“Yes!” Mamma cried out dramatically, a pool of broken glass surrounding them. “Yes, I’ll marry you again, Enzo!”
The last hour leading up to Hunter’s arrival was a rollercoaster of emotions. From the surprise at seeing the proposal, to congratulating my parents, to cleaning up the kitchen, and to mentally winding down from this ridiculous high.
Hunter would be here in ten minutes and Nonna decided it was time for a last-minute family meeting. We were all gathered in the living room. Mamma and Papà, showered and dressed to the nines, were sitting in the love seat. Mamma blushed and cast him side-long glances. Papà was displeased at Nonna summoning him against his will. But whenever his eyes connected with Mamma’s, his face softened.
After years of fighting and denying their feelings, they were finally at peace and like teenagers in love.
Mamma also couldn’t stop staring at the shiny five-carat rock on her left hand’s finger. It winked under the chandelier’s light in all its impressive glory. Apparently, Papà never stopped carrying around the diamond ring he proposed to her with more than two decades ago. Now it was back where it rightfully belonged.
Nonna sat in the armchair in front of them with Luna in her lap, and I was perched on the armrest.
“Let’s set some ground rules before Gabriela’s boyfriend arrives.” Nonna hedged her cigarette holder in my direction and I lit her vice with a Zippo. She brought it to her lips for a puff. “Firstly, I want both of youbozosto be on your best behaviour tonight. This is an important occasion and none of you will ruin it with your theatrics”—she glanced pointedly at Mamma, then at Papà—“or your macho bullshit. Understood?”
He uncrossed his arms from his chest and stood up. “This lecture is entirely unnecessary—ow!”
Nonna whacked him on the shin with the end of her cane, glaring. “Shut up and sit back down, Enzo. I’m not done talking and you won’t interrupt me again.”
Papà killed for a living—had murdered men for simply staring at him the wrong way. Yet under his mother’s scolding, he shrank back like a kid being grounded.
“Secondly, this is Gabriela’s special evening.” A plume of smoke curled out of Nonna’s mouth. “We’re all aware that you both have always had bad timing your whole lives. Getting engaged right now, of all days, was a choice. Nonetheless, here we are.” She sighed. “With that being said, your engagement announcement will have to wait. I refuse to allow you to steal my granddaughter’s thunder any more than you already have. This is her night. So no talk of rings or weddings. Understood?”
My parents had the gall to look embarrassed and simply nodded. It was good enough for me. I wasn’t angry that they’d gotten engaged today, but I loved and respected Nonna’s need to stand up for me. Tonight was about me formally introducing Hunter to my family as my boyfriend and I wanted that to be the key focus.
“Thirdly.” She took another puff of her cigarette. “You’ve traumatized my granddaughter and great-granddaughter. I’m expecting them to be fully compensated for punitive damages. Gabriela, begin with the list of demands.”
I stopped my mouth from twitching into a smile. I was having entirely too much fun. Mamma and Papà narrowed their eyes. Nonna hid her laugh with a cough.
“Number one.” I opened my thumb from my closed fist. “Luna needs a new cat tree. The one in this home is old and worn out. Only the best for my girl.”
It was the least my parents could do after putting us through years of their soap opera.
Papà ground his teeth. “Fine, a new cat tree for Luna. Easy enough.”
“Number two.” I stuck out my index finger. “I’d like you to go to couples therapy before you tie the knot again. That is non-negotiable. For the sake of all our mental health, you need to sort your stuff out.”
“Gabriela…” he warned testily.
I stood my ground.
Mamma relented, placing a hand on her soon-to-be husband’s thigh. “It’s okay. We’ll go.”
“Excellent.” I beamed and unfolded my middle finger. “Number three: Nonna and I are more than happy to be the bridesmaids at your wedding. However, Nonna says she refuses to wear bright yellow. According to photographic evidence from your first wedding, she says that the colour you picked for her dress made her resemble Big Bird from Sesame Street.”
Mamma gasped. “It was a beautiful shade!”
Nonna tsked. “I looked horrendous, Lucia. Absolutely not.”
“Fine.” Mamma sulked, then perked up, glancing at Papà with adoration. “Maybe the colour palette this time can be pastels.”
Papa kissed her cheek. “Whatever you want,principessa.”
I cleared my throat to gain their attention before they started embarrassing themselves further by accidentally making out on the sofa. “Last demand.” I gulped and Nonna patted my arm encouragingly. “I’d like a car.”
Papa shot ayou’re-kidding-melook my way. “You want me to buy you a car when you don’t even drive, Gabriela? Get your license first, then we’ll revisit this idea.”
“I’m learning how to drive—no thanks to both of you. I signed up for classes and Hunter takes me out for practice too. I’ll have my license in the upcoming months if all goes well.”
Mamma and Nonna were happy to hear it, especially the part where Hunter was teaching me. “Enzo,” Mamma pleaded. “Please get it for her.”
