Renzo (The Ciprianos of Kellington)

by Bergman, Jamallah

“Yes, ma’am, I got everything squared away just fine. But now I’m hungry from the aroma of this good food you’re cooking.” Jaslyn smiled when her stomach growled. That banana she had earlier didn’t curb her appetite and it was slowly getting toward lunchtime.

  “Here, taste this sauce and tell me how it is.” Filomena grabbed a spoon and ladled the Pomodoro sauce. She blew and tasted it. Jaslyn hadn’t tasted anything so delicious in her life. It reminded her of the marinara sauce from the restaurant. Jaslyn made a moaning sound and the group laughed. Filomena said, “Gianni, tell the boys to come and help me. Jaslyn, go on outside and take the bread, wine, and ice tea with you.”

  “I’ll let you go and eat then, see you later.” Renzo waved and walked out of the kitchen toward the front door.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Grabbing the pitcher of ice tea along with the wine bottle, Jaslyn walked out to the porch that showed off a beautiful garden. She was astonished by how beautiful the place was. Closing her eyes, she took in a deep breath of the flowers’ perfume around her. No wonder Renzo brought her here today, this was a beautiful place.

  “Ciao a tutti, bella signora.” A voice from behind her made her turn around as she saw Simone as well as another man walking in with some plates. He had a broad smile on his face, dark hair that was cut short like Simone’s and as he came over toward her, she realized he had eyes just like her own, hazel and dazzling. These eyes were searching all over her body.

  “Hello, Simone, how are you?”

  “I didn’t know you were going to have lunch with us. Ms. Whitman, it’s nice seeing you. This is my brother Federico, this, brother, is Ms. Jaslyn Whitman,” Simone said as his brother looked at him then back to her.

  “My goodness, now I know why Renzo has been acting the way he has over you. What a bella creatura tu sei.” He took her hand and lightly kissed it as she watched Gianni and Filomena walk out.

  “Federico, what did I tell you!” said Gianni. Federico smirked.

  “Yes, I know. You have to understand, my dear, you are off limits to us since our brother is interested in you.”

  “Oh, really huh? Well I promise not to tell him that you just tried to make a pass at me.” He smiled at her. They walked over to the table filled with a wondrous array of food from pastas, meats, cheese, veggies, to bread, and everything looked so good. “You set a beautiful table, Filomena.”

  “Why thank you, my dear, now sit over here next to me. Boys make room.” Once everybody was seated, Filomena said grace. Afterwards, everyone dug into the food. Everything that she ate was delicious. She ended up getting thirds of the antipasto and Federico kept looking at her all kinds of weird. Jaslyn couldn’t actually say it was weird, but rather seductively like what he had said meant absolutely nothing to him.

  “This was a delicious meal, Filomena, I am beyond stuffed,” Jaslyn declared, covering her mouth to burp. “Excuse me.”

  “I am glad you enjoyed it. I honestly wasn’t planning on having company other than my sons today. But it’s always nice to have another woman in the house. Now while the boys put everything away, we will enjoy a walk in my garden.” Filomena smiled. They all stood up while she showed Jaslyn to the walkway into the garden. “It’s such a lovely day today, isn’t it?”

  “That it is and I want to thank you for letting me stay in your home today. I was not in the mood for work after this morning.”

  “I wouldn’t have been either after what that cagna did to your car. Was it that, bad what she did?”

  “I know I’ll have to get another car. It was so horrible all that trash—eggs and she painted fuck you bitch on the side of my car. All of my tires were flattened,” Jaslyn said. Filomena looped an arm through hers while they continued walking through the garden that sunny afternoon.

  Chapter Seven

  Renzo had gotten word that both companies he called to clean up the mess and tow Jaslyn’s car were at her house. He was grateful they came so quickly. He only hoped his family was making her stay at his mother’s home a comfortable one. The phone rang once more and he quickly answered it. “Hello Filomena’s, Renzo speaking.”

  “Hi, Renzo, this is Taylor down at the precinct. I was calling to talk with you about how Jaslyn was doing.”

