They’ve all started tidying up the kitchen and getting trays of hors d’oeuvres ready to be brought out as the guests wait. God forbid they should have to sit around and wait for food. If I had asked my mother for a snack while she was preparing dinner, I don’t think I’d be alive right now.
Valentina just continues sipping her espresso, knowing I’ll elaborate eventually, which irritates me.
“Don’t you want to know?” I bark.
“Aren’t you going to tell me anyways? Who cares if I want to know or not,” she says with a sly smile.
My face feels flushed.
“Okay, anyways”—I huff—“I was wondering if we could make my father’s rice pudding recipe for dessert tonight. I think it would really impress Luciano.”
Valentina laughs into her coffee, causing herself to choke a bit.
“I’m serious.”
“You want to step intomykitchen? During the service? And make an entirely new dessert for your little mystery puzzle? I said you could use the kitchen for your little business plan, but changing the menu for tonight?”
“Well, I—”
She raises an eyebrow, clearly amused but skeptical. “You know my team is already prepping everything, right? This isn’t some random home kitchen. It’s a finely tuned machine.”
“I get that, but this is important. It’s my dad’s recipe. It could help me make a connection with Luciano.” I pause, trying to gauge her reaction. “Please, Val. Just this once?”
“Hey, you two. Getting along?”
Sofia saunters in, wearing a gorgeous white tulle dress with mesh details on the bodice. It has a short train that gracefully follows her every step. Her hair is curled to perfection and cascading down her shoulders and back. She’s wearing a tiny but exquisite tiara, because of course she is.
“Oh—hey.” Valentina clears her throat. “You look great.”
“You think so?” Sofia giggles and twirls.
Valentina smiles and nods.
“Obviously. Always the cutest in the room.”
I look between both of them. Why is Valentina suddenly acting so different? I want to roll my eyes, but I can’t look away, even for a second.
“So I see dinner is just about done. So excited! And you’re making the—”
“The duck confit, just like you requested,” Valentina replies.
“Ah, perfect! You’re amazing,” Sofia squeals, putting her hands on top of Valentina’s.
Valentina looks down at their hands touching, as if she’s caught in a daydream. I watch her softly caress Sofia’s fingers before Sofia pulls away quickly.
“And is everything okay for you, prima? Are you excited about the hike and brunch tomorrow? I know how much you’ve always wanted to attend this camp.”
I almost forgot I was in the room as I watched their exchange. I come back to reality for a second to respond.
“Yep! Everything is great. I’m honestly so excited to be here. Everyone is so nice, and it’s nice to catch up and let everyone know how I’m doing. Actually, Valentina just agreed to help me make Roberto’s famous rice pudding recipe for dessert tonight.” I smile innocently at Valentina and then look back at Sofia.
“No. Fucking. Way.” Sofia gasps. “Are you serious? I haven’t had that for at least ten years now! Are you really going to make it, Valy?”
Valentina glances at me so fiercely, I’m pretty sure I can see daggers shoot out of her eyes and into my soul. I can’t help but smile, though.
“That wasn’t really a part of the plan, Sof,” Valentina grumbles.
“Oh,pleeeease,” Sofia begs with her hands clasped together.
