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He tilted his head in acquiescence. “I’ve been lucky enough to have chosen well how to invest what I earned from my commissions. Both in real estate and the financial markets.”
“Most people aren’t quite that lucky, Vito.”
“I don’t mean to overstep, cara. I’m simply curious about you.”
She sighed. “You’re right. I’m sorry. It’s just... I did contemplate studying a more creative subject. I particularly liked an introductory art history class I took. I remember poring over the textbook. Particularly the pages on the European Renaissance. Showed it to Grandmama. I think that’s when she first realized how much I’d love to see all the magnificent art in Europe.”
He’d been right in his assumption. And judging by the longing look on Maya’s face as she discussed the class from her student days, she still thought about her choice often.
“What happened?”
She gave a small shrug. “Nothing. That was the last of it. More sensible minds prevailed. The university didn’t have a terribly large art department. And I didn’t see enough of a future in such a field of study to do anything else about it.”
What a shame. Maya seemed to have missed her true calling in life and appeared to have ignored a genuine passion in order to appease more “sensible” minds. And to pay back some sort of debt she felt she owed. To the very people who should have loved her without condition. He knew nothing of her family, but something told him she’d taken on the burden solely on her own volition.
She picked up her fork again with a sudden shake of her head. “That’s enough about me. What about you?”
Vito suspected her desire to shift the conversation toward him was less about her curiosity and more of an attempt to change the subject. Maya was clearly uncomfortable discussing her missed opportunities.
He could relate.
“What would you like to know?” Hard to believe he was opening himself up to her questions. But turnabout was fair play, wasn’t it? He’d opened this Pandora’s box and didn’t have the right to shut it when it was her turn.
“Tell me about your family. Leo seems quite charming.”
Despite the lighthearted innocence of her words, Vito felt a sudden spear of dislike for his cousin. So Maya found him charming.
“He charmed one of the most beautiful women in Italy into marrying him. Lynetta is too good for him by half.”
She smiled at his answer. “Despite your words, I can tell by your voice that you two are close. Your tone holds true affection.”
And she’d called him observant.
“What about your parents?”
“They’ve retired and live in Sweden. I see them once or twice a year.”
“Who else?”
Vito couldn’t help the smile that creased his lips. “Then there’s Nonna.”
“Your grandmother?”
He nodded. “Yes. On our paternal side. Leo and I don’t see eye to eye on much. But we both agree she’s a force of nature.” A sudden wish that Maya would be able to meet his grandmother surprised him. He had no doubt the two would get along fabulously. “We’re heading out to see her tomorrow, as a matter of fact. A two-day birthday celebration as she turns eighty-five. Though you’d never guess. She’s as active and sprightly as a twenty-year-old.”
“You’re lucky to have such a close family.”
Did that mean she didn’t feel particularly close to the family who’d adopted her? In her brief discussion of them earlier, she’d mainly referred to her relatives with a sense of gratitude. That had to be a terrible burden to bear as one was growing up.
“Close can often mean meddling and just plain annoying.”
“He says again with yet another smile,” she quipped, smiling herself. “Meddling and annoying would be worth it, to have such loving people who care for you.” The longing in her voice tugged at his chest.
Vito started to reach for her hand across the table but he was interrupted by another server carrying yet more steaming bowls of pasta. Just as well, he thought, leaning back in his chair.
The less he touched Maya Talbot, the better for his well-being.