  “She’s at my mother’s. She couldn’t deal with working today, so I brought her to my mom’s for the rest of the day until things were clear at her home.”

  “We found Melanie and are questioning her. She’s of course denying everything, but we are still grilling her. I was going to call her cell, but I honestly didn’t want to make her any more upset than she already was. You might as well tell her that she needs to be careful.”

  “Do you think Melanie could do something else?”

  “If she did this to her car, there’s no telling what else she could do.”

  Renzo was starting to get worried, even though he knew Melanie and her antics could get bad, she never went to these lengths before. Now that he showed interest in one particular woman, she wanted to make their lives a living hell. “Thanks, Taylor, and I’ll let her know right away.” Hanging up the phone, he reclined back in his chair in deep thought.

  What the hell was he going to do now?

  * * * *

  Jaslyn and Filomena had been in the garden talking and then a topic came up that caught Jaslyn completely off guard. “How do you feel about my son Renzo?”

  “Umm, what do you mean?” They both sat down on a bench where she could see the statue nearby.

  “Just what I said sweetheart for I know my sons very well and I’ve never seen him like this. You have to understand when he got with Melanie, I didn’t approve. I told him from the get go I didn’t like her at all. It was in her eyes. I saw something that I didn’t like. But with you, I’ve never seen him so happy before.”

  Jaslyn smiled thinking for a moment. “I honestly can tell you that I don’t know what I truly feel for your son. I mean he’s been a nice guy, but for some strange reason, I keep thinking about his past. I know I shouldn’t be. Renzo doesn’t know this, but before I came here I was in an abusive relationship with a man who lied and used me. I won’t go into detail, but it left me an emotional and physical wreck. Then I come here and things were going just fine until Renzo popped into my life. I know he’s trying to get my attention, but I just feel he doesn’t understand that even though I like all the things he’s done for me, I wish he wouldn’t try so hard. It’s like he’s trying to over-impress me with the fact he’s got the means to do what he does.”

  “Well you have to understand, my dear, this is probably the first time he’s really fallen in love with someone. Like I said, I know my sons and all about their past antics. Even though my other boys here haven’t changed their ways much, Renzo has. He’s the one who’s always wanted to settle down and be with just one person. He thought he would have it with Melanie, but of course that wasn’t the case. Renzo has never been interested in any other woman around here until he saw you in the shop. He defended you when Simone and Federico were talking about coming to see you. He said you were off limits,” Filomena told her.

  Jaslyn blushed. She couldn’t believe he had said that to his own brothers. “He really did that?”

  “That he did, darling. I know if you tell Renzo the whole story he’ll understand. This will only make your connection together stronger. I think you both need each other more than you know. I can tell you have so much love to give.” She held Jaslyn’s hand. Soon Jaslyn felt warmth go through her body. It was a feeling she hadn’t felt since being with her own mom. She needed that bit of comfort.

  Simone walked over to the two. “Jaslyn, you have a call from Renzo.”

  Both ladies made their way back inside. Gianni handed her the phone. “Hello, Renzo.”

  “Hi, Jaslyn, how are you feeling?

  “Much better thanks for asking. Thank you for bringing me here, it was the pick-me-up I needed.”

  He smiled. “You know you’ve made me happy just knowing how my family
has brightened your spirits. Listen, I got a call from the officer who did the report. They have Melanie in custody.”

  “Thank God.”

  “I wanted to ask you a question though, how would you feel about staying with my mother for the rest of the week until all of this blows over?”

  She didn’t know what to think. “Why?”

  “For your safety, mia colomba. The officer thinks she might try something else. Listen, Jaslyn, I would love it if you could stay at my mother’s place. If something was to happen to you, I don’t know what I would do.”

  A lump formed in her throat. It was the sweetest thing she had ever heard. Looking around she saw Filomena staring at her, wondering what was going on. “Why would you say something like that?” her voice started to crack.

  “Because I mean it, Jaslyn, I care very much about you and if anything was to happen to you, a part of me would hurt right along with you.”

  Jaslyn covered her mouth to keep from crying, but soon the sobs overcame her. Filomena rushed to her side and grabbed the phone. “Renzo, what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing is wrong, Mom, I was just telling Jaslyn how I feel about her. I think it might have been too much for her.”

