Minnie nodded sadly. “Well, honey, I’m not going anywhere. Cause guess what? After the hurt there is always a healing. I’m here for that. Your husband is going be healed because God already deemed it so. And when he is, you’re going to have to let go of your anger, and do the real work it will take to bring your family together. You can’t be him, Mira. You can only be you, sweetheart.”
Minnie gave her a sweet smile and left the room. Mirabella’s gaze slipped over to the letter Marietta wrote. She picked it up.
“Scusi, Donna?”
She glanced up to see Adara at the door. She put the letter down and nodded for the young woman to enter. Adara greeted her with kisses to the cheek. Mirabella went to the desk and picked up the phone. She dialed downstairs. She requested that Dominic be located and asked to join her.
She then hung up the call.
“Carlo said you may need my help?” Adara asked.
“I do need your help. Adara, right?”
“Sì, Donna.”
“You’re catholic?”
“Sì,” Adara replied.
“Did you choose a name at your confirmation or did your parents choose for you?” Mirabella asked.
“My parents did,” Adara said.
“May I ask what?”
“Catherine. After St. Catherine of Bologna.” Adara said. “I remember going with my grandfather to visit her in the chapel of the Poor Clares in Bologna. She is preserved there. I’ll never forget that trip.”
“Catherine. I think that name suits you.”
Dominic walked inside the room unannounced. Adara’s head turned and she looked a bit surprised. Mirabella spoke again to bring the woman’s attention to her. “When I was converting to Catholicism, Giovanni explained to me the importance of my confirmation. To become the person, we should strive to be. Kind of fitting that we choose a saint since who we are is nothing close to sainthood. I was named by my father. And before he died he told me what my name meant to him. When I had to choose a saint for my confirmation I struggled. I decided to pray on it and the name chose me. One I don’t share.” Mirabella smiled. “We daughters carry the bur
dens of our mothers, and the sins of our fathers. It must have been a struggle for you growing up without your parents, but carrying their sin, Catherine the saint.”
Adara frowned. “I don’t understand...”
“I know who you are. Adara Costello. Special Agent Adara Calderone, the lost daughter of Angelo Calderone. A man who tried to have me killed.”
Adara attempted to stand. Dominic put a hand to her shoulder and she sat. She glanced to him and Mirabella.
“Tacchini tells me you didn’t know my husband was your benefactor. For you, for many years, he was your enemy. Correct?”
“I don’t know a Tacchini.”
“Don’t lie to me. I am trying to understand. It is to your benefit to help me understand.”
Adara shook her head. “Does Carlo know?”
Mirabella glanced to Dominic whose brows lifted. She then looked to Adara. “Is he important to you?”
“He is. I need to explain this... I want him to know the truth but hear it from me.”
“I can help you with that. But first you must help me. I sent Carlo to Naples for a few days. Do you want to know why?”
She nodded at Mirabella curiously.
“It is time you repay your debt to this family for sparing your life, and the lives of your brothers and sisters.”
“You slaughtered my family! I owe you nothing!” Adara spat.
“You owe me everything. If you don’t accept my gracious offer, then I’ll be forced to present another. One you can’t refuse.”
“I’m of no use to you now. I haven’t checked in with my bosses since the day Giovanni was shot. If I approach them they will arrest me on sight. They think I’ve turned.”
“Not true. If the Generale thought you turned, he’d storm these gates and throw your identity in my face. I know it’s hard to believe, Adara, but I’m not some naïve American wife in over my head. I understand how valuable you are to the Generale. You’re the first agent through the gates of my home. Sleeping under my roof. He’ll wait an eternity to gain the knowledge of everything you have heard and seen here. And, sweetheart, that makes you valuable to me.”
“What do you want?”
“For you to give them the biggest tip they have received yet. For you to give them the keys to Sicilia.”
Mirabella could see a spark of curiosity in the young woman’s eyes. She smiled. It would be good for them all if Adara cooperated.
The sun felt heavenly on her skin. Catalina leaned back further. Her bikini was the only cover she had. The sunglasses over her eyes protected her sight. The rest of her baked as the cool winds off the lake kept her from overheating.
“Is this what you call fishing?” Armando chuckled.
She lifted her head and smiled. He line was cast into the still waters. He had a cigar hanging from his lips as he reeled in his bait.
“Yes. You fish and I tan.”
Armando chuckled. He set his fishing rod down. He picked up her suntan lotion and squeezed some into his palm. He began again to work it over her leg. They had bought some before they headed out for a day of adventure. The privacy of the lake and the slow rocking of the boat was hypnotic. She couldn’t help but grin over his massage.
“You look tasty,” he said, moving the stub of his cigar to the other side of his mouth. He switched to her other leg.
“Do I?” she asked.
Catalina smiled. The boat was big enough for two. There were two bench seats in it. She sat on one and he sat on the other facing her. She lifted her foot and he let go of her leg. She placed her foot against his chest.
“How tasty?” she asked.
Armando removed his cigar. He put it out on the seat next to him. Catalina smiled. He removed his sunglasses and she could see his eyes. She loved his eyes. Especially when they looked at her the way they were looking at her now. Armando grabbed the edge of the boat to make sure his movements were balanced. He then wen to his knees.
