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“Never head of …” I shake my head. Who hasn’t heard ofPride and Prejudice? Book form, movie form, miniseries form. It doesn’t matter. It’s famous. “It’s a romance,” I explain.
“Oh, that would explain it. I find romance movies to be droll and disappointing. A waste of my time. Of anyone’s time. You shouldn’t be filling your head with such nonsense.”
A flash of anger passes through me. “You don’t even know what it’s about.”
“I don’t have to. All romances are the same. For girls without any brains.”
I’m about to open my mouth to tell Salvatore off when my mom cuts in. “I’ll have you know, Salvatore, that all my daughters have a mind of their own. They all have intelligence. I don’t appreciate you insulting that.”
I stare at my mom in surprise. She’s never really stood up for me like that before. It warms my heart. Ever since Franco died, she’s shown a softer, nicer side to her. It’s almost like she’s a new woman.
“Right.” Salvatore looks properly scolded. You don’t mess with an Italian mama, let me tell you. “I apologize.” He turns to me. “We’ll have to watchThe Godfathertogether some time.”
“I have no interest. Men who loveThe Godfatherhave no originality.” Yes, it’s petty, but it feels good.
“Cecilia,” Mom says, placing her face in her hands.
Salvatore sits up straighter. “Oh, I see. I insulted your little movie, and now, you’re insulting mine.”
“My movie isn’t little. It’s based off one of the most famous books of all time.”
“Then why have I never heard of it?”
God, help me. I’m going to slap this man.
“So,” Mom says, cutting in before I can say more. “Let’s talk about something else. Cecilia, is there anything else you’d like to know about Salvatore?”
I pause, breathing heavily. It’s taking everything out of me not to scream at Salvatore right now. “Um … yes.” A more important question seems pertinent right now. “Once we’re married, what will be my role?”
Salvatore looks confused. “What a strange question. Your role is to be my wife. A housewife and soon a stay-at-home-mom.”
“And how will you treat me and our kids? Will you do your part in the child raising?”
“Why are you asking me such strange questions?” He chuckles in such a patronizing way I have to grit my teeth to keep from screaming. “I won’t raise the kids. You will. It’s not my job to do that. I have more money than God. That’s what I’ll provide in this marriage.”
I’m not surprised by his answer. It only proves what I already know—he’s a horrible person. “No one is above God.”
“Oh, dear Cecilia. I am above God.”
The clatter of footsteps running down the stairs prevents me from snapping back.
Luca and Lucia run into the living room. “I’m sick,” Luca says.
“I know you are,” Mom replies. “You two should be resting in bed.”
“I just wanted to do this.” Luca proceeds to run into the kitchen, and judging by the retching sound emitting from him, he’s throwing up. Lucia giggles and runs after her brother.
Mom sighs. “I have to deal with this.” As she heads into the kitchen, she yells, “Luca, you threw up everywhere!”
Salvatore turns to Theo. “You might want to help her clean up.”
Theo’s jaw tightens. It’s obvious, even from here. “I’m supposed to keep watch on Cecilia.”
“Aren’t you supposed to keep watch on everyone in the family? Go tend to your duties.”
Theo clearly wants to object, but after a moment, he leaves to help my mom.
Now, it’s just Salvatore and me.
