"You don't exist, not to me. No more"
"Good to know” Luca retorted sarcastically, “yet you open your home and your life to a stranger?"
"Margherita is no stranger; she gives me more than you boys and your mother ever did. She’s a whole lot less trouble too" he sneered.
"So you beat her too?" Luca countered, standing before his father and sizing him up.
"Ridicolo!" ridiculous
"Really? Are you such a drunk you can't remember what you used to do to Ma, to us boys?"
“You are soft Luca, your brothers too. Ho finito” I’m done.
“I don’t care if you’re done—you owe me, all of us, an explanation. Have you always been a sadistic old bastard or do you just prefer to pick on people smaller and defenseless against you?”
“Colpa tua madre. Colpa tua nonni” Blame your mother. Blame your grandparents.
“This isn’t anyone else’s fault Papa—this is about you and your temper”
“Your mama and nonni; they didn’t believe I was good enough. Never enough money, not the right house, not the right vehicle… uffa… then you boys came along, one then another then another and they were right. Not enough money for clothes and shoes and school and food… The pressure it was… too much…” he trailed off.
“And lashing out at as all fixed that?”
“No… no…” he sighed, “I’m not good with pressure, I cannot make good things from pressure, I just… react badly. It is really not my fault”.
“So, all the nights of hiding from you, listening to you beating Ma and Roman and Dominic, that’s not your fault?” Luca asked incredulously.
“You all made life hard. It was not the life I wanted. Like I said, do not make yourself too comfortable, I am about done with this too” he stabbed at Luca before turning his back once again and walking inside and no doubt to his whisky bottle.
As the sun settled, Luca helped himself to a plate of Margherita’s pasta before heading out for a walk. The landscape was lush, the grass a green hue unlike any Luca had seen before, the alpine waters of the creek below shone with pale blue glory and the imposing Alps stood firmly in the background offering subconscious reminders to Luca that in order to remain strong he’d have to stand firm and consistent against his father’s hostility. One thing that Luca was beginning to understand was that it wasn’t so much his father’s temper that was the problem; sure it was the finger that pulled the trigger, but it was his father’s own insecurities and inability to handle change that was the most significant catalyst for his hostility.
Luca knew he could compromise, he mightn’t like it but he could do it. He knew he could provide a stable and solid life for himself and Imogen moving forward. He knew that he was secure enough in his abilities to behave and interact like a gentleman. Maybe Imogen and Roman had been right; maybe he’d just snapped at the McNaught situation because Imogen meant so much to him. Maybe he wasn’t like his father at all. He and his mother and brothers had created a positive and rewarding life for themselves against all the adversity that had been thrown their way. I’m not like him at all Luca realized before setting back to the house, feeling the most confident in himself than he had in months.
Lying in bed later that night, Luca listened again as his father ranted and mumbled aimlessly before falling into bed drunk and crying. As he listened to his father’s heaving sobs, Luca couldn’t help but feel pity. Not sympathy, but pity. His father had made his bed, if it was uncomfortable and lonely now it was too bad—he’d have to sleep in it, alone.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Luca scoured the yard for firewood and created a neat pile close by the house, before chopping back the overgrown trees and hedges for a separate pile of kindling. It’d be winter soon enough and though Luca had no plans to stick around, the man was still his father and he was determined to help in any way he could. Besides, the exercise offered Luca a great way to burn some energy and keep his mind off how much he was missing Imogen.
Hours later and with the property almost back to reasonable condition, his father appeared on the porch, an intimidating and unhappy scowl set tightly across his face.
“Non più!” no more! he shouted before walking over to Luca and standing toe to toe with him. “non ho bisogno di te” I don’t need you.
“A simple grazie would do, you ungrateful prick” Luca said, pushing past him and walking toward the house.
“GET OUT!” his father bellowed, grabbing Luca by the arm, an attempting to move him but unable to budge Luca's solid frame. “I don’t want you around, any of you. You come here and rub in my face how well you are all doing… no more! You want to be part of my life Luca, but I do not want that. The best thing that ever happened was coming home and finding you all gone. I never wanted your mother. I never wanted you boys. Go away, leave me to be—take your fancy businesses and money and go back to Australia. I do not want you in my home! You hear me Luca? You are not my son anymore, go away!”
Shaking free of his father’s grip, Luca could feel his temper rising, could feel the heat and anger coursing through his body. Composing himself briefly, Luca turned to walk away. No good would come from losing his temper and fighting his father.
“Aah… a big man, but really a sook. You’d rather walk away than have a fight” he father sneered at him, “mummie ragazzo” mummies boy he taunted.
Luca spun quickly and had his father by the shirt and pinned against the door frame before either man could fully comprehend what was happening. His breathing was now staggered as his temper threatened to explode.
“Tale padre, tale figlio” his father laughed at him. Like father, like son.
“That’s where you’re wrong. I am not your son” Luca spat out before dropping the man to the ground and walking away.
There were no more words spoken between Luca and his father as he packed his bag and left the house. As he walked out, the stench of whisky hung heavily in the air, a reminder to Luca that some people never change.
