Alex scrunched his eyes and asked, “For what?”
They all heard the sing-song tone when Maria accepted the video call.
“Son! I wish you were here,” she bellowed.
Aldo and Aria snickered when Alex’s spoon clanged into his plate at the loud greeting. Alex looked at Aria, his eyes wide when Maria walked into the bedroom talking loudly.
“You’ll get used to it,” Aldo mumbled.
Maria returned a few minutes later, apologizing and giving them all greetings from Santo. After dessert, Alex readied to leave.
Maria gave Alex a hug saying, “It was so nice to meet you. Sorry I took the call for a few minutes, but Santo was feeling left out.”
“It was no problem. Thank you again for a lovely meal and even better company. I hope you have a safe trip home on Sunday. I look forward to seeing you again soon.”
“Aldo, great meeting you. Next time I’m in Rome I’ll come see you at the restaurant,” Alex said as they shook hands.
“Look forward to it. It was great meeting you, too.”
Aria walked Alex to the door and stepped outside with him, closing the door behind her.
Exhaling deeply and rubbing his forehead, he asked, “Do you think they liked me? I was trying not to be nervous.”
“They liked you very much. I could tell.”
Pulling her into a tight embrace, he said, “That’s a good thing, but I like their daughter very,verymuch.”
“You do, huh?”
“Mhm. So much that I think she deserves a kiss goodnight.”
Raising her eyebrows, Aria answered, “Oh, really?”
“Yes, really,” he answered, leaning down, and kissing her soundly.
Aldo was cleaning up in the kitchen while Maria read a magazine in the living room when Aria went inside. He dried his hands on a kitchen towel and Maria tossed the magazine on the side table when Aria plopped down on the sofa with a huge smile.
“I like this smile, my angel,” Aldo said as he joined them.
“I’m so happy. I know we still have some obstacles to deal with, but it feels so good to be with him.”
Maria ran her hand over Aria’s head, and said, “It’s an answer to a prayer, Aria. To see your face bright and hopeful again. I’m so glad we came.”
“I am too.”
Aldo’s phone rang and when he walked to the kitchen and answered it, Aria could tell there was something wrong.
When he walked back to where they were sitting, he said, “Maria, a pipe burst in the kitchen. They’ve turned the water off for now but had to close the restaurant early. Looks like we’re heading out very early in the morning. I’m sorry to cut our trip short, but we need to get back.”
“I can’t believe this,” Maria answered, disappointment written on her face. “But we just got here.”
“I know, love. You know being the owner is a sacrifice. Aria understands, don’t you?” Aldo asked, turning to face her.
“More than you know,” Aria said quietly.
When her parents looked at her in confusion, she forced a smile.
“You get packed, and I’ll get some sandwiches and pastries together for your drive.”