The heel of her foot rested on his shoulder. She invited him to come closer by dropping the other leg over the side of the small fisherman’s boat.
The most beautiful sight in the world was before him now. Armando set aside the panty of her bikini and gave the plump lips of her sex a kiss. His tongue delved in and swiped upward. She liked his tongue. Her hand landed on top of his head and she scooted forward on the bench to feed him her pussy. Catalina’s breath came and went, deep yet rapid. He used his tongue like a maestro wagged a baton. And his lady reached the heights he wanted for her. She cried out his name more than once before he tasted her essence. She gripped his hair so tight his scalp stung. And then she let him go. He lifted his gaze to look up to her quivering belly, her heaving breasts. Her head was dropped back and her lips parted as she sucked down several long breaths.
“Like I said cara, tasty.”
***
In the light of the new day a ride on the back of the motorcycle into the village of Castelmola offered a quiet solace that always made Sicilia feel like home. Catalina had left the helmet behind. They returned after fishing. They showered and made love against a windowsill before dressing again to go out for an adventure. She chose to wear shorts and a crop top with dark sunglasses to protect her eyes from the wind.
Castelmola was ignored by most tourists that travelled into Sicily. The high mountainous terrain covered it from view and made it a tedious trek to venture too. But the sights from Castelmola made it most memorable to those who were adventurous enough to make the journey. She snuggled in close with her arms cinched around his waist. Her chin rested on his shoulder. She didn’t ask where they were headed. She prayed they had no destination. She just loved the freedom of the road.
And for a long travel time, it was just her and him. A few small box shaped cars and a few vespas, but nothing more. They actually passed a villager on a horse and wagon.
Armando steered them into a narrow alleyway with restaurants that scaled up four stories with outside balcony seating three stories high. He parked before one. Catalina smiled. She got off the back of the bike and he secured it before he joined her.
“Time for lunch,” he said and kissed her hand.
“I don’t think I’ve ever eaten here before,” she said putting her sunglasses in her hair.
“I like it when you’re a virgin,” he teased.
She laughed. “I haven’t been a virgin in a very long time.”
“Every time is a first time with me,” he corrected her.
She shrugged. “What if I were a virgin? What if I never fell in love with Domi and my father had lived. Would we be married? Would I have been a virgin for you on our wedding night.”
“Mmm, don’t tempt me with what-ifs.” Armando pulled her along. He held open the glass door to the cafe. A bar and small round tables with too many chairs were cramped into a tiny cafe. A young girl approached. Armando asked for a private table. They were led up a flight of stairs. The third level of the dining establishment was no bigger than the first. Except for at this level there was outside seating on a balcony perched higher above the other village stores. Armando pulled out her chair, and she sat at a table with a red and white checkered tablecloth, plastic place settings, and fresh flowers in a tiny vase.
“You look beautiful,” he said.
“What a difference a shower makes,” she joked.
“I’m serious.”
“I don’t have on any make up. You didn’t give me time.”
“Promise me you will never wear it again.”
“Huh? Make up? Are you insane?”
“I want you like this. Always. Burn it, throw it away. You don’t need it.”
“The altitude has you hallucinating.”
“It’s the truth. You’re my truth. The authentic beautiful you.”
“Well makeup and fashion is my life. You want me, you have to take my makeup bag too.”
He laughed. “I guess it will be my compromise.”
“You’re weird when you’re sweet. This is so wei
rd,” she said.
“What is so weird about any of it Catalina. It’s real.”
“You talk like this is permanent,” she accepted the wine poured for her. “I know we agreed it is, but you never waiver. Never hesistate. Our affair won’t be easy on either of us. And somehow you make me feel like it can be.”
“Why is that?”
“Your men don’t want me for their Donna. Ignacio sneers every time I enter the room. And the family you do have hates my family. They haven’t even accepted Marietta and Mirabella.”
“All of that will change.”
“How?” she asked. Armando’s eyes could not be seen from behind his dark sunglasses, but they were on her. She felt the heat of his gaze, not the sun that blazed above them. At their elevation in the mountains the temperature was a moderate 21 Celsius. When he refused to answer, she glanced out at the small community of Taormina, and then the eastern shores of Sicily.
“It would be nice if we could have a picnic and more privacy. Just us at the top of Mt. Etna.”
She returned her gaze to Armando and he was already out of his seat. He left and spoke with the young woman who brought them in, she was seating another couple inside. Catalina sipped her wine a bit curious of what trick he had for her next. Whatever it was she was excited, his attention was saving her.
Ten minutes later Armando reappeared with a basket on his arm and a bottle of wine. “Let’s go.”
“Where to?”
“Our private lunch.”
“We can’t go to Mt. Etna!” she laughed.
“We can get close. We can do whatever the hell we want together,” he assured her.
Catalina downed the last of her wine for courage, and got up feeling giddy. She accepted the basket and he took her hand. Once out of the restaurant, Armando went to the store next door and bought a blanket. She managed to fold it up nicely and hold on to the basket as he started the bike and drove them out of the marketplace.
The village was known for its churches. Each one was more than six centuries old. The infrastructure of the town was made of lime and lava stone. Each was beautifully preserved. She felt as if they were slipping even further in time. And once they reentered the wooded terrain of the countryside, she believed it.