by Sienna Mynx
“Are you going to deny you want me pregnant again?”
“No, but I didn’t ask,” he said.
“You don’t have to.”
He looked surprised. He returned his gaze to his children. He didn't speak. She expected him to leap for joy. How many times had he asked her if she thought maybe the doctors were wrong? How many times did he tell her that they could see a specialist and try to conceive in the future? Well, the future was now.
"Do you want a baby with me?" she teased him and tried to tickle his side.
"I want what you want, Bella," he said softly. "Always."
"Whatever I want? What does that mean?" Mirabella adjusted her tone. He didn't answer. She tried another way. "I love them so much, Giovanni. Sometimes I'm amazed that we have them, our life. I guess I was thinking about how blessed we are," she said. "And another baby would be so sweet. Maybe a girl. So Eve would have a sister to bond with. The twins have each other. What do you think?"
He smiled at her. But a smile wasn't acceptance or agreement. A smile was just a smile. She rubbed the stubble on his jaw. "You need to shave, sweetheart."
"You can shave me tonight, if I can shave you," he whispered. "It's very bushy below I can barely find your puss--." Mirabella covered his mouth with her hand. She laughed, and he tickled her. She laughed some more. She sat up on his lap and hugged him. That morning they lay in bed talking. It was a real and honest talk about how they felt. She felt cleansed. It became the feeling she strived to hold on to for the rest of the day. It healed her.
" Buona sera!" A woman's voice cheered.
Mirabella's head turned. Marietta strutted in with hands clutching shopping bags. She wore a flowing all-white strapless dress over her white swimsuit. The dress rippled like silk but looked too thin to be made of the fabric. It had splits along the sides. Lorenzo was a step behind her in dark navy blue slacks and a long white linen shirt untucked from his pants. He wore dark sunglasses and a deep tan. They had definitely been sailing. Her sister looked two shades darker. She too wore dark sunglasses and her hair tied up in a colorful scarf that made the curls flounce out of the top of the wrap like a fountain.
"Mee-Mee!" Eve exclaimed. Her daughter ran for Marietta and Gianni did the same. Lorenzo scooped Gianni up as Marietta knelt and put a bag before Eve and Gino. Mirabella's daughter was the first to start pulling out the gifts while Marietta gave her kisses. Eve found a hand carved puppet for her. One of many that she owned.
Mirabella tried to ease off Giovanni's lap, but he didn't release her. She looked into his eyes.
"We should hold off on the baby talk, for now, Bella. It's not the time to put this on your body. You are still healing," he told her.
"Are you serious?" she asked.
He nodded.
She covered her hurt with a smile. "Of course, sweetheart. Whatever you say. It was just a thought. Don't you have a meeting? Now that Lorenzo is here?" she asked.
"It won’t run long. Let’s go for a drive, you and me. Maybe stop at our villa," he said.
"I’d like that," she said with a smile.
“Wear something tight for me. Those jeans and the half shirt?” Giovanni asked.
“My halter top?”
“Yes, halter top. Wear it.”
She kissed his lips. “And nothing underneath.”
"Grazie. Tomorrow, maybe the next day, we will leave for Chianti. Invite your sister to join us."
"The kids?" she asked.
"Cecilia will come. The kids need to visit Chianti with Zia," he said. "She's not been happy lately."
Mirabella looked over to Zia who sat in a chair alone knitting. She didn't complain. But she knew that Zia was only there to help out because of Mirabella's night terrors and frequent trips to the hospital. It had to be hard, being separated from Rocco. And since Rocco was banished to the vineyard, no one could mention his name. She didn't want to argue with Giovanni. She kissed his lips softly and looked into his eyes. Her hands held the sides of his face. "Don't be so grumpy. Our life is wonderful. La dolce vita."
He nodded.
Mirabella left him and walked over to her sister and children.
"Well? Someone looks relaxed," Mirabella said. "We missed you at the party."
Marietta glanced up above the rim of her sunglasses. She stood and hugged Mirabella. "I'm sorry. I plan to make it up to the birthday girl. But we had a great time. Didn't we, Lo?"
