In her kitchen, I pace while she pours me whisky. “You learned something from that guy?”
“You could say that.” I take the drink she offers and down it.
She pours me another, and I sit at the table wondering what the fuck I’m going to do. "I learned things I wasn't prepared for. About Elena's children."
Gabriella's eyebrows lift. "What about them?" She sits next to me, giving me her full attention.
“Did anyone ever mention who her kids’ father is?” Maybe I’m overreacting. Maybe someone else went to Italy. Hell, maybe the guy was from Italy.
“No one knows who he is. Not even Dom, as far as I can tell."
"Has she ever hinted at anything?”
Gabriella shakes her head. "All I know is that Elena was devastated after her father's arrest. Then you left, and she withdrew from everyone for months. By the time she resurfaced, she was already showing." She pauses, studying me. "Why the sudden interest in Elena's past?"
I avoid her gaze, staring into my whisky. "Just connecting dots."
"Luca." Her voice softens. "What did you find out in New Jersey?"
I’m not sure what to say. “I think I’m the father.”
The shock on her face is immediate. Her mouth opens, closes, then opens again.
"Elena and I were together before I left for Italy. I was going to ask her to marry me. I had it all planned. I was going to speak to Umberto that day, the same day he was arrested. I had the ring in my pocket."
Gabriella’s expression remains stunned.
“You don’t have to look so surprised. We grew up together, were friends.”
“I’m sorry, I just… I never knew. Why didn't you ever tell me?"
"We kept it a secret. At first, we were just having fun, you know? But then I fell for her. I thought she felt the same, but then she hated me. She believed I'd betrayed her father."
Gabriella does the math. “I guess that would work, timing-wise.”
“If they're mine, she kept them from me?—"
"You need to talk to her," Gabriella says firmly. “She might have had a good reason.”
Gabriella’s words sting. “A good reason not to tell me about my kids?”
She rubs my back. “Things were crazy back then. You know that. Of course, I’m not sure what her excuse could be for not telling you once Aldo kicked the bucket. You need to ask her to find out if it’s true and why she kept it from you if it is.”
I nod. “I’m so fucking mad…”
“I know.”
I turn to look at her. “And hurt.” I press my hand over my chest, where the pain feels like it’s settling in to be there forever.
“I’m sorry. If they're yours, they're Monti heirs. The first of the next generation. You have rights, Luca. I’m not a family lawyer, but I know one who can help. Hopefully, Elena will be reasonable."
I shake my head. "I don't know if I can forgive her for this.”
"You don't have to decide that now." Gabriella takes my hand. "First, learn the truth.”
I down my whisky and with renewed determination, I head to Elena’s home.
It’s dark now, and the reflection in my windows from Christmas lights seems to show images of missed milestones, missed holidays.
