Mama was small in stature, her frame more athletic than my softer curves. She taught me that true worth comes from the heart, and while she often called me the most beautiful girl in the world, she also reminded me that it was my inner beauty people truly saw. I loved her for it, but it been my father that had drawn out my confidence.
Don’t think about that right now, Vicky. He’s gone.
No longer hiding her tears, she held my cheeks in her hands; hands that had held me when I cried for Papa, hands that had shown me how to cook, hands that demonstrated how to overcome adversity.
“Victoria, God created you for great things. You are beautiful, intelligent, and persistent. Yes, I will miss you. I’ll miss you every day. But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If I made you miss it to avoid disrupting my life, I would be a poor example of a mother,” she said with the same passion she put into everything in her life.
“Yes, Mama. And I’ll call you all the time, and we can FaceTime. I’ll send you pictures of everything,” I said, choking back tears. “Thank you for everything.”
As we clung to one another, Enzo walked in, biting his lips to hold back his own tears. Though on the shorter side, he was a massive wall of a man, intimidating to those who didn’t know him, but inside he was a total cinnamon roll. Corinna came up behind him and leaned into his shoulder.
“I love the way you all love one another,” she said, tears pooling in her eyes. We were all aware of the turmoil her parents had caused her and how it shaped her choice of my brother, so we tried to give her a glimpse of what she’d missed in her youth.
I opened my arms for her to join us, and she did so in a flash. Enzo came up behind us and hugged us all.
“We’re proud of you, Vicky. You’re going to do an amazing job overthere. Show those Americans what arealdesigner can do,” Enzo said. We all laughed, wiped our tears, and sat up.
“I don’t know if they’re ready for this Italian tornado, but I’ll do my best to make you all proud,” I said with a huff of laughter. Enzo loved to call me that when we were kids.
“We hardly had time to shop for some new officewear, though. That’s what I wanted to do for you,” Corinna whined. She was the person I turned to for outfit advice, but she hadn’t been able to get back to Rome recently because of a big case her law firm had taken. Although she was petite like Aria and Sofia, she knew how to dress my plus-size body better than anyone else.
“You helped me put together some pieces from my own stuff, Rina. That’s enough to get started on. I’ll go shopping one weekend and have you on video to help,” I offered.
“Deal,” she said excitedly.
“Alright, you crybabies, I have to finish packing. Out, out,” I pressed them forward until the door finally closed, Enzo’s complaints trailing behind.
Looking one more time around my room, I closed my eyes. Fear mixed with excitement bubbled over me.
I sank onto my bed, leaning back and kicking my feet with delight, barely holding in a squeal.
I was going to California for my dream job.
The next morning was a flurry of activity that ended with Mama, Corinna, Enzo, and me making it to the airport hours ahead of time. Mama insisted we park so she could see me off as far as the security line.
“This is it, guys. Thanks so much for coming in with me,” I said. Protesting at first that they could just drop me off like the adult I was, once inside and checked in, I was happy to have them for a few more minutes. My heart was racing, and I was sure they could see it pounding in my chest through my maxi dress.
“Put your jean jacket on when you get in the plane, tesoro. It’s always cold in there,” Mama said worriedly, hugging my cheek with her warm hand.
Smiling through the embarrassment, I pulled her to me and hugged her tight.
“Thank you for everything, Mama. I’ll call you when I change planes and as soon as I land in San Diego.”
“No matter the time,” she said sternly.
“Yes, I promise.” Turning to Enzo and Corinna, I said, “Thanks for coming to see me off. I love you both.”
“We love you, too,” Enzo said, cracking my back, he held me so hard. “Remember what I said. Stay focused on work. Learn everything you can. Eyes on the prize.”
“Not on the guys,” I finished with a chuckle. “Got it.”
When Corinna held me, she whispered, “Say hi to everyone for us. ‘Specially Miles.”
I let go and shook my head with a grin. I knew what she was hoping would happen, but that was as far-fetched as my winning the lottery.
“Love you all,” I said, taking my rolling carry-on bag in hand. “Ciao.”
“Ciao,” they said in unison, Mama wiping a few tears as Enzo pulled her to his side.
