"This isn't a controlling relationship."
"Maddie, stop! He literally controls where we go and who we talk to! He’s controlling you and your house. Probably your car too! Are you even allowed to drive? Why aren’t you driving us around instead of Antonio?"
"He's being protective."
"Of what? What does he think we're going to see or learn that requires this level of management?"
Everything.
"Can you just trust me?" I ask. "Please? I know you're worried, but I need you to trust that I can handle my own life. For once in my life."
"I did trust you," Sarah says. "When you said you were buying a house in Sicily. When you said you'd met someone. When you said everything was wonderful. But now I'm here, and nothing is what you described."
"What did you expect?"
"I expected my friend to be living her best life in a charming Italian village. Not... this. Whatever this is."
"This is my life," I say. "It might not be what you expected, but it's mine."
"Is it? Because it seems like everything about your life is controlled by him. Where you live, who you see, what you can tell us about your life."
"That's not true."
"Then why can't we see your house? Why can't we explore the village freely? Why do you look terrified every time I ask about his business?"
Because all of those things would reveal truths that would put you in danger, I think but don't say.
"Look," Jessica intervenes, "we're not trying to attack you, Maddie. We're just worried. This whole situation feels intense. The vibes are weird."
"Intense isn't necessarily bad," I say.
"It is when it involves this level of secrecy and control," Sarah counters.
“If you’re dead set on seeing the house today, even though it’s a huge mess, we can go,” I say. “Franco will be there."
"Oh, I definitely want to see this famous house you won for one euro," Sarah says, studying me over her coffee cup.
"We can go as soon as you get ready. Franco will explain all the restoration work."
Jessica looks between us. "Is it really as bad as you made it sound?"
"It was in pretty rough shape, but the renovations are making a huge difference. New electrical, plumbing, the works. It’s almost livable now."
"Funded by your complicated not-boyfriend?" Sarah asks.
"Only partially. It's a business arrangement. Part of the tourism development project."
"Right. The tourism project." Sarah's tone suggests she doesn't buy it.
"After a tour of the house, we’ll go to lunch," I say. "There's a great place at the marina."
"Sounds perfect," Jessica says. "I want to see everything, your house, the village, where you spend your time."
"It's not exactly exciting," I warn. "Monte Vento is tiny."
"But charming, right?" Jessica asks hopefully.
"Very charming. And Enzo will join us for lunch.”
