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Andrea was the first to greet me with a big smile, knowing I needed her after this afternoon. I noticed Ugo hovered behind, pleased to see I was all right, but I could see something was gnawing at him.
“I have a little surprise for you,” she practically sang.
“For me?” I couldn’t help but wonder what she could have for me.
“God, I’ve missed that body,” Wyatt said in English, popping out from behind her. For a moment, I stood, stunned. My best friend, looking mighty fine in a three-piece suit, stood grinning at me. “Hey, Sienna,” he joked, his eyebrows going up and down as he whistled and pretended to check me out. Then shifted his gaze to eye up Vinni as he whisked by. “You look real nice,” he said as his head twisted to follow Vinni’s disappearing back.
I put my hands on my hips and waited for him to scoop me up in a big hug and sigh the way he always did.
“I’d ask how you’re doing,” he held me tightly, “but at the risk of sounding callous, I can see you’re rocking your mother’s death very well.” He put me back on my feet. “And in green, I might add.”
“I do miss the idea of having my mama, but the truth was she wasn’t good for me.”
Andrea excused herself, saying she had to see to the meal. She glowed at me, happy that I liked her surprise. She knew how much Wyatt being here would mean to me. I threw her a kiss as she left us.
“Look at you, being all grown up.” Wyatt draped an arm around my shoulders and went back to gawking at Vinni, who had just reappeared. “Do you have any idea what is happening?”
“Not a clue, really. I just know it starts with dinner.” I waved at Donte as I caught his eye. He waved back with a smile.
“I’ll find you later,” he mouthed, and I nodded, happy that I was among friends again.
“Sienna,” Ugo called as he approached me hesitantly. “Excuse me for just a moment, Wyatt. I don’t want to intrude, but I wonder if I could have a quick word with Sienna?” Wyatt gave a polite nod and stepped back a bit as Ugo turned me away, so my back was to everyone. “Now that I know you’re here under the protection of the Capris, I want to share with you that I’m going to travel for a bit.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. I’ve decided to take a page from your book and do some digging of my own into my father’s family. I’ve already found out that I have some family scattered around northern Italy. I realize now how important it is for me to know more about who I am as well. You inspired me to this, but if you wish me to stay, I certainly will. I just think I need this.”
“Ugo.” I smiled and hugged him warmly. I thought how amazing it was that he’d thought to do that. “I think it’s the most important thing to know where you come from. If you have the chance to find some answers, then run toward them.” I squeezed his hand. “And when you’re done with your search, don’t forget your family here will be waiting.” The lines around his eyes softened. “All I ask is stay in touch. I’m used to having you in my life now, and I don’t want to lose you.”
“You won’t.” He wrapped me in a hug. “Thanks for understanding.”
“Of course, I do.”
“I’ll see you inside, then. I don’t want to hold up dinner. Andrea’s dinners arebellissimo.” He kissed his fingers, then set off through the house toward the patio out back.
“So, enlighten me on something,” Wyatt asked as he picked right back up where we were two minutes ago. “Ms. Greta tried to run you out of town, yet here you are at the Don’s house about to have dinner. How’s that happening?”
“Amazing how things change, isn’t it? It’s okay, though, honestly. Oh, Wyatt, I have so much to fill you in on later.” I looked up as Elio approached with Piero at his side.
“You look lovely, Sienna.” Piero eyed my dress. “You’ll make quite the splash at the party tonight.” I nodded my thanks as he turned to Wyatt. “It’s nice to see you, Wyatt. I’m so glad you could make it.” Wyatt and Piero began to chat about how Andrea was able to get him to come. Elio stepped close; I could feel the heat as he looked at me.
“Should I be attending a party if I’m supposed to be dead?” I asked Elio as I snatched a few grapes from a plate that was being carried by in an attempt to control my heartbeat.
“Oh, yes, with what I have in mind, you really need to be there,” Elio muttered. His expression was positively smoldering as his gaze raked down my whole body. I felt a jolt of heat plow through me. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you,” I breathed.
“You know what I think we should do?”
“I’m all ears.” I pictured the fastest way to remove my dress.
“You should give me babies.” I nearly choked on the grape. “I’m serious. We’ve discussed having kids before, and I don’t know about you, but I love the idea of making them.”
“I love the idea of making them, too, but now?” His gaze turned mischievous, so I held up a hand to stop him from steamrolling what we were about to do. “Why don’t you feel free to fill me in on what’s going on?” I took the glass of wine he handed me.
“I would,” he kissed my lips, lingering over them, “but I wouldn’t want to ruin the fun.”
“Your idea of fun is very different than mine.”
