"For her age, yes. She lives in the guest house on my parents' property. Has a caretaker who checks on her."
I file this information away. "It must be nice having her close."
"It is."
"I love old people," I say, and this part is actually true. "I volunteer at a senior center twice a month. Have for years."
He glances at me, surprised. "You do?"
"I read to the residents, play cards, just spend time with them." I look out the window. "They have the best stories. And they're happy to have company."
"That's..." He seems to struggle for words. "That's actually really nice."
"My grandmother lived with us until she passed when I was sixteen. I miss her every day." Also true. "Old people deserve respect. Care. Attention. Too many families just warehouse their elderly and forget about them."
Santino is quiet for a moment. "I didn't know that about you."
"You don't know a lot about me yet." I turn to smile at him. "That's what these forty days are for, right?"
"I suppose it is."
We pull up to his parents' house. It's impressive, traditional, with that old-world Italian architecture that screams old money and older values. The kind of place where everything has its place and everyone knows their role.
The kind of place where I'm about to cause chaos.
Santino's mother, Giovanna, greets us at the door. She takes one look at my outfit and I see the judgment in her eyes. Too much. Too bright. Too eager.
"Liana. How lovely to see you again."
"Mrs. Marcello! Thank you so much for having me!" I'm enthusiastic. Maybe too enthusiastic. "Your home is beautiful."
Santino touches my elbow, guiding me inside. His touch is gentle but firm. A warning, maybe. For me to be on my best behavior.
The house is full of people. Aunts, uncles, cousins. More Marcellos than I can count. They all stop talking when we enter, turning to look at me.
I wave at them like I’m a princess in a parade.
Several people blink in confusion.
Santino leans close. "We don't wave."
"Oh. Sorry." I smile at everyone instead.
His mother introduces me around. Aunt Maria. Uncle Giuseppe. Cousin Alessia. On and on. I try to remember names but there are too many.
"Don't worry if you don't remember everyone," Santino murmurs. "There are a lot of us."
"I love big families!" I say loudly. Too loudly. Several people look over. "It must be so wonderful, having everyone together like this."
Giovanna's smile is tight. "We value family above all else."
"That's so beautiful. Family is everything." I mean this, actually. Even if my family is currently trying to marry me off. "When Santino and I are married, I can't wait to be part of all this. Especially around the holidays and special occasions."
The room goes quiet. Santino's hand tightens on my elbow.
Did I say something wrong? I definitely said something wrong.
"Shall we move to the dining room?" Giovanna suggests, her voice strained.
