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“So...what were you coming up here for?”
“Oh, right.” I cleared my throat and shook my head. “I wanted to let you know that we are going to take a trip back to Tuscany next weekend to visit your father.”
“Really?” Sienna’s eyes widened, sparkling with joy.
“Yes, really. Teo told you that you could.”
“I know but I didn’t think it would actually happen.”
“We will be bringing him back with us so you can see how he would enjoy his new nursing home, in case you decide to stay.”
“I don’t think—”
“Teo insists.” I made my point clear by giving her a stern look but quickly changed to more positive things before she had the chance to argue. “We also thought you might like to call your dad to check in with him.”
“I usually try to facetime him every day or two. He’s probably going to be confused as to why I haven’t. That’s if he even knows what day it is.”
“Dementia?” I asked softly and she nodded.
“I tried to take care of him myself for a while, but he really needed twenty-four-hour care.”
“It was admirable of you to try. I’m sure that was a hard decision.”
“It was.” The joy from before was long gone and Sienna had a far-off distant look in her eyes that made my heart ache.
“Well, why don’t you go get dressed and we can facetime him before dinner?”
“Oh, yeah.” She looked down at her state of undress and hurried back into the bathroom.
A few minutes later, Sienna reappeared in casual black slacks and a cream-colored sleeveless blouse. Her hair was still damp but had been dried some with a towel.
I pulled out my phone and Sienna took a seat in one of the chairs by the small table off to the side. I sat near her, out of frame of the phone’s camera while she dialed.
“Just remember...” I stopped her before she could hit send. “Don’t say anything stupid. Don’t give anything away. Just talk to your dad. See how he’s doing, tell him you’ve been working. That’s not a lie. Keep things vague and don’t mention where you are or who you’re with or the call is over, and you won’t get to do this again.”
Sienna nodded. “I understand.”
I gave a nod and Sienna hit the call button on the phone.
A few rings later and the image of an ear showed up on her screen. “Ciao.”
“Ciao, Papa. It’s Sienna. Look at your phone.”
“Sienna? Is that you?”
“Sì, Papa.It’s me. Look at your phone. We are on a video chat.”
“A what?” he said before the phone screen moved and finally showed his face. His eyes lit up with recognition and he grinned. “Ah, myangioletto. You are looking well.”
“You too, Papa.”
“What are you all dolled up for? That’s not what you wore for surgery.”
“No, Papa. I’m just about to go have dinner.”
“On a date?” He raised an eyebrow suspiciously and his face grew bigger on the screen as he moved the phone closer to him.
“No, Papa. I’m just going to have dinner with a friend.”