Pulling in the driveway of his nonni’s house, Luca saw his nonna sitting on her rocking chair on the porch and his nonno tending the garden. Nothing had changed, but this consistency actually brought a smile to Luca’s face, the first in days. Bringing the car to a stop, his nonni were on their feet and looking toward him, intrigued as to who their visitor was.
“Luca, il mio ragazzo Luca!” shouted his nonna before throwing her arms into the air in celebration. Luca, my boy Luca!
Luca couldn’t hide his smile, after all these years his nonna recognized him whereas his own father hadn’t. That in itself spoke volumes.
“Nonna, nonno!” he shouted back, bounding over to where they were both standing and drawing them in for a hug.
“What are you doing here Luca” asked his nonno.
“Achille, the boy looks hungry—let me feed you Luca then you answer the questions, si?” his nonna interrupted.
Luca smiled warmly, bending to kiss his nonna’s forehead before pulling her in for another hug, “you think I look hungry, huh? I’m twice the size of you nonna!”
“My boy, you are always the bambino della famiglia” baby of the family. “Let me feed you”
As Luca mopped up the last of his sauce with his nonna’s homemade bread, he looked across to his nonno who had been watching him expectantly.
“I came to visit Papa” Luca offered by way of explanation.
“No, no, no Luca” sighed his nonna.
“Romana, hush” his nonno scorned, “let Luca speak”
“I’ve already been to see him” Luca started before explaining the lead of events of the past couple of days, his nonni sitting silently and listening to him intently. His nonna shook her head silently and looked hurt from time to time, making Luca feel guilty for bringing his problems into their home.
“So, how did the meeting end?” his nonno asked after a few moments of silence.
Luca, paraphrasing his father, repeating his most hurtful words, “You are not my s
on anymore, go away!”
“No! Uomo malvagio” evil man his nonna offered.
“Hmm…” his nonno replied thoughtfully, “what you must understand Luca is that your father is a weak man. He likes to be the victim, in fact he needs to be the victim lest he have to make a life for himself and his family. In this case, your nonna is right—your father, he is not a good man, I am sorry to say this Luca. Your mother, Roman—do they know you’re here?”
“Yes” Luca replied, “though no-one was particularly happy that I was coming to see him”.
“Then why Luca, surely you remember…” his nonno replied, lowering his voice.
“I remember, nonno” Luca answered. “I needed to know that I wasn’t like him. I want to settle down now, I’ve found my soulmate, but I… I’m scared that maybe I’m like him”.
“Luca, why do you say that?” his nonno asked gently, “You don’t… you’re not… violent are you?”
“No, no, not like that” Luca replied before briefly filling in his grandfather on the events leading to Bill McNaught and his tempered response to the situation.
“Aah, Luca, no this is not the same as your father. You are in love with Imogen, yes? So, you want to protect her, keep her safe. What you did is not ideal and you must learn to control your temper but it is very normal to protect someone you love when they are put in such danger” his nonno replied.
“Il mio bambino è inamorato!” his nonna exclaimed, clearly oblivious to the entire conversation and hearing only the parts she wanted to. My baby boy is in love!
“Where is Imogen, Luca?” his nonno asked, trying desperately to ignore his wife’s excited proclamations but smiling discretely to Luca all the same.
“I need to phone her, to ask her to come over” he replied, barely finishing his sentence before his nonna was scurrying him over to the phone.
“You have to speak loudly Luca, the phone it is not so good” she explained. “Tell my lovely Imogen, I cannot wait to meet her” she smiled.
“Romana, come” his nonno commanded gently, “let’s leave Luca to talk to his girl. They have much to catch up on”.
“Im, it’s me” Luca managed before his voice began to shake and tears threatened to expose him.
“Luca! Oh wow, how are you? How’s Italy?” she exclaimed, the sweet sound of her voice threatening to tip Luca completely over the edge.
“It wasn’t good…” he replied
“What? Are you ok? Luca, tell me you’re ok?” she replied, concern replacing her initial excitement.
“Im, I’m ok, but can you come?”
“Straightaway?” she queried, her measured reply belying her concern.
“I’ve called Roman, he’s organizing your ticket. He’ll pick you up for the airport in a few hours”
“Luca. Promise me you’re ok—this isn’t like you…” she trailed off.
“Please Im, come, I need you” he replied before the phone cut out.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Imogen had no sooner hang up from Luca’s phone call when the doorbell rang. In a daze she headed to open the door and found Roman looking stressed out on the other side.
“Did he ring you Im?” Roman asked, as she moved aside to let him in.
“Yes, he wants me to go over there, now"
“I know, I have your ticket” Roman replied, passing her an envelope, “and a roller suitcase in the car as well. Did he say anything to you about our father?”
“No, he didn’t and the phone cut out and I have no way of phoning him back. I don’t even know where he is” she replied, the weight of the situation hanging heavily between them both.
“Did he sound stressed to you?”
“Stressed, yes. A bit sad too maybe—I thought a couple of times he sounded choked up, but it was a dreadful line, maybe I’m wrong” she replied, trying to soften the blow to Roman who was clearly overwhelmed and concerned.
