Quickly, the conversation moves to presents and Santa and all the normal things mothers discuss at Christmas.
But this year, my Christmas is far from normal.
“How are things with your father?” Isabella asks Gabriella. “Today’s the day, right? Roman said Marco and the other Dons will be there too.”
“This is one of those times I hate patriarchy. It makes you wonder what goes on behind closed doors.” Gabriella has always had more access to the male led parts of the family business, but not full access.
“Like what?” Isabella takes a bite of soup.
“I don’t know. Strippers?”
Isabella snorts. “Don’t make me think of my father watching a stripper.”
“Anyway, I think my father is okay.” Gabriella swirls her wine in her glass. “Not that it’s easy, but he knows it’s time. I think a part of him is relieved. I’m hoping it will reduce his stress and perhaps slow down his deterioration. Some days, he doesn't recognize Sabina. Yesterday, he called me by my mother's name. I’d like him to enjoy life for as long as he can.”
I give her a sympathetic smile. “That would be wonderful. Don Monti was always nice to my family. My father admired him a great deal. He’d be glad to see him enjoying his last years.”
Gabriella takes my hand. “Thank you for saying that.”
“And Luca? Is he ready?” Isabella asks.
I take a large sip of wine, hoping to hide any reaction I have at the mention of Luca.
"Luca is ready.” Gabriella’s voice has no doubt. “And with Luca officially Don now, he can finally step out from under that cloud that's been hanging over him."
My fingers tighten around the stem of my wine glass. "Cloud?"
"You know." She waves dismissively. "All that nonsense about his being involved in your father’s arrest. It was ridiculous. He was barely more than a kid then.” Her sharp eyes watch me as if she’s waiting to see if I’ll contradict her. “He’ll get to the bottom of who took your father away, I know it.”
I can’t imagine that Marco doesn’t have the same concerns that Dom has. Why bring up something from the past that risks putting a strain in La Corona? "What does Marco think about Luca looking deeper into what happened back then?"
“He thinks it's unnecessary. The past is the past. La Corona needs unity now, not old wounds reopened. Easy for him to say, though. When Isabella accused him of being involved in her mother’s death and I was sure he was undermining my father, Marco wanted to clear his name as much as Luca does now.”
“I hope it doesn’t backfire on him.” I try to speak casually, although I know I’m about to open a hornet’s nest.
“What do you mean?” Gabriella’s brow furrows.
“With all the problems La Corona has been having, someone might think Luca is a part of that.”
“Oh, for Pete’s sake, that’s ridiculous.” Gabriella waves my comment away, as I knew she would. I shouldn’t have said it. “Wait, does Dom think Luca is undermining La Corona?”
“I’m just saying, now isn’t a good time for there to be problems.”
Isabella looks confused. “Has something else happened? I know Roman is always on edge waiting for a shoe to drop, but he says things have been quiet this year.”
I shake my head. “I’m not aware of anything. I’m just pointing out that with all that’s gone on in the past, now might not be a good time for Luca to be bringing up old grievances. You said yourself, Roman is waiting for something to happen. Luca’s investigation could be an opening for whoever is behind trying to sabotage La Corona.”
Gabriella looks at me like she doesn’t know me. "You really don't understand, do you?"
"Understand what?"
“This isn't just about politics or position. It's about honor. My brother spent seven years in exile because of a lie. A lie that some people still believe. Anyone falsely accused would want their name cleared," Gabriella continues. "But for Luca, it's more personal. He believes someone deliberately set him up to take the fall."
"Who would do that?" I ask, though I already know the answer.
"That's what he's trying to find out." Gabriella's eyes narrow slightly. "I’m surprised you don’t want answers. Your father paid a heavier price than Luca.”
I look down for a moment, worried I’m about to alienate Gabriella. “I’d like answers, but what happens if Luca finds out who set him up? What then? Revenge? More violence? Another war between families?"
