She doesn’t answer, but I feel her smile, and that’s enough.
I hold her tighter as the morning brightens. The rain stops. The light shifts. And I realize I'm exactly where I’m supposed to be.
39
END ZONE: THE SCORING AREA AT EACH END OF THE FIELD.
We eat lunch under the shade of an old chestnut tree and we’re having our first argument.
“Let me get this straight. You arranged with my parents?—”
“And Christin, Amy, and Emery, and their families,” he interjects.
“To have themallcome to Italy for Thanksgiving?”
Until a few moments ago, my head was in Troy’s lap while we were sharing the responsibility of feeding one another bread and cheese. It’s Troy who had come up with the ingenious way for us to share the wine he brought once he realized he forgot the glasses. After drinking some, he leaned over and kissed me, letting the rich liquid drip slowly into my mouth.
It was perfect.
It was romantic.
Then he brought up what plans he made for Thanksgiving—a holiday I know isn’t celebrated here—leaving me flabbergasted. “What possessed you to do this?”
He crooks a brow. “You left the plans in my hands.”
I sputter. “I…” Crap. I absolutely did.
Troy holds up a cube of cheese that I take from him and chew on while I recall our earlier conversation. Initially, I dismissed his offer to fly everyone over to Italy.“If you bring everyone over, you’re footing the bill for like twenty people!”
“It’s doable.”
“I’ll get right on planning that.” I rolled my eyes skyward.
“Why don’t you let me handle it, uvetta mia? Besides, you have a trip to Istanbul for TravelAwaits.”
“I’m now beginning to feel terror that my best friends and my boyfriend now have each other’s cell phone numbers.”
He roars with laughter. “Yet, my having your parent’s number doesn’t frighten you the same way?”
I narrow my eyes at him. “You’ve probably been texting them like you’re auditioning for future son-in-law status.”
Troy grins, unrepentant. “They like me.”
I shoot back. “They probably think it’s adorable that you say,uvetta mia, every other sentence.”
He shrugs. “Can’t help it if they appreciate my charm. Or my logistical skills. Flights are booked, villa rooms sorted. Oh, and your mom said it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without hersweet potato pie. I’ve already translated the measurements into metrics, so we should be good on the big day.”
I drop the piece of bread I’m holding. “You did what?”
He looks far too pleased with himself. “She seemed thrilled to help. Also, your dad wanted to know if he could watch the Macy’s Day parade online, so I ensured we’ll be able to stream it.”
“You’re insane.”
“I’m efficient.”
I lean back against him, groaning. “You realize this means they’re all going to assume this is serious.”
Troy’s smile softens. “That’s because it is.”
