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Mom pursed her lips. “You shouldn’t drink.”
“Everyone does, and it was just two bottles of beer, but my body simply doesn’t tolerate it. Don’t tell Dad about it. He’ll make a big deal of it and somehow compare the situation to what happened with Grandma as if me having a drink at a party like every teenager will lead to me becoming a drug addict.”
Grandma was Mom’s weak spot. I knew she and Dad had fought because of her in the past, so I felt a tad guilty that I was using it to save my ass, but the situation was too dire.
“We won’t tell your dad. But you have to promise me not to drink again.”
“Never again?” I joked, almost feeling like myself for a moment. Mom always made me feel better simply by being there and understanding.
“Not at parties, and not any time soon,” she said firmly.
“Thanks, Mom. I’m glad this stays a secret between us.”
A hint of guilt crossed Mom’s face. “Your dad wants to protect you, so we shouldn’t make it a habit to keep things from him. It’s ingrained into every man in this world from birth.” As if I didn’t know it. Even Davide was already obnoxiously protective, acting as if he were actually the older sibling.
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something else for a while now…”
Mom pulled up our driveway. “Okay…”
I waited for her to park beside Dad’s BMW limousine before I spoke again. “You know I want to gain some experience before committing to a college degree in nursing or medicine.”
“Yes, you mentioned interning with the doc,” Mom said, angling her body to give me her full attention.
I bit my lower lip and gave her a hesitant smile. “I really want to spend the summer in New York and intern with the Famiglia doc.”
Mom’s face became instantly worried. “That’s far away, Aurora, and you know peace isn’t even a year old.”
“There was peace for a long time before then, Mom, and now that Amo and Greta are married, neither Luca nor Remo will risk another war. I really want to spend some time with our family in New York. I really miss seeing my aunts and cousins. We don’t have any family here, which makes me sad. I know I can’t ever see Dad’s family in Chicago, but I want to be with the family we’re not at war with.”
Mom sighed. “This is a lot to stomach. It’s May, so you’re springing this on us late. I just worry that this decision is based on something I should know about.”
“I just feel like I need to spend some time with other people. Carlotta will visit family in Los Angeles, and I don’t want to spend my summer with the Unholy Trinity or my little brother.”
Mom nodded slowly. “I’d rather you don’t spend your summer with the trio either.”
If you only knew…
Memories from last night popped up uninvited.
“Will you say yes to me spending the summer in New York?” I could see the hesitation in Mom’s face. “I need you on my side for this. Dad won’t agree if you’re hesitant.”
“I’ll give Aria a call tonight. Let me iron out things with her first. If I have a good feeling after my chat with her, you’ll have to work your charm on him, and then I’ll talk to him to break down his last defenses.”
I hugged her. “Thanks, Mom.”
“I have to chat with Aria first. I haven’t made up my mind yet.”
I doubted Aria would say anything that would intensify Mom’s hesitation. Aria wanted our family to be together. She missed Dad, and she’d be delighted to have me with them. Now I just had to survive the weeks until I could leave. Even Mom wouldn’t allow me to go to New York before my birthday in ten days.
Once home, I went to my room and didn’t leave it except for dinner that evening. I could hear the sounds of laughter coming from the pool on the Falcone premises. I couldn’t see it from my window, but I could imagine the trio having fun.
I pressed my lips together. Nevio probably went about his day as if nothing had happened. I sucked in a deep breath as a wave of anger mixed with deep hurt welled up in me. If this wasn’t proof that Nevio didn’t care about me, I didn’t know.
I squared my shoulders. I was done. Once and for all. I’d had my pity party last night and this morning. I’d embarrassed myself enough for a life time. I would simply move on from this like Nevio had done. I wasn’t going to mope around and cry my eyes out again.
I perched on the windowsill and took out my cell. Since the wedding, I had Isa’s number again so I texted her.
What are you up to this summer?
