Kiss Me Goodnight in Rome (The Senior Semester Series Book 2)

by Gina Azzi

  Your loss. Your loss. Your loss.

  I guess he never was Papa’s son, even though he looks exactly like him.

  “Thanks. I appreciate it. Listen, I’m not sure how to go about this conversation. I’m glad you wrote me back and this…” I gesture at the screen, signaling between us “…this is cool. I don’t know if you know, but I also have a sister and she—”

  “Ah great, man. Where is Claudia? I’d love to meet her.” Anthony smiles easily.

  What the hell is going on? How does he know all about us when we know practically nothing about him?

  “Hi.” Claudia waves brightly, bouncing up from my desk chair and coming into the frame. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “Pleasure’s all mine. I’ve always wanted a little brother or sister.” He chuckles, clearly amused, “Now I’ve got both. Listen guys, I don’t have a lot of time, but I think it’s important I tell you a few things.”

  Claudia and I nod, dumbstruck, as Anthony takes the lead.

  “Cool. So your dad reached out to me about a year ago.” He pauses, letting the information sink in as Claudia’s mouth drops open. “Yeah.” He nods, reading our expressions. “I was surprised too. Anyway, at that point, I was just getting everything started here at the brewery.” He gestures behind him where a few taps are set up and visible on screen. “I really thought the whole thing was a massive joke, but Salvatore was insistent that we meet so he came to New York.”

  Papa’s last business trip. I remember the trip well even though I was in Bologna at the time. Mama was so worried, but Papa assured her that this was something he had to do in order to ensure the future of his legacy. Well, that makes a lot more sense now.

  “Okay,” Claudia says slowly. “What happened?”

  Anthony shrugs, “Salvatore and I met up. Went out for dinner. There’s real good Italian food here, the legit shit, you know?”

  We nod, even though Italy obviously has the best Italian food in the world.

  “Yeah, so we go out to dinner and Salvatore tells me all this shit. How he met my mom, how they hooked up, how he was already seeing your mom when he found out about me. He apologized about never really taking an active role in my life. I thanked him, you know, for supporting my mom and me all these years.” He chuckles again. “There’s no way my mom could have provided us with our lifestyle on a kindergarten teacher’s salary.” He pauses again, his eyes looking past us for a moment. Claudia takes my hand and squeezes my fingers lightly. “Anyway, I wasn’t angry or anything. You know, about not having a dad growing up.” He smiles at us. “Though it would have been cool as hell to grow up with you guys.” Another shrug. “We talked for a bit, made amends, filled each other in on our lives. And then he tells me that he’s dying. Fuck. I didn’t know what to say. I almost wanted to laugh, you know? Like, why tell me know you’re my dad if you’re just going to leave? But then, he shows me a picture of you guys.” Anthony shakes his head. He smiles at Claudia. “You’re a lot older now than you are in your photo.”

  Claudia laughs. “Was I eating a gelato? Papa always carried that photo around. Remember?” She looks at me.

  I nod, recalling the photo instantly, remembering the day well. We were vacationing for the month in Santa Margherita Ligure. That was the trip that spurred Papa to buy the Liguria home for Mama. It had been a hot and sticky day; we spent it running in and out of the ocean. A few of the boys I ran around with back then and I tried to spy into the cabanas of the girls we knew, see if we could catch them naked. Papa bought us huge gelato cones, and Claudia practically dove into hers, strawberry and lemon dripping down her chubby cheeks.

  “Yeah,” Anthony confirms, “you had ice cream all over your face.” He laughs again. “So yeah, then Salvatore tells me all about this beef with your uncle Benito, things from the past. He tells me that he wants to spend the rest of his time with your mom, making her happy, enjoying whatever they have left.” He sighs suddenly, rubbing his hand over his face. Claudia’s eyes snap to mine and widen slightly. Apparently this is something both Anthony and I do. I scowl at her.

