A Taste of Romance

by Rhonda Laurel

  “Sono d’accordo.” Mama Paloma shook her head. “That means I agree with you.”

  “Well.” Trina leaned in as she nibbled on her scone. “While you were away, she told Marco she had overbooked her schedule so she could go to dinner with him. Then she calls again and makes up a flimsy excuse so they could dine at the house.”

  “She didn’t.” Mama Paloma leered in Genevieve’s direction.

  “Yes, she did. But she didn’t expect me to be there. I ran interference. I kept her on track. Portia said she’d probably planned it after she heard you weren’t home. If Marco were interested, he’d let her know. The stunt reeks of desperation.” She folded her arms across her chest. “She wasn’t happy when she left.”

  “Good.”

  “Would you like another scone?”

  “Yes,” Mama Paloma said.

  Trina walked over to the glass counter. “Two more please.”

  She felt someone coming up behind her. It was Genevieve.

  “Trina.”

  “Genevieve.”

  “I thought you’d be gone by now. You did say your visit wouldn’t be long.”

  “Nope. Still here.” She smiled. “Were you ever able to get that research Marco asked for?”

  “Not that it’s any of your business, but I am still waiting for a phone call back from the vice president of the company.”

  “Good. I wouldn’t want him making any decisions based on erroneous information.”

  “Neither would I.” She looked over at the table. “I see Paloma is back. She’s not going to like you spending time with her son. She clings on a little too tight if you ask me. It’s no wonder he’s still a bachelor.”

  “I think Paloma really loves her son and wants him to be happy with the right person. She butts in because she cares.”

  “She doesn’t want to share her son. She’s run off two wives already.”

  “No. You can’t blame her for that. I think Paloma is all about family and doesn’t want to be the cliché mother-in-law who battles with her daughter-in-law every day. Sometimes love is a family affair.”

  She was an expert on the subject. The Reeds were a large group of intrusive people who butted in and voiced their opinions, but it was all out of love. Being around all that happy calamity made her feel safe, like someone cared. She totally understood Mama Paloma’s position. Women like Genevieve wanted Marco and his money but didn’t want to accept his strong familial ties, which was, in her opinion, idiotic.

  “Don’t tell me you’re buying that family routine?”

  “Actually, I do. It’s my family’s motto. You can’t take one of us without taking the rest of us. It’s a packaged deal. I think it’s sweet.”

  “Well played.” Genevieve gave her a once-over. “Getting friendly with the mother. Lord knows she never warmed up to me. There will always be one queen of that manor.”

  “Ever consider getting to know her without an ulterior motive?”

  “The thought never occurred to me.”

  “I know.” Trina gave her a wide, phony smile and walked back to the table. She placed the scone in front of Mama Paloma.

  “What did the donna sciolta say to you?”

  “Oh, we were just getting some things straight from the night she came over,” Trina replied.

  “Ah, you were…putting her in her place.”

  “Yes.” She sighed. “The minute I heard about her, my BS radar started pinging. Marco’s so nice and kind. I’ve never met a man like him. He deserves someone special.”

  Mama Paloma looked at her for a long moment. “You care about my Marco, don’t you?”

  “I…” She stumbled for words. There was no easy answer for that. Admitting she cared with so little time left would only end up hurting them both. But it was more painful thinking of a way to deny it.

  “Come on.” Mama Paloma stood. “Maybe you’ll find your words while we shop in the supermarket.”

  Trina followed the older woman out of the bakery. The rest of the afternoon went considerably better. They talked about many things, including art and music. Mama Paloma was serious about her opera. Trina also opened up to her about her family and how she loved that they were so close-knit. They gabbed until they returned home and cooked dinner together. By the time Marco and Matteo came home from the winery, dinner was prepared. As soon as he walked into the kitchen, he kissed her, and Mama Paloma didn’t seem fazed by it. In fact, she smiled.

