And naturally, my family would be eagerly waiting for us to arrive so they could overwhelm Cyndee with a million questions.
“Do you we have to stay long?” she asked as I helped her out of the car.
“I’ll do my best to get us out within an hour.” And that was being me being optimistic. I was confident my family would try to keep us there longer.
“Call if you need to get me sooner,” Ross said. “I’ll park in the alley as usual.”
“Thanks.”
After nine, the bistro wasn’t busy. My family preferred to have the place to themselves. Padre would buy out the place so we could celebrate in private. He didn’t like coming to San Francisco, so when he did, it was always for a family event like Zia’s ballet performances.
My parents were staying the week in town for the twin’s choir concert next Saturday. Fortunately, they had a penthouse in the city. They never stayed in public places like hotels, even the finest. My mother disliked germs and believed nobody cleaned better than her maids, so of course, she brought the two women with them.
“Fabio’s arrived with his lovely date.” Remo was the first on his feet when we entered. Damn him for making a big deal about Cyndee.
My other brothers followed suit to get a closer look at the woman beside me.
Cyndee slipped her hand in mind and squeezed. I felt bad for her, but she’d have to navigate my world as best she could. I was paying her more money than she’d probably ever earned on her own. She needed to learn fast.
“Buonasera familia!” I shouted,good evening family,in Italian as if nothing amiss was going on like me trying to fool them into believing Cyndee was my new girlfriend.
“Let me meet your new lady.” Andrea took Cyndee’s free hand and kissed the top. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Bellissima.”
“The pleasure is all mine,” she replied.
One by one, my brothers kissed her hand and ogled her. It didn’t bother me very much. Italian men often fawned over a beautiful woman and Cyndee was gorgeous in the clothing my sister picked out. As my brothers met my newfakegirlfriend, I went to greet Zia.
“We were magnifico tonight.” I hugged her tightly and whispered, “Help me with Cyndee.”
“Shame on you for not being truthful. She’s gorgeous and you downplayed her,” she said in a scolding tone.
“It doesn’t matter. She’d never get the families blessing.”
“I hate how discriminating everyone is. Why can’t they just accept who we love?”
I pulled back and considered her words. “Is there someone you’re hiding from us?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. When would I have time for romance with the ballet being my first love?” She waved me off and went over to Cyndee.
A minute later, I introduced Cyndee to my parents, then put her in the chair on my left side, and closest to Zia and the twins. I needed to keep her as far as possible from my parents and Remo.
Platters of Italian cheeses and desserts were brought out along with several bottles of wine. Spirits were high, which I was grateful for.
“What do her parents do?” Padre asked as I knew he would.
“Real estate.” I waggled my brows like I’d hit the jackpot.
Padre made a face like he was impressed and lifted his wine glass and gestured cheers.
“Is she Italian?” Mama asked in a quiet tone. “She looks it.”
“But she must be full-blooded,” Padre said.
“Yeah, I haven’t gotten that far,” I replied.
“It should be the first thing you find out,” Padre snipped.
“What do you do, Cyndee,” Remo asked.
