“Oh, Aria, what a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Who are those from?” her mom cooed, eyebrows almost at the top of her forehead.
Aria couldn't lie to her parents, so she told them the truth hoping it came out nonchalant.
“A friend from school who is in town visiting. So, how is the restaurant doing?” She hoped to divert their attention, but Maria was not fooled that easily.
“Restaurant’s fine,” Maria answered flatly. “So, what friend from school? Do we know this person?”
“Alex Rossi, Mama. You don't know him. He was in Nicholas' class. I used to go to his house to study with his sister Sofia. He's in Positano visiting his family for a few weeks.”
“Hmm. I don't remember these people,” Maria said, skeptical. “I don’t know, Aria. I’m curious about this man. Are you hiding something? I feel it in my bones that you’re not telling me everything.”
“Mama, there’s nothing to hide. Look, I love you, but it's a busy afternoon over here.”
“Maria,” her father warned.
“Listen, I promise to get home as soon as I can break away for a long weekend. Kisses and hugs. Ciao!” Aria said, ending the call as her mom opened her mouth to say something else.
She knew this would not be the last of this conversation.
Aria sat back down. She needed to talk to Santo about all of this before her mom blew up the whole situation. Besides, she was sure that her mom was dialing his number at that very moment.
Her brother was only a year older than her, but he was protective, especially after leaving to take a job in Madrid at an architectural firm. She had to convince him not to quit and move back after Nicholas’ passing. She knew how much he loved that job. As she thought about him, she shot off a text to him.
Aria:Hey, free this evening? Let's catch up. Miss you.
She got a return text within a minute.
Santo:You’re on. Miss you too. Or better yet, take some time off and come visit Madrid! Oh, wait. Hold on. Mama is calling. Wonder what she wants?
Aria:Ugh, you’ll find out soon enough. Talk to you later.
The rest of the day went by quickly and Aria was grateful to head home, anxious to speak to Santo.
After dinner, Aria poured herself a skinny shot glass of limoncello, dialing Santo's number. She had to keep to their tradition. Grabbing her soft grey blanket, she leaned back on a pillow at the edge of her sofa.
“Hola, hermana,” Santo said as Aria's face connected on the video call. He was already holding up his glass.
“What's wrong? You look a little worried.”
“First thing's first,” she answered as they both sipped their drink. They had been sharing a glass of the tart drink together during their frequent video calls ever since Santo moved away. It made Aria feel like he was still nearby.
“Oh, that one’s smooth. Thanks for the bottle. I think that’s my favorite one yet. Okay, never mind that. Talk to me.”
“You already know exactly why I'm worried. Spit it out, what did Mama tell you?” Aria answered with a scowl.
Santo chuckled and shared with Aria that their mom felt like something more was going with this Alex person.
“You know Mama and her bones. She thinks she's clairvoyant. What is going on though?”
“I ran into Alex Rossi the other day. Twice, actually. Do you remember him from school? He was a grade ahead of you.”
“Alex Rossi? I kind of remember him. Hang on, looking him up.”
“Wait, before you do that, I need to tell you something first. You see, when I say ‘ran into him’ I mean it literally. He was coming out of the same door I was going into, and he caught me before I fell. When he went to kiss my cheeks, I jumped and the second one landed on my mouth,” she said quickly without taking a breath.
“Oh, really?” he said with a smirk. Aria could see that he sat up straighter. “So, he kissed you?”
Blushing again, she said, “Yeah. I mean, not on purpose obviously. It was so embarrassing. I ran to the restroom and hid, but he was gone when I finally came out. Then the next night we were at the same gallery opening.”
