The answer is both.
Emilio serves dinner soon. Local cuisine prepared by Maria.
"This is incredible," Jessica says, genuine in her appreciation. "Is this a family recipe?"
"My cook’s grandmother's recipe. She’s lived here her whole life.”
"How convenient for you," Sarah murmurs.
"Sarah, stop it!" Madison says sharply.
"Stop what?"
"Whatever cross-examination you're conducting on Enzo. He’s only trying to show my friends a good time and you’re being rude."
"No, I’m not. We’re having dinner conversation."
They glare at each other across the table. Old friendship straining under current circumstances.
"Perhaps," I interrupt, "we could discuss your impressions of Sicily? I'm curious what American visitors notice."
Jessica jumps on the safer topic. "Everything's so much older than back home. Like, that church in Taormina is older than our entire country."
"History is inescapable here," I agree. "Every stone has stories."
"What kind of stories?" Sarah asks.
"The usual. Love, war, betrayal, power struggles. Sicily has seen every form of human drama."
"And continues to, I imagine."
"Some traditions persist."
"Like what?" she asks.
"Hospitality. Loyalty. Understanding that some questions are better left unasked."
Sarah's eyes narrow. "That sounds like a threat."
"Enzo," Madison says, now warning me.
I look at her, see the plea in her eyes. She wants me to be less myself, more the businessman her friends can accept.
"Forgive me,” I say. "Sometimes I forget that American directness and Sicilian discretion can conflict."
"No offense taken," Jessica says quickly. "Cultural differences are fascinating."
Sarah remains silent.
After dinner, I give them a tour of the villa. The library, the wine cellar and the pool area where nothing illegal has ever been discussed.
"Your art collection is impressive," Sarah notes, studying a rare painting.
"I support local artists when possible."
She looks skeptical but doesn't push.
"It's getting late," Madison announces. "Antonio should get you back to the hotel. There’s no street lights so the roads can be scary at night."
