“She is.”
“She’d give me some equally beautiful grandchildren, I just know it.”
“MAMA, STOP.”
“Don’t worry, don’t worry!” she said humorously. “I won’t say anything to your girlfriend!”
“THANK you.”
“I’m just stating the obvious!”
“Okay,” I said sardonically.
“I mean…isthat something that might possibly happen…?”
“Mama, you’ve already got Mirabella and Alberto!” I protested.
“I know, I know! But there’s always room for more!” Mama said, then shook her head. “Unless it’s out of wedlock. Rolando and Silvia…mamma mia…”
She crossed herself.
“Well, don’t you worry,” I said. “When I have kids, I’ll definitely be married when I do it.”
“Good,” she said as she patted my cheek. “At leastyou’renot gonna break your mama’s heart.”
I stared out the window at Papa, who was slouched in his chair at the head of the table, drinking a glass of wine and scowling.
“Giorgio,” my mother said softly as she looked at me. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine, Mama.”
“Are you happy?”
I looked over at her and smiled. “Very happy.”
“Emilia – she’s good to you?”
“She’s wonderful, Mama.”
“Tutto bene.You deserve a good woman.”
I kissed the top of her head. “Well, I’d like one at least half as good as you.”
“Stop it!” she said, laughing.
But then she peered at me closely. “Why do you look so sad, then, when you stare out the window?”
I looked at my father, grumpy and sour.
“Papa,” I said simply.
“…ah,” my mother said, nodding.
“Has he come around yet?” I asked.
She looked at me sadly. “No.”
“Hm,” I grunted.
