Returning with their coffees, both black, Carol paused toadmire the glowing Christmas tree. “I can’t remember seeing such a pretty tree,” she said. “It’s not over-the-top, like some of the ones I’ve done for clients, but just right. And it smells so delicious.” She pointed to the still-closed drapes. “Want those opened?”
“Yes, I was just thinking the same thing. Not that anyone will pass by to see our pretty tree, but it will let more light in. Even with the clouds out, the snow is reflective. I don’t like being shut up here in the darkness. Don liked the drapes closed. I always told him he’d be a caveman if I allowed it. He claimed he was outside in the sun so much for work, he liked a darkened house. But I always wanted it open and bright. It’s one of the few things we disagreed on.” She sighed. “But I’d put up with blackout curtains if I could have him back.”
“You really miss him, don’t you?”
“Every. Single. Day.”
Once all the drapes were open, revealing a snowy wonderland, Carol sat on the sofa. “I’m sorry for your loss, Aunt Maria, but I think you were blessed to have such a long, happy marriage. I haven’t seen too many of those.” To be honest, she couldn’t think of one.
“Yes, we were very happy. I’m grateful for all the years we had.”
“Still, I’m sure it’s been lonely without him.”
“I’d be lying if I claimed it wasn’t.” She peered at Carol over her mug. “You’re almost forty, right?”
Carol nodded.
“I’m surprised you’re not married by now. Have you been married?”
“No.” Carol suppressed aggravation. Why did older women so often think they had the right to ask this question? “I was engaged once.”
Maria’s brows lifted. “What happened?”
“I realized I didn’t love him enough to give everything up for him.”
“Give everything up?” Maria looked confused. “Men don’t expect women to give up their careers nowadays, do they?”
“No, that’s not it.” She grimaced at the memory. “Morris was glad I had a steady job. He was an investment broker, and he thought together we could afford a nice house.”
“Uh-huh ... so what went wrong?”
“I wasn’t ready to give up being single. I liked having my own place. Making my own choices. To be honest, I don’t think I really loved him. Not enough, anyway. And I haven’t been in a serious relationship since then. I’ve dated some men, but always ones who aren’t pushing for marriage. I like playing it safe.”
Maria appeared dismal. “You young people. So many folks in your generation are afraid of commitment and marriage. I don’t understand it. Sure, any relationship has its ups and downs. But having someone beside you, someone you can go through struggles with, spending life with your best friend ... well, I think it’s worth giving up a little independence.”
“Maybe so, but maybe it’s not for everyone.”
“Apparently not for ones like you ... or Victor either, for that matter. I don’t know if that boy will ever get married.”
“I overheard you talking to him about a girlfriend ... Victoria? Maybe there’s something going on there with him. You know, you can’t force these things.” Carol sipped her coffee, trying to appear less interested than she felt.
“Victoria Snyder?” Maria laughed. “I think he only takes her out because it’s convenient. Like an excuse for not seeing other girls. But I don’t think it’s more than that. Not for him, anyway. Although she’s a pretty girl, and I’ve heard she’s looking to remarry. But it troubles me that she’s already been divorced. You probably know what they say about that.”
“What’s that?” Carol was glad she hadn’t mentioned Morris’s failed marriage.
“Divorce rates increase with each marriage. I think of Victor as a son ... I would never say anything to him, but I don’t want him getting hooked by Victoria. Antonia doesn’t either.”
“What if they’re in love? What if it worked out?”
Maria waved a hand. “I can’t speak for Victoria, but I don’t think she’s in love. Not really. And Victor sure doesn’t seem to be. We’ve all seen him get his heart broken once before.”
“Really?” Carol couldn’t conceal her interest.
Her aunt nodded like she was privy to all the inside stories of Victor’s family. And perhaps she was. “His high school sweetheart, Josie Staples. She was a real pretty girl and nice too ... We all thought they’d tie the knot after college, but in her second year, she met another guy. He was from a wealthy, political family, and soon it was arrivederci, Victor.”
“That’s too bad.”
“Took him years to get over it. He’s been pretty cool about marriage ever since. He invested all his time and energy into his restaurant for a while. Antonia thinks it was his therapy. Vittorio’s was quite a place. Real popular. Great reviews. Tables by reservation only. And he gave it all up to help his parents. Although, to be fair, COVID hurt the restaurant’s business, so maybe it was good timing for a break. I know he hopes to have another restaurant someday. Hopefully right here in Miller’s Creek. I’d be his most loyal patron.”
