The grim reaper is holding that scythe over your neck. And he’s grinning! Think about that! Not the fact that only a thin layer of terry cloth separates …
No! These cannot be your last thoughts on earth.
Recite the Lord’s Prayer, a Hail Mary, the Pledge of Allegiance, anything but …
“Come on, Nico,” he murmured.
I must remember one of the three.
She could hear the girls shouting, “Harder, Uncle Rocco, harder!”
“Come on, girl.”
Holy Mary! Lord have mercy and deliver us from evil.
“Uncle Rocco, harder. She’s turning blue!”
Pray for us sinners. Lead us not into temptation and pledge allegiance now and at the hour of our death, with liberty and justice for all.
“Please, Nico.” His plea sounded to her like a prayer. “Don’t leave me now. Come on, girl. Please.”
For thine is the power and the glory. Forever and ever. Amen.
One more thrust, and out came a wad of wet red dough with one strip of glistening prosciutto hanging from it.
“Ew,” Beatrice said, staring down at the putrid object.
“Yuck,” Sofia added, peering at it alongside her.
He released his fist and loosened his hold on her but didn’t remove his hands altogether. He held her waist, and she could still feel him behind her.
After a moment, he let go and placed the palm of his hand on her back. She sighed, grateful for her breath—even grateful for the presence of his hand, which was surprisingly comforting.
“Just breathe, Nico. Relax. Take a moment. You’re okay now.”
Rocco kept his hand on her back, watching her closely.
She lifted her sweater and brought it up to her mouth, but he pushed her hand down and reached for a napkin. She made a move to take it from him, but he ignored her hand and gently wiped her lips.
When he was done, she hung her head, staring at the floor. She wouldn’t look at him. He placed his hand under her chin and lifted it until he could see her face. Her eyes looked like two black pebbles under a running stream.
“Uncle Rocco,” Sofia said, “she’s still red.”
“Yeah, Uncle Rocco,” Beatrice said, “maybe you didn’t get it all out. Maybe you should do some more.”
He shook his head. “No, she’s fine. Just give her a moment.”
He smiled and brushed one finger lightly under Nico’s chin.
The color in her cheeks deepened.
Quickly, he removed his hand.
No one said a word. Even his nieces were quiet, which almost never happened. He racked his brain, trying to think how best to break the awkward silence, which had become deafening. He could hear it ringing in his ears.
He turned his gaze to the wet mound of dough sitting on the carpet.
“Ew and yuck,” he echoed.