He stared at Mirabella from behind the dark lenses of his sunglasses and moved his toothpick around in his mouth as Gianni kept reaching to pluck the toothpick free of his mouth. He looked over to where Giovanni was. Lorenzo tossed Gianni in the air and then gave him a squeeze before he set him down on his feet.
"It was great," he kissed Mirabella's cheek "Sorry we didn't make it to the party. I had to take care of my wife."
"As you should," Mirabella said with a smile.
He nodded and headed toward Giovanni.
"It's almost time for dinner. Let's see if Ana needs anything." Mirabella hooked her arm around Marietta's and led her out the door. Eve and Gino were left to go through the bags of treats, but Gianni grabbed hold of the hem to Mirabella's sundress and left with his mother and aunt.
"You cut your hair? Does Gio like it?" Marietta frowned.
She glanced back at her husband. "He didn’t say. But don’t worry. I know what he likes.”
Marietta laughed.
***
"You're late," Giovanni said as he accepted a packaged truck from Gino. He sat forward to open it so his son could play with the toy.
"Is everyone here?" Lorenzo asked and glanced around.
"Not Carlo," Giovanni glanced up at Lorenzo to gauge his response. Lorenzo was careful not to react. The last thing he needed was for Giovanni to get wind of what went down in America between Carlo and Shae. It cost him a small fortune to clean up that mess with the Armenians. He had it contained. For now. Carlo, on the other hand, needed his skull cracked for getting involved with those fuckers.
"Domi!" Eve squealed.
Lorenzo glanced back and saw Dominic pick up Eve. No matter who else was missing, the three of them were all that was needed for this meeting.
"Looks like the gang is all here," Lorenzo said.
Giovanni ripped open the plastic cover to the toy dump truck and gave the toy to his son. He stood and dropped his hands in his pants pockets before he started down the steps of the terrace toward villa Rosso. Lorenzo glanced to Dominic who nodded that they would keep their bargain. They had to unite to bring Giovanni to his senses. It was the only alliance that made sense. The men followed.
***
"Ciao, bella!" Catalina kissed Marietta on both cheeks. "I'm mad at you!"
"Awe, why? I called you, sugar! I’m so sorry I missed the party. I know it was fierce!" Marietta laughed.
"It was! Oh my goodness, did you hear what Giovanni and Mirabella gave me?"
Marietta nodded. "Sure did. The place is beautiful. Ideal location for you and Domi to make a bunch of little gangsters."
"I can't wait to get married," Catalina grinned.
Mirabella picked up her whining son Gianni and put him on her hip. Her sister had been gone for what felt like an eternity. The quiet stillness in Melanzana without her made it feel more like a year.
"You look rested," Catalina said and walked over to the fresh pitcher of water. She poured Mirabella a glass. The women gathered in the second kitchen where the cooking was only reserved for Zia and Mirabella. Ana was in full swing in the master kitchen, and none of them had any desire to join her.
"I feel great," Marietta said and took a seat. "How's Zia?"
"She’s okay. Didn’t you see her? She was knitting, out on the terrace," Mirabella said. She's been a little tired lately.”
Marietta looked concerned. Mirabella waved it off. "Zia needs to pace herself. She can't chase after the kids like a twenty-year-old. I told her to rest. Besides, I'm their mother. It's my responsibility."
"She's depressed,"
Catalina volunteered. "That's the problem."
"So, King B still won't let Rocco come around, huh?" Marietta asked.
"Nope," Catalina said.
"And what about you?" Marietta asked Mirabella. "Are you pacing yourself? Any of the fevers, vomiting, or seizures?"
"She had an episode the other day, a cramp in her hand." Catalina offered.
Marietta’s eyes stretched. "Cramp? What kind of pain?"
"It was just a cramp, and it went away without me medicating myself. I feel fine, especially after last night." Mirabella gave Gianni a sip of her water. Catalina took a seat. She pulled over the fruit basket and plucked a banana. She started to peel the fruit.
"What happened last night?" Catalina and Marietta said at the same time.
"Never mind it. I have news. Giovanni and I have a plan. One we can agree on."
"Does it include you coming to Paris with me?" Catalina asked as she bit off a piece of her banana.