“No, you’re right, that’s what I thought too. I’ll go get this bag Im and help you pack”
“I have a bag, Roman”
“Luca said you have a backpack and he doesn’t want you lugging it around and stirring up your ankle injury. He told me to give you this roller bag—I’ll go get it” Roman answered before opening the door and finding Dominic standing outside.
“Dom, thanks for coming. Can you go get the suitcase out of my car” Roman offered by way of greeting before throwing him the keys and heading further into the house with Imogen.
“Ok, Im, the ticket is from here to Linate airport in Milan. Luca will be there in time to pick you up once you land. He said he’ll be waiting, just don’t worry, he’ll be there” Roman offered as he pulled the luggage out of his vehicle and walked Imogen across the crowded carpark to the airport terminal.
“Im, do you need cash?” Dom asked sincerely.
“No, thank you—I’m fine” she replied.
Turned to Roman and Dominic, Imogen asked, “are you sure you don’t mind keeping an eye on the gym?” she asked.
“Don’t give it a second thought Im, it’s taken care of” replied Dom before pulling her in for a brief hug.
“We’ll take care of everything at this end, you just concentrate on Luca. Just support him Im, it will have been bad” Roman whispered before pulling her in for a stabilizing hug, “now you best get going, ring me if you need me”.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Imogen saw Luca first; he looked drained, tired, and not at all himself. She'd never seen him look so defeated; it must have been bad she thought to herself as she watched Luca straighten up and start searching the crowd for her. Waving out, she got his attention and watched as his face lit up.
"Im!" he shouted, striding toward her and swooping her into his arms. "God, I've missed you so much Im" he whispered, burying his face in her hair.
"How are you Luca?" she asked pointedly as she stepped back to take him in.
"Better now" he smiled genuinely but the smile didn't quite reach his eyes.
"I don't believe you" she whispered.
"I know" he nodded, "let's get out of here—oh, and Im, this is for you" he said thrusting a map into her hands. "Where do you want to go?"
"Are you kidding? Have you not made plans?" she asked excitedly.
"Nope, it doesn't matter to me where we are just as long as we're together" he replied honestly.
"Ok, well I don't need the map; I know where I want to go—Verona"
Pulling out of Milan Central Station again gave Luca a feeling of déjà-vu, except he reminded himself, Imogen is here.
"Rest, Im" he said, tucking her head into the crook of his shoulder.
"No, let's talk" she replied sleepily.
"Plenty of time for that. Get some sleep; it's about an hour and a half to Verona, if you sleep now we can do some sightseeing, and talking, once we get there".
"I'll settle for talking" she murmured as the gentle rocking of the train overpowered her desire to stay awake.
As she nestled into Luca, he pulled her in as tight as he could before resting his head against the back of the chair and taking his first deep breath in days. Everything felt right again with Imogen by his side, even the events of the past few days seemed less overwhelming. He could tell that she was concerned and he'd deal with that once they had somewhere private to talk, but contrary to what he imagined she was thinking he'd actually found some peace with the situation over the last couple of days. Though he still had some issues to address, on the whole he was feeling better.
The memories that had plagued him since returning to his old home had been so powerful he was still finding it difficult to shake some of them. The feelings of worthlessness he'd had as a boy had returned yet his father's dismissive attitude toward him had actually countered out some of these feelings. The trip had proved one thing: his father had never cared about them and it was likely he never would. It was that realization that actually freed Luca from feeling any connection to his father. Talking to his nonno had confirmed t
hat Luca would need to work on his temper from time to time but overall he could honestly say he was in no way like his father.
"What about here?" Luca asked as they turned down the umpteenth sidestreet and stumbled onto the beautiful bright red door of the Opera Relais hotel. The taxi driver had suggested they check out Verona's famed Piazza Bra area; a hub for shopping, sightseeing, and local cuisine. So far, it was living up to it's reputation; the piazza was immaculate with the imposing Verona Arena offering the perfect reminder of why the city was known for its romance and culture.
"It looks expensive Luca" Imogen replied.
"Then it's decided" he smiled, buzzing reception before sliding Imogen through the door and upstairs to the front desk.
"Benvenuto signore and signora"
"Ciao; a room for two please" Luca asked.
"Aah signore certainly, I have but one room remaining, our signature Giuliette e Romeo room. Follow me, please" she asked, picking up room keys and motioning them toward the sleek white hallway, "all of our rooms are named and designed according to famous operas—will you be seeing a show while you're here?"
"We're not sure yet" Luca replied politely, before thanking her and acquiring the room keys.
Imogen collapsed on the bed as soon as the door was closed, "Oh, Luca, I am so tired!" she breathed, "I need a shower, food and sleep".
"Is that all?" he questioned playfully, dropping down onto the bed beside her and pulling her on top of him.
"Hmm… no, that's not all" she smiled.
"What else do you need then Im?" he asked, leaning up to capture her lips.
"Just this" she murmured, sinking deeper into his kiss. "But you promised we'd talk; I've been worried about you".
"I know, but it can wait"
Capello Brothers 3 Train My Heart Page 6