  Anthony continues. “And I can respect that. I mean, that’s pretty incredible how much he loves her, even after all those years together. And so I get where he’s coming from, and I tell him that. Salvatore, he laughed then, clapped his hand on my shoulder and thanked me. I said ‘for what?’ And he hands me an envelope. He touched it one more time and told me that the papers inside are his will, the future of his businesses, his legacy. He asked me to hold on to it. He also explained that this will mentions a previous will he filed in Italy. Since it states that he revised his will, it shouldn’t present any legal issues should Benito contest it. Salvatore said that there would come a time when you, Lorenzo…” he gestures toward me “…would reach out to me. He said he didn’t know if it would be in kindness or in rage.” Anthony chuckles again. “I guess we both have his temper, huh?” He looks at me. “Anyway, he said you would contact me and when you did, that’s when it would be time.”

  “Time for what?” I ask.

  “Time to open it.” He holds up a large envelope suddenly, showing Claudia and I the seal. It’s Papa’s seal, a thick red wax with a wolf stamped in the center. Forever a Roman. It’s still intact, never broken.

  Claudia breathes out. “You didn’t open it?”

  Anthony’s eyes cut to her, sharp and suddenly very serious. “Of course not. We’re family.”

  We’re family. We’re family. We’re family.

  Jesus.

  I guess we are.

  Claudia nods. “Thank you.” It rings with so much sincerity that she looks away for a moment.

  Anthony looks at me.

  “Thank you for holding on to it. You ready to open it?”

  He nods. He picks up a knife and breaks through the thick seal, opening the envelope. He takes out a stack of papers, along with other smaller envelopes. “These are for you guys.” He holds up two of the smaller envelopes. “And there’s one for your mom. And one for me.” He smiles, setting them aside. Then, his eyes scan over the front page of the will. They widen in shock. He begins to read aloud.

  And my heart fucking stops.

  Chapter Fifty-Four

  Mia

  “He left you half his … his everything?” I throw my hands up, unsure what everything entails, but knowing it’s definitely a lot. Like a whole lot. I sit down on the edge of my bed and watch as Lorenzo walks back and forth in front of me. To the door, turn. To the window, turn.

  Lorenzo nods solemnly and then shakes his head, plopping down next to me and scooting backwards until his back rests against the headboard. “No, not half. He has all his businesses, all his holdings, his companies, investments, etc. He left half to Mama, and half to be divided three ways between me, Claudia, and Anthony.”

  I let out a low whistle. “Damn.”

  “Yeah. And…” he smiles suddenly “…he left me the Liguria home.”

  My jaw hits the floor, “Are you kidding me?”

  Lorenzo shakes his head, his blue eyes glistening, watching me closely. “Well, not yet. It’s supposed to be a wedding present.”

  I look away, blushing. Marriage? Does he ever see that in his future? Does he see that with me?

  “So…” he turns my face back toward his, leaning forward and kissing the tip of my nose “…one day.”

  “Yeah,” I say, unsure of what else I can say.

  A house for a wedding present? Scratch that, a mansion! In Liguria. Oh my God. Who are these people?

  “Wow, now what are you going to do?”

  “What do you mean?” Lorenzo furrows his brow in confusion. I reach out and trace the line between his eyebrows, smoothing it out.

  “You could do anything. I mean, you studied business, right?” I inquire. I know he doesn’t want to work at Angelina’s forever.

  “Oh…” he smiles “…about that.” He rolls over onto his stomach, pulling me down next to him.

  I turn on my side s
o I can look into his face. “Yes, about that.”

  He rests his hand on my hip and pulls me closer to his side. “How would you feel about me coming to New York, on a more permanent basis?”

  I jump up, practically falling over in my excitement. “What? Are you kidding me?”

  Lorenzo sits up and smiles, clearly amused as he watches me bounce around. “Yes. I’m really excited to do Christmas with you and your family, Mia. And then, when you head back to university…” he shrugs “…I mean, it’s only one semester and Philadelphia to New York is a hell of a lot closer than Philadelphia to Rome.”

  I nod. “Yeah. It’s like two hours.”

  He laughs. “Exactly. And it gives me the chance to get to know my brother. Anthony offered me a job.”

  I consider this piece of information. “As a brewer? Aren’t you more of a wine person?” I don’t want him to take some random job just to be closer to me.

  “Yeah, but Claudia got the vineyards.” He shrugs.

  My mouth falls open again and Lorenzo laughs. “That was a joke.”