  He washed up and joined them. They recounted their day to him, and she could tell by the surprised look on his face that it was the last thing he was expecting to hear. When it was time to clean up, Trina insisted on cleaning up the kitchen.

  “A fabulous cook shouldn’t have to clean.” Trina beamed as she removed the plates from the table.

  “You’re not so bad. I liked your grilled asparagus.” Mama pinched her cheek. “There’s hope for you yet, ragazza magra.”

  “I won’t stay skinny for long if you keep feeding me.”

  “Mama, we will clean the kitchen,” Marco said in a firm yet loving tone. “Sit. Relax. I will pour us a glass of chianti.”

  “I am going to retire for the evening. Matteo, you’re retiring too. Why don’t you show me that episode of your cooking show?” She motioned her head toward Marco and Trina.

  “Oh, right.” Matteo cleared his throat. “I’m sure I have it in one my bags.”

  “You two enjoy each other.” Mama Paloma rose from her chair and gave them each a kiss on the cheek. “Buona notte.”

  “Buona notte,” Trina and Marco said in unison.

  She noticed he watched his mother as she walked out of the kitchen with Matteo. As soon as she was out of earshot, he turned to her. “I don’t know what happened today, but it makes me happy.”

  Trina laced her arms around his neck. “Let’s just say your mama and I discovered we speak the same language.”

  “I like the sound of that.” He kissed her. “I am going to get the chianti out of the wine room.”

  “Can we drink it outside? I want to do some star gazing.”

  “It’s chilly. I’ll start the fire pit.”

  “Sounds cozy.”

  “I’ll also get you a blanket. You sneezed a few times the other night, even with the warm fire.”

  Trina smiled as he got to work. It was a nice change of pace to have a man who cared for her. Although she wasn’t crazy about the way Marco was giving Matteo the cold shoulder. They’d barely said five words to each other since he’d arrived. She had to find a way to get them to talk. The love was there. They just need to put away their foolish pride for the sake of their mother. She’d grill Marco about his relationship with his brother tomorrow. Tonight, she wanted to cuddle on the deck. It was getting more difficult to think about leaving.

  * * *

  Trina woke the next day feeling like a million bucks. She’d slept with Marco in his bed, and it was amazing. Now that she had Mama Paloma’s blessing, the air seemed lighter in the house. She and Marco didn’t hide how they felt.

  “I thought we could both use a day off.” He opened the passenger door for her. “We’re going on a road trip.”

  “You mean a day away from your mother?”

  “I wanted Mama to warm up to you. I didn’t think I’d have to fight for your time.”

  “Be careful what you wish for. We’re having a good time.”

  “And she’s cooking your favorite foods.”

  “That meal last night was incredible.”

  “I’d take my two favorite ladies bonding any day.” He smiled. “No, our time is winding down, and I wanted to spend a day and have you all to myself.”

  “OK.” She blinked. Why did it feel like they’d known each other for years? She’d never felt this way before, and the world was now different hues and scents. It was foreign from Philadelphia, yet it was feeling like home.

  They got on the road. As soon as he got on the freeway, he turned on the car stereo. “Ride Like the Wind�
� by Christopher Cross started playing.

  “Are we making a run for the border?” She laughed.

  “Nothing of the sort. It’s one of my favorite road-trip songs.”

  “Ah.” She looked at the time on the dashboard. It was time for her daily call to Grandma Reed. “Do you mind if I call my Grandma?”

  “Of course not.” He turned the stereo off.

  She called Grandma Reed, who was busy as usual but made time to catch up with her. She put her on speakerphone so she could talk to Marco, and it was no surprise that they hit off. They talked in Italian and laughed together. She used to worry her Grandma was too active for a person of her age, but then she realized the constant activity gave her a sense of renewal. Once a woman who needed a cane and had the signs of a chronically ill senior citizen, that all had changed with when Charisma moved in with Grandma Reed. It had jumpstarted a new attitude and a new lease on life. Grandma had no intention of slowing down any time soon. As they wrapped up the conversation, Marco assured Grandma Reed that her granddaughter was being well taken care of.