  “I think so too, bless her heart. What is going on?”

  “I want her to stay there for the rest of the week. Melanie might try something crazy. I told her I didn’t know what I would do if something happened to her. I meant that too, I would kill if anybody harmed, Jaslyn.”

  “I know you would, mio figlio, listen I will make sure we get the things she needs from home and keep her here with me,” Filomena assured him.

  “Thanks, Mom. I’ll be over later on to check on you all.”

  “All right, darling, goodbye.” She hung up the phone while Gianni gave Jaslyn a tissue. Then giving her a hug she smiled and said, “You see, I told you that he cared, didn’t I? Now what we are going to do is this—Gianni and Simone are going to take you to your house and you are going to pack a bag for a week. Now go into the bathroom and clean yourself up then the boys will take you home.” Filomena nodded to Simone who took Jaslyn by the arm and showed her the way to the bathroom.

  When the brothers and Jaslyn got to her home, the car as well as the trash was gone. It was as if nothing had been there the entire time and she was happy to see that eyesore gone. The only thing that stood in its place was a large puddle of water from where they had hosed it down. “Is that where the car was?” asked Simone.

  Jaslyn nodded while they walked to her door. “I won’t be but a moment.” Walking back to her room, she went into her closet, retrieved her overnight bag, and began packing clothes from her drawer. She didn’t want to leave her home, but she knew it was for the best.

  “You have a nice place here, Jaslyn,” shouted Gianni from the living room as she went into the bathroom to get her toiletries.

  “Thanks. I really like it, very peaceful out in the backyard too.” She grabbed all she could. Going back into her room, she made sure she had everything she needed before they left. She zipped the bag and walked back into the living room, noticing the men checking out the pictures on the mantle.

  “Is this you?” asked Gianni holding a picture of her and her mother.

  “Yes, and that is my mom. It was taken when we were at church. I think I was about eight or nine.” Both men smiled at the picture while Simone picked up another picture of her, her brother, and mother about a year ago. “That is my brother, Henry, and of course me and Mom. This is my dad, Quincy. He passed away about five years ago…he was an amazing man.” Rubbing the antique frame with the picture of her father in it, she missed hearing his pep talks when she was in therapy. He would take her to physical therapy even though he was slowly getting sicker by the day. “I think we better head on out.” Once Gianni grabbed her bag, she rechecked the doors, windows, and the kitchen before heading out.

  “Can we go by the shop before we head back? I want to check on Delia.”

  “Sure thing, Jaslyn, we can do that,” Simone assured her as he helped her into the car. Looking back at her house, she hated to leave even if it was just for the rest of the week. But she had to get things straightened out with her car and with Melanie.

  When they got to the shop, Delia was there to greet them. “Oh, I’m so glad that everything is okay. Did they get the car straightened out?” Delia asked giving her a hug.

  “Yeah, Renzo got someone to tow it and clean up the trash. I’m going to be staying with his mother for the rest of the week until they think it’s safe,” Jaslyn told her.

  “Think it’s safe? What do you mean think it’s safe?”

  “They fear Melanie might do something else crazy even though she’s locked up. So Renzo thinks it’s best I stay with his mom. Honestly, I don’t want to. I’d rather be at home because this is just a scare tactic to get me away from him. Stupid vindictive bitch. I swear if I ever see her, all I can say is that you know where my money is, my mom and Henry’s numbers are just in case I’m the one ending up in jail.” The men started to chuckle. “But I will be back tomorrow, just close up early today…around two.”

  Delia gave her friend a hug. “All right, boss, and you go get you some rest and relax. You remember what Chi said and guys make sure your brother takes good care of her.”

  “I think our brother has a handle on that. I don’t think he’ll let anything happen to her period,” Simone told the two as they said their goodbyes.

  “Do you have any other place you’d like to go before we head on back?” asked Gianni when they got back to the car.

  She couldn’t think of anything but going back to rest. She could feel the tension in her back. “No, not really, I really think I’ve done everything I need to do. We better head on back to your mother’s place.”