  “Oh.” Really? How am I supposed to know when he’s kidding when that seems perfectly plausible in his life? I mean, what kind of people just happen to own vineyards (plural) anyway?

  Lorenzo reaches out, taking my hand in his, and pulling me between his legs. He rests his hands on my thighs, stroking up to my hips, my waist. “Not as a brewer. To help him expand the business.”

  “Oh.” I tilt my head considering this. “Well, that makes a ton of sense. You’ll be great at that!” I throw my arms around his neck and kiss his cheek hard.

  He laughs, the rumble in his chest reverberating against mine. My heart beats faster. God, the things this guy does to me.

  Lorenzo’s fingers lace through my hair, combing down my back. “Yeah. I think it will be a pretty good challenge. Not to mention all the personal benefits. Being closer to you.” He pulls back, planting a kiss on my lips.

  “There is that,” I agree.

  “Come on,” he smacks my ass. “We’re going to be late for dinner. And Mama is really excited that you’re coming.”

  “Wait …” I stop him as he tries to stand up. “I need like fifteen minutes, okay?”

  He furrows his brow. “For what?”

  I huff, gesturing toward my body. I’m wearing leggings and Converse sneakers. I can practically hear Emma yelling, Lila scoffing, and Maura laughing all the way from the U.S. “I’m not meeting your mother looking like this.”

  “You look beautiful.” He kisses me again.

  I smack his chest with my palm. “Just give me ten, okay?”

  He laughs, flopping back against my pillows. “As long as I get to watch.” He winks.

  I roll my eyes, digging into my closet for something to wear.

  Oh, who am I kidding? Lexi and I already decided on my outfit last night.

  And Emma approved it this morning via iMessage.

  * * *

  “Your home is beautiful. Thank you for inviting me to dinner.” I smile warmly at Lorenzo’s mom, handing her a box of tiramisu I picked up from the number one tiramisu spot in Rome, Il Pompi.

  “Grazie, cara. Call me Elenora.” Elenora reaches out, pulling me into a hug, and kissing both of my cheeks. “I’m so glad to finally meet you. And not just watch my son watch you at Angelina’s.” She laughs, clapping her hands together as Lorenzo looks away, clearly embarrassed on being called out by his mom.

  Claudia throws an arm around Lorenzo’s shoulders. “This is going to be so much fun.” She laughs. He scowls.

  “Glad you could make it.” Claudia leans forward, kissing my cheeks affectionately. “It’s good to see you again. Come, let me take your coat.” She pulls me toward the formal living room, taking my coat and scarf in the process.

  Claudia sits in an armchair. I perch on the edge of the sofa but Claudia scoffs, “Get comfortable. Really, it’s casual tonight,” she adds, letting me know that the party at the Liguria home was definitely not the family norm. More for show I guess.

  “Thanks,” I tell her, scooting back into the plush sofa.

  The doorbell rings. “Who’s that?” Lorenzo asks, walking toward the door.

  “No, I got it!” Claudia darts up and practically knocks Lorenzo over in her hurry to answer the door.

  Elenora beams, her hands clasped gracefully in front of her waist.

  “Who is it?” Lorenzo asks his mom.

  “You’ll see.” She winks.

  “Mama Elenora, thank you for the dinner invitation.” Sandro says, walking into the room. He glances hesitantly at Lorenzo. “Ciao, Enzo. Mia.” The corner of his mouth flicks upward in an almost-smile.

  Lorenzo’s mouth opens in surprise. He quickly snaps it closed. I watch as his eyes dart between his best friend and his sister. His surprise morphs into confusion that quickly dissolves into understanding.

  Claudia looks at me, her eyes pleading for intervention. I stand up, walking over to Lorenzo’s side, slipping an arm around his waist. He looks down at me for a moment before wrapping his arm around my shoulder, hugging me closer than necessary.

  Elenora takes Sandro’s hands in her own and kisses both of his cheeks. “I’m so glad you are here. Please have a seat. Dinner will be served shortly. Enzo, drinks please.” Elenora looks at Lorenzo, her head tilting toward the wet bar.

  “Right. Okay.” Lorenzo comes out of his stupor and walks forward, shaking Sandro’s hand formally. “What would you like?”

  “Really?” Sandro asks.