  “You don’t have to tell me. She hasn’t sounded this happy in years,” Grandma Reed said before hanging up the phone to help Alexis put in a DVD of her favorite cartoon.

  Marco laughed and glanced at Trina. “She sounds like an absolute treasure.”

  “She is. She’s the backbone of our family. I don’t know what we’d do without her.” She sighed. “I think about that sometimes. I don’t say it to my sisters or cousins, but I worry about that day that will eventually come.”

  “Don’t think about it.”

  “You’re right.” What mattered was the present and enjoying each moment with the woman she loved so dearly. He had plenty of good advice, yet he remained stubborn about his brother. “Can I ask you a question?”

  “You can ask me anything.” He smiled.

  “What’s the deal with you and Matteo?”

  “Still thinking about my handsome brother who flirts too much with you?”

  “He totally does it to piss you off.” She laughed. “You fall for it every time. Have you asked him how business is? It sounds like the restaurant is doing well, and he’s excited about the cooking show.”

  “No, I hadn’t asked.”

  She smiled. “Maybe you should. What’s the rift between you two about?”

  “Typical sibling stuff.”

  “Anything you want to talk about?” She searched his face. “You tense up every time his name is mentioned. Mama Paloma says you two have had a strained relationship for years and she wants it to stop.”

  “Oh.” He raised an eyebrow. “You two talked about this?”

  “Yes, we were picking herbs for dinner yesterday. It worries her that you two can’t be civil and love each other. She’d really like his visit to be extra special. He’s finally coming into his own as a businessman. If you two mend fences, she can spend more time with both of her sons.”

  “Il mio fratellino è un monello viziato.”

  She could compute that one. “Little brother” and “spoiled brat” were in that statement. She swatted at his arm. “Hey, I’m a baby of the family. We get a bad rap. Parents pour all their time and attention into the first one, but any child that comes after is kind of left to their own devices. We self-maintain and are told to emulate our siblings unless they’re some kind of social pariah or criminal.”

  “I have no objections to babies of the family.” He caressed her hand. “I’ve long accepted that Matteo is Mama’s favorite.”

  “Do you really believe that?” She gave him a quizzical look.

  “She gives Matteo extra love and encouragement.”

  “I don’t believe that.” She smiled. “The woman didn’t chase me around the kitchen because she’s indifferent about her feelings for her son. She’s staunchly protective of you.”

  “I see you can’t let that go.” He smiled.

  “It leaves an impression.” She giggled. “First time a guy’s mom ever did that to me.”

  “How many mothers have you met?”

  “Two.” She said honestly. “Both times it was premature. Which made me become more discerning about relationship milestones like that.”

  “It is an important milestone.”

  “Yes, it is.” She laced her fingers with his and looked at the passing scenery. A minute later it occurred to her that she’d gone off topic. She gave him the side-eye. Had he done that on purpose? And had she fallen for it? “Back to you and your brother.”

  “Him again,” he huffed.

  “Sì, di nuovo.” Two can play that game, but she could see he was harboring some intense feelings about his little brother. “Come on. You can tell me.”

  “I’m civil to that little, spoiled brat.” Marco tapped the wheel. “He should have come back when our father became ill. The family needed to be together, but he was too busy in New York with his career. He left it up to me to take care of things, like always.”

  It was becoming clear. Marco stayed and kept the family legacy going, while Matteo went out into the world and followed his dreams.

  “Did you want to leave Napa and spread your wings?”

  “No. I love my home. I love the vineyard. I’ve never needed more than that. Matteo was always restless, impatient, and looking for adventure. He left to become a celebrity chef. Now he’s flouncing around on television with that cooking show of his. He tried to film an episode at the winery. I said non c’è modo. He wasn’t turning my vineyard into some freak show.”

  “Don’t you mean our vineyard.”