Marietta’s gaze swiveled between the two women with curiosity. Mirabella smiled and shook her head no. "I'm headed to Chianti with the kids. We're going to pay a doctor a visit in Firenze. A different kind of doctor. She might be able to help me."
The women didn't speak, but the question was in their eyes. They hadn't put a name to what Mirabella's problems were, but they were all in constant worry over her recovery. Everyone in the family knew of her physical issues, but only Marietta and Giovanni knew about the frequency of her nightmares. Mirabella felt better, stronger each day. She just needed to be sure.
"Well I have news," Catalina said.
"Do share," Marietta chuckled.
"Headed to Sicilia in the morning. Going to visit Francesca and... Rosetta," Catalina said.
"Wait, who?" Marietta frowned. "Hold up, wait a minute..."
"I've given permission for Rosetta to return," Mirabella said. "And before you say anything, Marietta, the decision is final."
"Why on earth would you do that?" Marietta asked.
"I have my reasons," Mirabella mumbled.
"Apparently, Vito isn't getting better. And Zia Josefina is struggling with his care, Rosetta too. Mirabella thinks it best that she come back and be my apprentice. Go to Paris with me."
"I'm going to Paris with you," Marietta said.
"No," both Mirabella and Catalina said at the same time.
Marietta frowned.
"You're pregnant," Mirabella reminded her.
"I'm four months pregnant. So what? I'm doing fine," Marietta said.
"Well I have another reason," Mirabella smiled. "A much better trip in mind."
"Not interested in boring ass Chianti. I can't stand Tuscany." Marietta shook her head.
"Not Florence. I'm talking about America," Mirabella smiled.
The women both looked at her with curious excitement.
"It was a gift he gave me for my birthday before all of this madness with Kei... before all of it started," she picked up the water and sipped before she spoke again. "Me and Marietta will go with him and Lorenzo to visit our family farm in Virginia. I can show you everything."
"It's still there?" Marietta asked.
Mirabella nodded. "You have family there, too."
"Why don't we know your family?" Catalina asked. "None of them have traveled to Italy. Not even for the wedding. Hell, I thought Fabiana was your family."
"It's a long story. You'll meet them all one day, Catalina. And you," she reached over and touched her sister’s hand. "You are going to meet them in a few weeks. So, that's why you can't go to Paris. I need you here with me."
Marietta grinned. "You hear that, Gianni? Mama's taking us to America!"
Gianni nibbled on the piece of banana that Catalina had shared with him and blinked his blue eyes at his aunt. Mirabella hadn't seen Marietta so happy and relaxed in a long while.
Catalina clapped her hands together and pushed up from her seat. "Come hang with auntie," she said and reached for Gianni. He turned his head away in refusal and buried his face against his mother's breast.
"Well. I need to make some calls before dinner. I'll be taking the ferry out to Sicily at dawn," Catalina said. "I'm not telling Domi."
"Why not?" Marietta asked.
"He's been at it again, lately. Talking about me cutting back, telling me I need to refocus on us and not the business. And now that we have the house he thinks I should be focused on decorating and getting ready for the wedding."
"I agree with him," Marietta said. The women frowned. "What? These two are always talking about the wedding but don't even have a date!"
"We do have a date. It’s November 29th."
"Oh?" Marietta shrugged.
"I just don't want to agitate Domi. Things are good with us. Besides, I'll be back before we head to Paris. Francesca is remodeling her boutique, and I have some originals I want to put in there. Maybe even at a special price to entice the tourists to buy."
"Good idea," Mirabella said. "And give Francesca my love. I think we all need to visit Sicilia soon. Especially with Vito feeling so sick."
Catalina walked out.
Marietta put her face in her hands. "This is the best news ever," she sighed.
"You okay?" Mirabella asked. She scooted back so Gianni could climb down from her lap and play.
"I feel better. Lorenzo and I had a talk. He wants to go to Bellagio. I like the idea of America instead," she said. "Speaking of Sicilia, do you want to tell me what this thing with Rosetta is really about?"
"You can see through me? Huh?"
"I'm your twin," Marietta chuckled.
"Armando and Rosetta have been sleeping together," she said.
