Mr. Frisco strikes a dramatic chord, and his wife takes a deep breath. When she starts to sing, her voice strong and melodious, the opening notes stun me a little. I shift uncomfortably in my seat as I recognize the aria. It’s in Italian, fromDon Giovanni. And it is breathtaking.
It’s also a song I’d hoped to never hear again.
“In what abysses of terror, into what dangers,
Your reckless path pursuing,
Have guilt and folly brought you!
The wrath of heaven will surely overwhelm you,
It is swift to destroy.
The lightning flash of retribution impending,
It will soon be upon you!
Eternal ruin at last will be thy doom. Wretched Elvira!
What a tempest within thee, thy heart divideth!
Ah, why is there this longing? These pangs of sorrow?
Cruel heart, thou hast betrayed me,
Grief unending upon me he cast.
Pity yet lingers, I’ll not upbraid you,
Never can I forget the past, the happy past.
When my wrongs arise before me,
Thoughts of vengeance stir in my breast,
But the love that at first he bore me,
Binds my heart to him at last.”
It’s Elvira who’s singing—Elvira who loves the murderous Don Giovanni, despite his evil ways. The last time I heard this, I was with Rico in Italy, at the Roman Arena di Verona. It had been the most romantic night of my life then. The next day, he’d proposed.
The lyrics, the story, the memory…they slam into me, instantly overpowering me. Tears sting my eyes and start spilling down my cheeks. Dante tries to pull me close, but my stomach lurches at the scent of smoke still clinging to him.
I have to get out of here.
Whispering to Dante, I excuse myself without an explanation and beeline for the door. Out in the front foyer of the restaurant, I find Donovan along with a handful of other men—clearly all bodyguards—who snap to attention as I make my way over.
Donovan rushes to my side.
“Mrs. Bellanti?”
“Please take me home now. I’m not feeling well.”
He glances around, hesitating.
“Fucking take me home or I’m calling an Uber!” I snarl, swiping at the mascara leaking from the corners of my eyes.
“It’s okay, Donovan. We’re leaving.” Dante appears behind me and ushers me toward the exit.