  “No.” He shook his head. “He came to me when he needed a loan for his restaurant. He said he wanted the money in exchange for relinquishing his stake in the winery.”

  “You agreed to that?”

  “It was his idea, not mine.”

  “But still…” She squinted. “Marco, I can’t believe you—”

  He held up his hand. “We signed the papers, but I never had them filed with the family attorney.”

  She let out a sigh of relief. For a second, he wasn’t sounding like the man she’d grown so attached to in so short a time. He was holding out hope that his brother would come back some day and help him run it.

  “Your mom says he wants to do a show at the winery to showcase the history. He’s proud of his family’s reputation. It’s going to seem weird he didn’t film a show at his homestead.”

  “So, he shows up and inconveniences everybody?”

  “No. He could do an intimate episode with you and Mama.”

  “I don’t like the idea of being on television.”

  “I don’t know why. You’re a beautiful man.” She shot him a look. “Were you fishing for a compliment?”

  “No. But I got one anyway.” He flashed her a perfect, toothy smile.

  From what Mama Paloma had told her, it had always been a battle of wills between her sons. There had to be a way to get the two brothers to talk. “It takes a strong person to accept the weight of their family’s legacy.”

  “It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. Keep up my papa’s good work.”

  “It also takes a strong person to know they don’t have the right constitution for it either.”

  “Come again?”

  She shifted in her seat. “I love my Grandma’s cooking. I could sleep with one of her chocolate cakes under my pillow every night. But for the life of me, I can’t replicate one of her desserts or any of her meals. I don’t have the patience, and I also can’t bring myself to make something from scratch when there’s a box at the supermarket that can cut my time in half.”

  He laughed.

  “But my sisters, Melina and Beverly, have a more patient hand. Melina’s always making some fancy dish, and Beverly is the baker. Dana’s better at mixing cocktails. Beverly always liked following Grandma around the kitchen when she was a child. She listened and watched. She’s almost perfected most of her desserts.”

  “Almost? Does she alter the recipes?”r />
  “No. She doesn’t have Grandma’s loving hand.”

  “I don’t follow.”

  “Beverly’s desserts are excellent. She’s even won baking contests with our church. But there is something special about Grandma’s cooking because she’s Grandma. There’s a plaque on the wall in Grandma’s kitchen. It says, ‘With each turn of the spoon, I infuse the love that is this family.’ Grandma smiles every time she looks up at it.”

  “That’s very nice.”

  “I’m glad you like it because this story applies to you.”

  “How?”

  “Did your father teach both of you how to grow grapes?”

  “He tried. Matteo was disinterested, and after a while, my father didn’t force it.”

  “I bet your dad knew both of you well. It takes time, patience, and a level of precision to grow grapes and an empire. People like Matteo aren’t made for things that. Someone like that, who doesn’t have those qualities in their personalities, is a detriment.”

  “Are you saying I should be grateful he left?”

  “In a way, yes. If he’d stayed and didn’t honor the process and commitment your father instilled in you, it would’ve been war on a daily basis. Reliable and steady doesn’t always get the accolades. You don’t get to jet-set around and chase adventure. But it does preserve the memory and heritage of a family.”

  “I guess I never saw it that way,” he said thoughtfully. “I see your point.”

  “Good.” She gave his hand a tight squeeze.

  They kept riding and talking and continued down the highway. She got excited when she saw signs for San Francisco. Marco slowed down and put his blinker on for an exit.

  “San Francisco?” She lifted up her sunglasses. “I want to see the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Pier 39, and the Ghirardelli Factory. And Alcatraz.”

  “Alcatraz.” He shook his head. “It amazes me how people want to visit an old, abandoned jail. Frankly, that place gives me the creeps.”

  “People are obsessed with true crime. There are networks dedicated to crime and punishment. It’s a guilty pleasure of mine. My Cousin Trevor said what would really rock my world is the number of crimes never reported.”