“I think I’m still jet-lagged. And I also think I had an allergic reaction to my waterproof mascara. It was an old one and I probably should have let it go a long time ago.”
“Hmm.” Peggy continued weaving.
“But I’m not tired. I feel good. I am excited for today. Aren’t you excited?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“I’m excited,” Pina chimed in. “My back hurts, but I’m excited. You should throw out that mascara.”
“I will. I did! It’s my fault, really. I remembered what I loved about it a long time ago, but it has clearly gone bad. I should have known better.”
“It’s a good thing you figured it out because some people don’t until it’s too late and they end up with an infection,” Peggy said.
Ellie felt the tears threaten to fall as she clipped another rose stem.“That’s why I don’t wear makeup,” said Pina with her back still to Ellie. “Too risky.”
“It’s worth the risk”—Peggy leaned over, catching Ellie’s eye—“if you choose the right one.”
“I don’t know how to do that.” Ellie gave up and let a fat, salty tear drip down her right cheek and onto her blue T-shirt. Her mother kneeled down, scooting closer to her, and wiped the tears.
“Ellie-Belle, you don’t have to know. Not now, you don’t.” Peggy smiled, her own eyes filling. Ellie leaned forward, resting her head on her mom’s shoulder.
“We’re going to be okay, you and me,” Peggy said, kissing her on the top of her head.
“Is this where the royal wedding is taking place or—”
Ellie whipped her head around in shock, this time overjoyed at the voice she heard behind her. She knew he was coming but had no idea when Ben would actually get there. As usual, his timing was perfect.
“Benny! You’re here! Why didn’t you call us?” Ellie said, jumping to her feet and throwing her arms around her brother.
“Hey, I still have two vertebrae that are not on speaking terms with me, okay? Watch it!” Ben smiled and let Ellie and Peggy kiss his cheeks. “Janelle postponed until the end of August, ending my holding pattern. And I didn’t call you because—surprise!”
“Is that Benny Beltrami? Hey, man!” Ale shouted, making a beeline for Ben with his arms thrown open. “Get in here! How have you been?”
“Just great, thanks! I had no idea you guys would be here,” Ben said, returning the hug.
“And we didn’t know you would be, either,” Leo added as he walked over with a grin. He opened his arms for a hug hello with the biggest smile she’d seen on his face yet. Ben’s eyes flashed wide before leaning in to embrace him back.
“Ben! Ah, my Beniamino, you’re here! I started to get afraid that we weren’t going to see you!” Graziella came toward him with her arms extended.
“Me too, but I’m here! And I am thrilled. My God, look at us all—so gorgeous!” he said, looking around at the circle they formed.
“Hey, Ben,” Cris said, joining the group and extending his hand. Ben shook it, pressing his lips together in a tight smile.
“This is so special,” said Graziella. “Look how we have all of the kids together!” She reached for Ellie’s hand on one side and Cris’s on the other.
“One, big, happy family!” said Ale, glancing at his older brother, who shot him a death stare.
“Oh, I’m sorry to break it up,” said Ben, turning to Graziella. “But Gram, is it okay if I roll up my sleeves a little? This is beautiful, but I want to help a little to make it extra special.”
“Of course, Benny, but you’re not here to work.” Graziella waggled her finger at him.
“It’s not work when you do what you love,” he chuckled and grabbed Ellie by the arm. He gently led her away from the group and hissed, “It looks like a high school production of Romeo and Juliet died right on the terrace. And what the hell is going on with that ill-humored oak tree disguised as Cris Conte? Thank God I got here in time.”
“Did you actually read my texts?” she asked, her eyes still wet.
“Yes, which is why you need to get the car keys and come with me. We have shit to fix.”
Cris placed the last case of white wine into the small walk-in refrigerator behind the café kiosk at the Delfino and paused at the door that led back out to the terrace.
