“That’s really very sweet, you guys,” Vicky said, blinking away tears. After a deep breath in and out, she said, “Okay, I feel better now. Still have some questions, but we can talk tonight. I know you have another call to make, and boy, do Inotenvy you, Mike. I’m praying her mom doesn’t burn the skin off your bones.” She winced, then quickly added, “Love you both, ciao.”
I prayed her parents didn’t have flesh-burning abilities from that far away.
Ren walked to the sofa and sat down. “Sorry about that. I didn’t think she’d be that upset, but you seemed to win her over. Now, think you can do it again?”
I shrugged, feigning confidence. “One feisty woman down, one to go.”
“I’ll do a video call, but let me talk to them first.” When she hesitated, her phone in her hand, I smiled and nodded, letting her know I was there for her. She scooted over a hair so I was out of the video call view, at least for now.
“Just let me say how very sorry I am beforehand,” Ren said, dialing the number. My smile slid off my face in an instant.
“Ciao, Renata. I was wondering when I was going to hear from you,” a raspy-voiced woman said, having answered on the first ring.
“Ciao, Mama. I’m sorry. There’s, ah, been a lot going on. How are you? Is Papa there?”
Ren’s smile was tight, and I noticed a slight tremor in the hand holding the phone. My hand glided toward her free one and held it lightly, reminding her I was there. She didn’t turn to face me, but her smile morphed into a real one.
“I’m here,” I heard a man say, but didn’t see him join the call. “Just finishing up some paperwork. How’s California?”
Ren seemed to relax a bit as she spoke to her father. “It’s so beautiful here, Papa. You know how much I loved it when I came before. I think I’ve fallen in love a little more this time.”
I knew she wasn’t talking about me, but her words still made my heart race even faster. I would let her lead the conversation and say what she felt was best when she spoke to her parents. I would be next to her, ready to step in when she needed me on the call.
“That’s wonderful to hear. I’m glad you’re safe and sound. How’s Vicky?” he asked. I could see her mother was still the only one in the video call window, scowling and watching Ren closely.
“Amazing. She’s so happy. I can’t imagine her anywhere else now that I’ve seen her again. MJ is getting so big and Miles treats her like the amazing woman she is,” Ren answered, chuckling.
“As it should be,” her mother said, finally joining the conversation again. “What did you say your return date was?”
Ren side-eyed me but looked back at the phone quickly.
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about, actually.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Renata
“I’m notsure what there is to discuss, Renata. It’s a simple question. When are you returning home? Your boss, as ignorant as he is, won’t hold your job forever. You should go back a week or so earlier and let him see how much you want to stay on,” Mama said with an air of authority.
“Lucia. She knows what she’s doing,” Papa said firmly.
“Ah, well, that’s why I need to talk to you, because my plans have changed.” I took a deep breath, my chest filling up and releasing. Mike squeezed my hand a little tighter. “AndI have some good news for you.”
Mama scowled even more, making my stomach churn. “What kind of news?”
“I, ah, I met someone. Well, we actually met a while back through Vicky and her friends. His name is Michael Walker and?—.”
“Pleasedon’t tell me you’re thinking of staying there because of a man,” she hissed, her voice and body language easily displaying her disapproval. Mama wore black almostexclusively, as if she were in mourning. Whenever we would go out together, she was always a stark contrast to my louder colors and prints.
“Let hertalk, Lucia,” Papa said sternly. Mama looked back at him with such disdain that I felt sorry for him. He wasn’t perfect, but he always seemed to be the one who got the majority of her harsh words.
“Mama, listen. I believe God brought Mike into my life. He’s a wonderful man, and I know you’re going to love him. He is a Senior Product researcher for a holistic company called Lumina, so he’s a scientist. His parents are missionaries, and his grandmother lives here in San Diego near him. We met through Vicky. She, Miles, and their friends know him very well. He’s kind, respectful, sweet, and my favorite thing about him is that he’s a believer.” I was babbling, and I knew it.
Her face seemed to close up on itself as I spoke, and I knew this was going to be painful for Mike to be a part of.
“This is outrageous.Outrageous. Stai buttando via tutta la tua vita per lui!” she yelled, making Mike and me jump.
“Mama, that’s not true. I’mnotthrowing my whole life away for a man. Please give me a chance to explain what has happened. Mike respects me and supports my dream of starting a business with Vicky, which I’d like to do here, in San Diego,” I pleaded. I didn’t need their approval, but I wanted it so much.
