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“Yeah, no I get it. But where am I supposed to meet Eric? Will he get in touch?”
“I wish I knew, man. Everyone's being really secretive around here. Even more than usual.”
“Yeah, I have a feeling something's going down. Something big. And it has to do with Gigi.”
“The wedding you think?”
“Who knows? Probably. Why else would the priest need me to be there by Saturday if not to say I object?”
Benedetto chuckles, “I would definitely watch that show.”
“Yeah, well let's hope that you won't have to. I'll see you soon Ben.”
“Yeah, see you, Rom.”
I hang up, my brow furrowing with thought. Father Lorenzo is sendingEricto talk to me. The man who essentially had me banished from the city. I let out an exasperated breath. What can it mean? It’s something more than a wedding. After all, if he wants to, Father Lorenzo can stop the wedding himself. He has a legitimate objection - the bride is already married. So, this has to be about more than that.
What that means I cannot fathom, but I’m legitimately perturbed.
CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR
Iwake up early the next day feeling as if I’ve been plotting in my dreams. I have to find a way to go to Father Lorenzo’s without my guards. It’s too much of a risk otherwise.
I grab my phone and check the time.
8:00 a.m.
My aunt should be awake by now. I dial her number and wait with bated breath. She picks up on the fourth ring, already sounding concerned. “Gigi,bella,why are you calling me so early. Did something else happen?”
“Nomadrina,nothing new. I just wanted to request that you accompany me to church today. Withyourbodyguards.”
There’s a short thoughtful silence on the line, “You mean as opposed…?”
“To mine, yes.”
“I see.” She says slowly, “I’ll pick you up in an hour.”
“Thank you so much,zia.”
“You’re welcome, my child. Now go. You only have an hour to prepare.”
I giggle, loving how well she knows me. “Yesmadrina. See you then.”
We hang up and I almost skip to the bathroom, having the quickest shower on record before dressing up in blue jeans and a grey Henley. I take my coffee-colored Hermes coat out, laying it on the bed as I put on socks and black combat boots. I hurry downstairs to the kitchen and pour myself some cornflakes into a bowl, add bananas, berries and milk and then sit down at the kitchen island to eat. Breakfast is a fairly informal meal in our household, seeing as everyone has different schedules, so I’m a little surprised to see my mother walk into the kitchen.
“Oh, good morningmamma.” I say politely.
“Morning.” She’s her usual disheveled morning self. We don’t usually even try to speak to her before her first cup of coffee. She makes a beeline for the Keurig and pours herself a cup. I expect her to shuffle out of the kitchen, perhaps return to her room but contrary to my expectations, she comes to sit with me.
I give her a wary sidelong glance as she sips her black coffee, while surveying me in a very intense and disconcerting manner.
I clear my throat in discomfort. “What’s up, mom?”
She smiles. “I’m glad you asked. Now, I know this marriage to Patrizio is causing you some stress. Maybe you think us cruel for… insisting that this is the right thing for you-”
I snort, loudly and bitterly.
“However, it is for the best, trust me. With Patrizio at your side, you will wield real power and be able to do whatever you want to.”
