As they drive away, Emilio approaches. "The softer approach worked better today,” he says.
"The lawyer's still suspicious, but less combative today."
"One more day to go before they leave."
Tomorrow, they leave. Madison can stop performing for them, and we can return to our version of normal. Whatever that means now that she's seen me through their eyes.
But that's tomorrow's problem. Today, lunch went well. The friends are satisfied enough. Madison appeared less stressed.
Sometimes the best control is letting people think they're not being controlled at all.
Chapter 25: Maddie
Their last night in Sicily, we meet at a small wine bar in Taormina, just the three of us. No Enzo, no Antonio, no orchestrated experiences. Just three friends sharing a bottle of wine like we used to in Seattle.
"This is more like it," Sarah says, pouring generous glasses. "Really talking without supervision."
"Enzo wasn't supervising—"
"Maddie, stop. Just for tonight, can we stop pretending?"
I take a long sip of wine. "Okay. You're right. He's been managing your entire visit."
Jessica reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. "Thank you for admitting that."
We sit in silence for a moment, the weight of acknowledgment settling between us.
"What now?" I ask.
"Now we talk honestly," Sarah says. "No judgment, no ultimatums. Just truth."
"The truth is I don't know what I'm doing."
"That's a start,” she says, giving me an understanding smile.
The wine loosens something in me. "He's not what he says he is. You know that, I know that. He's probably involved in things that would terrify me if I knew the details."
"Probably?" Jessica asks gently.
"Definitely. There was an incident before you arrived. Some men threatened me on a mountain road. Enzo luckily showed up and handled it."
"Handled how?"
"I don't know. I don't want to know. But they're gone."
Sarah's face pales. "Maddie—"
"I know how it sounds. I know what it makes him. But he protected me."
"Through violence."
"Through whatever was necessary." I hear myself echoing his words and hate it.
"Listen to yourself," Sarah says. "You're justifying God knows what!"
"I'm not justifying anything. I'm telling you the truth. I'm involved with someone who makes me feel safer than I've ever felt. How fucked up is that?"
"Pretty fucked up if you ask me," Jessica says softly.
