AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Alessia fell quiet, and we got to the car in silence. The day's final sight was Times Square, and we passed it as darkness approached. I held Alessia close as the lights from several billboards washed over us. There is something beautiful and ephemeral about this place - digitally. I looked down at Alessia and saw that she also liked the view.
“Having fun?” I asked as the car started moving again, this time headed back to The Gates.
“I had a beautiful day, Michael. Thank you.”
We got in, showered, and changed as quickly as we could, then headed out for Thale’s. It was slightly past seven when I rang Thale’s doorbell. “Hey Mike,” he said, peeking through the door. He opened it wide and smiled beatifically at Alessia. “You must be Alessia. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He opened his arms and covered Alessia in a bear hug.
She laughed out loud as Thale let her go, raising a brow at me. I shrugged in response, following Thale into the house. “Are you… twins?” she asked quietly.
“Nope,” I replied, smiling. “I won’t blame you for asking, though. You’re not the first to think so.”
As usual, I found my parents in the living room, fussing over the baby. Ivanna’s mom was also present, as was always the case when my parents were in town. I stole a glance at Alessia and saw that she looked a little nervous. I slipped my arm behind her back, pulling her close to me. I felt her loosen slightly, and she muttered a quiet thank you in return.
“Mikey, my darling!” My mother walked toward us, my father close behind. She turned to face Alessia. “You’re even more beautiful than he described! Nice to meet you!”
“You’re a very beautiful woman yourself,” Alessia responded, smiling. “Thanks a lot for having me over,” she looked at my dad, still smiling. “Hello,” he smirked and lifted his glass in greeting.
We were introduced and then divided into groups to converse. Mom whisked Alessia away, taking her to meet Ivanna’s mother and the baby. I heard Alessia cooing from across the room and saw her light up as she picked up my niece. My mother looked at me in surprise, and I shrugged while laughing.
While Thale’s daughter was calm and peaceful, she did not like strangers at all. The silence was tangible in the room, and the conversation stopped as everyone watched Alessia. She spoke baby gibberish almost fluently, and the baby cackled endlessly, jumping excitedly in Alessia’s arms.
Thale walked over to me and nudged me gently. “Seems like you’ve got a baby whisperer. Congratulations.” He handed me a glass of whiskey.
“I don’t know, man,” I said. “Things are going great, but she’s still pretty reserved about family and stuff.”
“Give her time, bro,” Thale said, patting my shoulder. “We’ve had this all our lives. She’s had it, what? A few hours? Give her time to get used to it. If she’s half the things you said, she will come around. I mean, she did come all this way to see you, right?” He walked away without waiting for a response, heading into the kitchen to help Ivanna.
The conversation had resumed, and Alessia joined my mother and father. They laughed freely with her. I took it for a good sign, grateful for how well the day was going.
“Dinner’s ready!” Ivanna announced from the kitchen door. I turned to look at her. “Michael! Come here! Heard my baby loves her new auntie.” I laughed and hugged her. It was always a pleasure to see her, even if we had just been together a few days ago.
“Looks like it,” I replied. “The word going around is that Alessia's a natural.”
Ivanna laughed and punched my arm lightly. “Well, get her to the table, then. And come help me set things, damn it.”
“Ugh, fine,” I said, going to get Alessia. We walked into the dining area with the rest of the family, chatting as we went.
“Hey,” I whispered to Alessia. “Miss me?”
“Like hell I did,” she replied in the same tone. “I swear your mom knows the name of my best friend from high school.” She laughed and added, “How much did you tell her about me?”
I winked at her. “I told you… everything.”
I helped Thale and Ivanna set the table, then took my place beside Alessia. Dinner progressed beautifully, and we spoke pleasantly about everything and nothing. As the evening progressed, Alessia chatted increasingly. Thale gave me a knowing wink before the dishes were cleared, as if to say "I told you so."
Alessia and I left shortly after midnight. I had dismissed the driver already, so I had the job of driving us home. I felt the wear of the busy day and couldn’t wait to sink into my bed and sleep for hours.
“That was beautiful,” Alessia said. “Your family is just amazing. Thanks for giving me that experience.”
I smiled tiredly. “Come on. It was nothing. I think my mom is in love with you.”
“You think?” Alessia asked jokingly.
She looked out the window, watching the lights and street signs. I glanced over her shoulder. “Hey, are you okay?”
“Mmm.”
“I still think we should talk to Enzo,” I said, clenching the wheel as I waited for her protests.