Marietta choked on her tea. She coughed into a napkin. Gianni froze with concern. Mirabella gently patted her sister’s back while giving her son a wink to ensure him everything was okay.
"Are you sure? Who told you that?" Marietta coughed.
"I got a call from Josefina. And then I called Armando. He had no problem confessing it to me."
"Gross!"
"He had the nerve to show up at the party to give Catalina a gift."
"In front of Gio and Domi?" Marietta’s eyes stretched.
"He breezed in like he belonged there after Giovanni granted him permission to enter. The clan bosses were all watching Giovanni. Things are tense now since my kidnapping." Mirabella sighed. "It was uncomfortable. I was glad when he left."
"What is he up to?" Marietta asked.
"Who knows? Zia and I talked about it. This is something we don't need. Right now Armando isn't our husband's focus. We are finally making improvements there. And if Giovanni found out..."
"Yes, I know. I know. So what? You plan to bring her here?"
"I can't leave her there. It's a disaster. I'm so tired of his little games," Mirabella sighed.
Marietta looked away. Mirabella waited for her to defend Armando like she always did but her sister didn't say anything of the sort. So Mirabella continued. "I'm thinking we do with Rosetta what we did with Catalina. Those two are more alike than they think. We can groom her, put her in the family business, marry her off to some Frenchman, and send her on her way."
The sisters laughed. Marietta's mood lightened a bit. "Tell me about Virginia. This farm our grandparents own. Who takes care of it now?"
"Our cousin. His name is Clyde. I send him money, and he makes a little of his own with the farming to support him and his family. It's been our arrangement since... since the first dress I sold. When I went missing after Fabiana died, Kei stepped in and covered the expenses for me."
"That was nice of him," Marietta said without a hint of sincerity.
"Clyde has seven sons. Three of them still live in Virginia. Two of them help him with the farm. The other is a preacher."
"And the other four sons?" Marietta asked.
"The others are everything from a doctor to a school teacher and scattered across the country. I don't know much about their lives anymore."
"Who is Clyde to you? I
mean how is he related to us? Does he have brothers and sisters?"
Mirabella nodded.
"Go on girl... open your damn mouth and tell me about the man!" Marietta shook her sister’s arm gently.
"Let's see; there's cousin Tanya, cousin Melanie, cousin Timmy, and cousin Derek. All of them were the children of our aunt, Bessie-Mae. And there is Minnie. She’s Clyde’s wife. You’ll love her."
Marietta grinned with her hand to her heart. She looked riveted. Mirabella wasn't sure how much she wanted to share about their aunt, Bessie-Mae. But she decided it was time she shared what she knew. Mostly they had previously only spoken of their mother and grandparents when she filled Marietta in on the family.
"Bessie-Mae was Me-Ma's sister. She had five kids; Clyde is the fifth. They grew up with Mama," Mirabella smiled. "I grew up with their children as my cousins, and I guess our kids will need to know the next generation."
"Wow. Do they know about me? Hell, yes! They have to. Why haven't I spoken to them?" Marietta asked. “Call them. Now.”
"We aren't close.” Mirabella grabbed her arm “Like I said it's a long story."
"Is Bessie-Mae still alive?" Marietta asked.
"No. She died before Me-Ma. But I heard a lot of stories about her, though," Mirabella glanced over at Marietta. "She was Me-Ma's twin sister and a lot like you."
"Twins?" Marietta gasped. "Our grandmother was a twin?"
Mirabella nodded. "Yep. She was. Identical. Not like you and me. And Bessie-Mae was the spicy one. She used to carry a pistol. She would pull it on any man, black or white, that pissed her off. Her kids all had different fathers. But no one dared say anything to them about that fact. Bessie would show up at a schoolyard or a church pulpit and put a whoopin’ on anyone that bothered her kin."
"I like it when you talk that way, all southern and country fried." Marietta laughed. "How did she die?"
Mirabella shrugged. "She died. Let's leave it at that, for now. Okay?"
Marietta frowned. "Wait? Why are you acting funny? What's wrong with this story?"
"Nothing, for the first time nothing is wrong." Mirabella reached over and took her sister’s hand. "This doctor that Giovanni wants to take me to is a head doctor. A psychologist."