Page 27 of The Guardian

Michael shrugged and quipped, “I would but I would hate to leave you behind.”

Henry stared at him then he laughed. “You know what I always liked about you?”

His brother cocked his head in curiosity about this statement. Although he did smirk, probably believing Henry was about to make him laugh at an insult. “What did you always like about me?”

“Not a thing.” Henry beamed at him.

They both burst into laughter.

I smiled. They seemed to really get along well. But I wondered about Henry. He seemed all too reluctant to talk about himself. I was the same way but I had things that I did not need the world to know about…I paused and realized that maybe he did too? Like I got nowhere with that information game we played earlier. I think he learned more than I did. I still cannot believe that I just came out and told him about what happened to the sisters. Maybe because I did need to talk about it. I did know I was sick of carrying this secret around. I detested secrets and this was the largest, most grievous one I ever had. I admit I acted far more casual than I really felt about that event. Even though I already had a few nightmares since I…killed them both.

We acted calm and natural as dinner proceeded. We didn’t talk much though. We were served another course of the rich food, then dessert came.

I halted and stared down at something I never thought to eat again. The prize of all the sweets in Italia. “Tanta roba!”

Sicilian Cannoli.

Henry chuckled. “You look like you are surprised or in love.”

I slowly nodded my head. “I am both. I never thought to…” I felt choked up.

“Another one of your grandma’s dishes?” he asked.

I shook my head. “I got to have them once in the last four years. During a trip to Palermo, I was lucky enough to visit Convento Santa Caterina. Inside the convent there is a bakery run by nuns and their cannoli are iconic. I loved them. Though my mother’s will always be the best.” I set my dessert fork down then reached to my plate, picked up the fried roll up and took a crunchy bite. As I chewed and the ricotta melted in my mouth, I almost slid down along my chair in utter delight as I moaned aloud. I then smacked my lips.

“Holy Cannoli!” Henry exclaimed.

Looking up at him, I licked my top lip to get all the powdered sugar residue.

He sat there staring at me. His green eyes were now a dark emerald color.

I suddenly realized what I was doing and bolted upright in my chair. Way to go, Maya. Act like a slut at the dinner table in front of all the guests.

Henry then shook his head and let out another chuckle. He copied what I did and picked up his cannoli, then took a huge bite.

I watched every second of this to see if I was the only one to think this dessert was pure heaven.

The man’s eyes nearly rolled up in his head and he let out a long sigh. “Sweet Jaysus,” he swore. “How can it be that I have never had one of these before?”

I laughed now while feeling vindicated in my previous uncultured actions at the table.

We both finished our cannoli and we even acted like children as we licked our plates. It might have been the sugar high or the moments of joy as we laughed together.

I set my plate down and then tried to assert my manners. It might be a bit too late but I tried as I dabbed my lips with my napkin.

We then finished our tiny cups of espresso as well.

“This was a dinner from heaven,” Henry stated.

I agreed then stood from my chair. “Mrs Santorini,” I called to her as she walked along the table.

Raising her head, she gave me a nod and walked all the way around to the side where Henry and I sat.

I reached over and took her hands into mine. “I just wish to say…” I cleared my throat and went on, “That this meal was above and beyond perfection. I felt like I’d been transported to several places in Italy. Niece for the pasta, Geneva for the vegetables and Palmero for the cannoli.”

The cook gave me a grateful smile and lowered her head. “I am humbled by your words.”

“And we are humbled by your food,” Henry told her.