Stefan and I helped as much as she allowed.And then we carried everything to the beautiful patio.
After I sat down, I said, “I don't understand.You drank more than I did last night.But you have more energy.”
Anna cut her pancakes and laughed.“I've just had more practice.”
Stefan stood and disappeared for a couple of minutes.
He came back with two pills, a glass of orange juice, and another cappuccino.
“Thanks,” I said, taking the pills and popping them into my mouth.
I didn't know whether it was the pills, the fluid, the food, or the wonderful company—but it didn't take long before I felt a whole lot better.
“When do you leave for Chicago?”Stefan asked his mother.Then he surprised me and pulled my chair right beside him.His arm draped over my shoulders, caging me in.
“I was going to start clearing the table,” I whispered to him.
His eyes shifted to mine.“I know exactly what you were going to do.But I want you to sit.”
Anna nodded and looked at me.“He's right.Relax.We can clean up in a while.”She smiled and turned back to Stefan.“I was thinking of leaving in a few weeks.Giselle's getting close to her due date.And I would like to be there to see at least one of my grandchildren be born.”The wistful look on her face made my heart squeeze.“And then—maybe you and Carlo can help me look for a place nearby?”
Stefan set down his cup on the table.“What do you mean—a place nearby?”
She shrugged and moved her head from side to side.“I only have that small condo there.And it's such a drive out to Carlo's house in the country.”
Stefan frowned at his mother.“Permanently?”he asked in a surprised tone.
“You're never here.And I miss so much with all of you gone—”
Stefan sighed.“That's not always a bad thing,” he muttered under his breath.“How can you even think about leaving Italy?”
Wow.
Apparently, his mother had shocked the crap right out of him.Stefan's whole body tensed.
“It's not a matter of leaving Italy.It's a matter of being with my family.”
Apparently, that wasn't a good enough explanation for Stefan.“You have plenty of family here.”
Anna let out an exasperated breath.“Your father isn't here anymore.The days are long and just seem to be getting longer.I miss my children.And my grandchildren.I want to watch them grow up.”A few tears escaped down her cheeks.
Stefan's arm slipped away, and he stood—and went to his mother.He took her hands and pulled her up to him.I wasn't sure what they were saying to each other—but I took it as my cue to clear the table and leave them alone for a bit.
Poor Anna.
She sounded so sad.Which made perfect sense since the man she'd spent decades with was no longer by her side anymore.
I found some containers to stick the leftovers in.By the time I was about to start washing the dishes, Stefan and Anna walked into the kitchen.“We'll use the dishwasher.Save those beautiful, young hands.”
I bit my lip and looked at her.And then at Stefan.“I've never used a dishwasher before,” I confessed.I was sure they'd both think I was crazy.
I mean—who in the world hasn't used a dishwasher.Right?But growing up, we never lived in a nice enough place that had one.And there wasn't one in my crappy apartment, either.
“Then today you learn.”Anna took my hand and started giving me my first lesson.
10
Stefan