  Lorenzo laughs, the momentary tension subsiding, and walks toward the bar.

  “Good to see you, Mia.” Sandro steps forward, kissing my cheek. “I hear Enzo is coming to New York with you?” he asks as we all sit down in the living room.

  “Yes.” I smile. “For Christmas.”

  Sandro nods. “And maybe staying longer?”

  I shrug. “You’ll have to ask him about his plans.”

  Sandro’s eyes study me seriously. After a moment, he nods brusquely. “I suppose I will.”

  Claudia rolls her eyes, squeezing Sandro’s shoulder as she perches on the armrest of the chair he’s sitting in.

  Elenora claps her hands together in delight. She laughs, reaching forward and patting my knee. “You’re good for him, Mia.” She looks up as Lorenzo walks closer and hands his mom, me, and Claudia glasses of wine.

  “You like this one.” He smiles at me, brushing a kiss against the top of my head. “You tasted it in Liguria.”

  “I’ll be right back with an Americano.” He looks at Sandro.

  And just like that, the brief moment of awkwardness, of uncertainty, dissolves. The conversation turns toward Christmas traditions, New Year’s Eve plans, New York City.

  When dinner is served, Elenora sits at the head of the table and watches happily as Lorenzo and Claudia laugh and joke and chat. She piles second servings on Sandro and my plates. Lorenzo picks at my plate, helping to finish the extra serving without it being overly obvious. My heart swells in gratitude at his intervention.

  Elenora listens attentively to the conversation, asks me questions about my studies, praises my Italian. She glows with pride when she looks at Lorenzo and Claudia. She is the true embodiment of a mom.

  And I’m so grateful to have met her.

  * * *

  It’s late when Lorenzo drops me off at my apartment. A bite hangs in the air as frost forms on windows and a light dusting of snow coats the cobblestones. I shiver.

  “It’s cold,” Lorenzo comments, pulling me closer to him. He tucks my hand into his coat pocket and tugs my hat more firmly on my head.

  “It’s pretty much the same weather in New York.” I look up at him. “At least it will be easy for you to pack for the trip.”

  He nods. “I can’t believe I’m coming to New York with you.”

  “I know.” I smile. “I can’t believe how fast this semester has flown by. I’m really happy that you’re coming home with me for Christmas. You
’re going to love meeting my friends.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  “Thanks for inviting me to dinner. It was really nice to meet your mom. She’s amazing.”

  “Yeah, she is, isn’t she? Thank you for coming, Mia. It meant a lot to me that you met Mama before we head to New York.”

  “It was a great dinner.”

  He nods. “Yeah. So, I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  “Yes. I’ll pass by Angelina’s in the morning. Then I have to meet with Pete. We’re finishing our project tomorrow so we can submit it on Monday.”

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  “Oh, and don’t forget Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it.” Lorenzo kisses my lips, my nose, and my forehead. “Buona notte, bella.”

  “Buona notte.”

  Chapter Fifty-Five

  Lorenzo

  “Just come. I found the one,” I tell Claudia over the phone.

  She squeals loudly and I know, even without seeing her, that she’s jumping up and down. “I’ll be right there. Don’t move.”

  I chuckle, hanging up the phone. Staring at the shining ring in my hand, I know it’s perfect for Mia. I know it’s the one. Still, Claudia’s opinion, her approval, will mean a lot to me. A lot more than I ever thought. Plus no one knows jewelry like my sister.

  “It’s a beautiful ring. Stunning.” Our family jeweler, Maria, smiles at me. “She must be a very special woman, Lorenzo. When you walked in, I figured it was for a gold and diamond bracelet.”

  I laugh, mildly embarrassed by my old antics. How many girls did I buy that damn bracelet for? Ah, who cares? Now, I’m buying the most important piece of jewelry I’ve ever purchased for the most important woman in my life.

  Jesus, I must be fucking crazy to propose. I mean, I’ve only known Mia for a couple months. But I know this is right. I know she’s the right woman for me. I know that no matter how many dates I go on, no matter how many beautiful women I sleep with, none of them will ever come close to what I feel for Mia. And I want us to begin our journey, begin our life in America, begin next year as a true couple. I want to promise myself to her for forever.