“Then, love will find a way. Maybe you can go with him on some of these adventures. You need to find some of those for yourself, too. It’s time, my angel. Time to find your wings and learn to fly.”
“I’ve been thinking about that, and I want that, too.”
Kissing her on the cheek, he said with feigned seriousness. “Now. Let’s go home. I’m getting hungry.”
Giggling and standing up, Aria said, “Did you not find your stash yet?”
“Your Mama found it first.”
Laughing loudly, they headed back to the car.
When they arrived back home, the telltale briny aroma permeated the house.
“Mama, that smells divine. Are you cooking spaghetti alle vongole?” she said, walking into the kitchen.
“I am. I found some clams at your market. You had everything else, and I really wanted to cook this for you. Oh, and look in the refrigerator,” Maria said as she expertly minced garlic.
Inside the fridge sat her mom's sponge cake, drizzled with an aromatic limoncello-based syrup and filled with a lemon-flavored custard. It was the best she’d ever had.
“Delizia al limone too? You've outdone yourself. Thank you, thank you, thank you,” Aria said, kissing her mom on the cheek.
“You're welcome, my angel. Now go and get ready. What time is Alex coming over?” Maria asked. Aria checked her phone when she pulled it from her back pocket.
“He should be here in about thirty minutes. I'll go freshen up.”
Right on time, the bell rang. Aria ran to the door to make sure she was the first to greet him.
“I missed you today”, Alex whispered as he leaned down to her ear.
Blushing, she reached to take the flowers he had in his hands.
“Sorry, these are for your mom,” he teased as he moved them out of her reach, laughing at her petulant pout.
He followed her inside and when they stepped into the living room, Aldo put down the book he had been reading and stood up.
“Papa, this is Alex Rossi. Alex, this is my dad, Aldo Costa,” she said as she looked between the two men.
With a strong handshake, Alex said, “Mr. Costa, it's a pleasure to meet you. Aria has told me so many wonderful things about you.”
“It's a pleasure to meet you too, Alex. Please, call me Aldo.”
“Let me take you to the kitchen to meet my mom,” Aria answered, as he followed her into the kitchen.
“Mama, this is Alex. Alex, my mom Maria.”
As soon as Maria turned around from the stove, Alex turned on the charm. Taking her hand, he kissed it and smiled at her.
“I can see where Aria’s beauty comes from. My mom's name was Maria as well,” he said, handing her the bouquet.
“Oh, you're so sweet,” she answered with a wave. Aria shook her head, amused at how easily her mom had become enamored with the charming man.
“Please sit down. Sit down. Everything is ready. Aldo, join us.”
Maria served up mounds of pasta and clams while Aria cut up the bread. Aldo made room on the table as the serving platters were snuggled in the middle, barely fitting. Alex opened the bottle of crisp white wine and served them all a glass.
“Mama, this is a feast,” Aria said. “Alex, I hope you’re hungry.”
“I can’t wait to try all of this,” he answered, serving himself a plentiful amount of the briny pasta before passing the bowl to Aria.
