“Cesare and his big mouth...”
Cesare, one of my cousins, also works at Santoro Marmo and occasionally travels with me. Last week, he caught me scrolling through Cecilia’s Instagram profile and started firing off a thousand questions.
I barely answered any of them, but it didn’t take him long to connect my frequent trips to New York over the past few months with her. And nothing I said could convince him otherwise.
I know he followed her profile too, but that doesn’t bother me.
Cecilia’s never managed her social media herself; the person who handles it for her works remotely from New Orleans. Not that it stops me from checking now and then... just to catch a glimpse of her world when I can’t be part of it.
“Is Sam out with the kids in the olive grove?” I ask, not even trying to hide my attempt to change the subject.
Angelo bursts out laughing, clapping me hard on the back.
“Sì, sì.I see how it is. That only proves Cesare’s right. Cupid got you, my friend—better late than never. Nonna Carmela will be thrilled. She’s already dreaming about more great-grandchildren!”
“Che cazzo[XXV]...”I mutter under my breath.
I’m saved by Sam’s bark, loud and cheerful, just before he comes running toward me, a few of my nephews, nieces, and cousins trailing behind him. He’s always this happy whenever I leave him here during the day while I’m working or away on a trip.
I crouch down to greet him as he bounds into me, tail wagging like he’s been waiting for this moment all day. A chorus of laughter follows when the kids rush in for a collective hug, small arms wrapping around my waist and legs.
I take my time saying goodbye to each of them before heading out. Sam hops into the car beside me, buzzing with excitement,and as I pull out of the driveway, I catch Angelo laughing at me through the rearview mirror. I can’t help but laugh too.
My phone vibrating on the desk pulls my attention from the report I’m reading. I answer, a little surprised, though I can’t help the small smile tugging at my lips.
“Shouldn’t the mother of the graduate already be on her way?” My tone is light—but I can’t help the change in my voice as I add, “Ciao, cara mia.”
“Ciao, Alexander,” Cecilia’s voice comes through, smooth and gentle, seeping under my skin like it always does. “We’re leaving in about half an hour.”
She tries to sound casual, but I can hear the nervousness in her voice.
“Everything alright, Cecily?”
“Yes, yes... I just—”
She stops, and I can hear her draw in a breath on the other end of the line. “I think I’m just a little nervous, that’s all. The kids were anxious earlier too. It’s a big day for everyone.”
I let her take her time, knowing she isn’t finished yet.
“And I... well, I wanted to hear your voice before leaving.”
My hand tightens around the phone. Eyes closed, I let her words sink in, let them find the place they always seem to reach.
“You wanted to hear my voice?”
It comes out rougher than I mean it to. And I can’t even bring myself to care that it might sound too revealing.
“Yes,” she says, with a light, almost shy laugh. “Not in a weird way or anything. It’s just... I’ve told you this before. There’s something about you, I don’t know how to explain it, you make me feel like I’ve known you for years... maybe my whole life. I like talking to you. I like hearing you.”
“Anch’io, tesoro.[XXVI]Anch’io.”I breathe out before I can stop myself. Then clear my throat, forcing a lighter tone. “I mean... me too. I feel the same.”
I don’t translate the wordtesoro, a word that could mean love, treasure, sweetheart. And I’m relieved when Cecilia doesn’t ask me to.
We stop talking, neither of us trying to take the words back. After a moment, I ask, “Are you ready for the graduation ceremony?”
“Almost,” she replies right away. “Hair and makeup are done, shoes too. I’m just waiting to put the dress on before we leave, don’t want to wrinkle it.”
I shift in my chair, every muscle tightening at the image that passes through my mind: her sitting on the edge of the bed, wrapped in a silk robe, the faintest trace of perfume lingering in the room, her voice soft in my ear as we talk about nothing and everything.