  * * * *

  Renzo looked at the clock for what seemed like the umpteenth time, anxious about leaving the restaurant to be with Jaslyn. The dinner rush was still coming in and it was the one night he didn’t want to be at the restaurant. He was eager to get to her.

  “Are you all right, Mr. Cipriano?” asked Linda grabbing a menu from the podium.

  Looking over at her concerned face, he patted her back and smiled. “Yeah it’s been a long day, and I’m ready to go home.”

  “I hear you, well you are the boss so you can go anytime you want,” she said, leaving to show customers to their table.

  He knew he hadn’t been thinking straight. Taking a deep breath he went into the back and found Reggie working in the office on the computer. “Hey, man, can you handle closing for me tonight?”

  Looking over at him, Reggie stretched for a moment before responding, “Sure thing, I’ve got it. I’ll check in with you in the morning.”

  “Thanks, goodnight.” He headed out the back door and to his car. He peeled out of the parking lot like a bat out of hell. For the first time in forever, he felt really happy. He just wanted to see her smiling face and look into those beautiful eyes of hers. That was all he could think about to keep from getting mad about what happened today. He wanted to comfort her and let her know everything would be just fine. Stopping at a red light, he drummed his fingers on top of the steering wheel while the music blasted from the speakers. Renzo knew he should have eaten something at work because now his stomach was growling painfully. When he got to his mom’s, she’d have a hot meal for him. Once the light turned green, he headed up the road that would lead to his mom’s where the woman he was falling in love with was waiting.

  He noticed his brothers’ cars were still there, so at least he knew they were keeping an eye on her. Of course he had to contend with Federico; Simone, and Gianni who knew he meant business with Jaslyn. When he rang the doorbell, it didn’t take long for someone to come to the door. It was Federico. “Hey, bro, come on in.”

  “How’s Jaslyn doing?”

  “She’s in the living room with Mom, looking through some family photos.” He gave a Cheshire cat grin and Renzo’s heart alm
ost dropped into his gut.

  “Oh no! Are you serious, man?” He briskly walked into the living room where his mother and Jaslyn were sitting close together, looking at an open album. They looked up to see him standing there. A beautiful smile softly spread across Jaslyn’s face. “Hello there, Renzo, how are you?”

  “Hello, son, I was showing Jaslyn some of the family photos,” Filomena said flipping another page as Jaslyn looked on.

  He went to sit down on the loveseat, but his mother said, “Come sit with us for a while.”

  “Um, why, Mom? It seems like you two are enjoying looking at the pictures.”

  “But these are pictures of you, Ren. I especially like this one of you when you were a cute, chubby little guy.” Jaslyn giggled. Gianni, Simone, and Federico guffawed at his distress.

  “Mom, did you have to show her the family pictures?” he asked with a groan.

  “Oh it wasn’t your mom. I found this myself while exploring the house. I brought the albums over to your mom and we just started flipping through. This is the fourth one I’ve seen. You were a cute kid, Ren, cute and chubby-dubby.”

  “I think I’ll go and grab something to eat in the kitchen.” He walked out of the room full of snickering to the comforts of the kitchen.

  “I’ll be back,” Jaslyn told Filomena with a wink, getting up from the couch and approaching the men. “I don’t know why you guys are smiling. I haven’t gotten to your pictures…at least not yet.” Giving Simone a playful punch in the stomach as she headed to the kitchen, where she found Renzo plating up food.

  She came over to him and sat down on the chair at the island. “You know I was just picking on you.”

  “Whatever, you were enjoying it way too much. Did she show you the picture of me when I was in the tub as a baby?”

  “You have naked baby tub pictures, no way? Oh, this I got to see.” She smiled quickly getting up to head back to where his family was. But she found herself stopped dead in her tracks when he snatched her into his arms. He started to laugh. “Well at least I got you to smile for a moment instead of being embarrassed, hell my mom does it too—” His lips joined her own to shut off the rest of what she was going to say. God, his lips are amazing, she thought, feeling his tongue devouring her mouth. His arms held her so tightly it felt like she was going to faint from lack of air.