“Gabwiela. She’s my mamà.”
I can’t help the smile that’s spreading on my face when he says that.
“Well okay then.” Leonardo chuckles.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Gabriela
I want to call Gianluca and leave him a message. But I know he’s getting ready to play his last game in San Diego. Giancarlo and I are getting ready to watch it with some of our family. We’re watching the game in our new house. I can’t wait to start making new memories in here with my two guys.
“Are you otay, mamà?” he asks as he watches me.
“I’m okay. How are you doing?”
“I otay. I miss my other mamà. Is dat otay?”
I go over to him and hug him. “It’s always okay to miss your mamá. She was so proud to be your mamá.”
“How you know? Did you know my mamà?”
“No, I didn’t know your mamá. But I know you and you’re a great little man. So that means your mamá was a great woman.”
“Like you.” He grins at me.
I have no idea how much he really understands. But I’ve come to realize he remembers more than anyone thought he did. And I love and hate that for him. I love that he can remember thegood things and I hate that he remembers the bad things. I wish I could take all the bad memories away for him.
“It’s game time, Tia Gabby.” Rowan says as he runs into the kitchen.
“Okay, gracias, amor.”
I pick Carlo up and carry him into the living room. Enea and Graínne gave us a huge television and had it mounted on the wall. It’s like being in a movie theater. We actually do have a mini theater in the basement. Fiorella said Gianluca will love it because he’s a huge movie buff.
We all sit down as the game starts. My heart flutters every time they show Gianluca’s face. In fact, I find myself grinning no matter what part of him flashes on the screen.
The game goes by fast, before we know it, we’re in the ninth inning. We’re also losing by one run. If we don’t score now, we’ll lose. First batter is up and it’s a base hit. Second batter hits another base hit. Third batter and again a base hit..Holy shit. We’re now bases loaded and my baby is up to bat.
“Come on fratellino!” Fiorella yells at the TV.
“Come on papà!” Giancarlo yells with her.
I laugh as they both get up and start jumping around.
Gianluca
I watch Simon get on base, then Anthony and Harrison. Now it’s my turn and I need to at least get a double. Hell, just a base hit will work because then the bases are still loaded for Christian to hit. I step up to the plate and touch my heart. That’s for my Gabriela and my Giancarlo. They’re my good luck charms in everything I do.
I watch the pitcher and swing. Fucking strike one.
Against my better judgement I swing on pitch two. Fucking dumbass.
I close my eyes and think of my family. I know they’re watching back home.Come on Gianluca, get your shit together and hit the fucking ball.
CRACK.
I watch the ball go, drop my bat and start running. I know it’s a home run before I dropped my bat. I watch Simon, then Anthony and then Harrison run home. As I’m rounding third, I see them waiting for me behind home base. My whole team comes out to celebrate my grand slam. I wish my family was here, but I know they’re watching.
Our next three guys struck out, so now we had to wait for the other team.
