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Nothing I can tell my mother. “Just wanted to see you.”
A few minutes later, she returns with two cups of tea. After handing me one, she sits down across from me. I take a sip of the warm beverage. Just like my childhood.
“How’s work? Are you still working as a guard?”
“I am.” I’m purposefully being vague. If my mom knew the truth, she’d have an opinion, and I’m here to forget about Cecilia, not talk about her.
“Who was the family again? They’re rich, right?” She takes a sip of her tea, smiling like she wants the metaphorical tea.
“I can’t talk about them, Mom,” I say, setting my cup down. “You know that. It’s for their safety.”
“Right. They’re just so mysterious. You’ve been working for this family for years now, and I still don’t know anything about them.”
“That’s the point. Just something at work was bothering me, and I needed to get away. But I’m not here to talk about that. I’m here to make sure things are going well for you.”
Her smile disappears, and she shifts in her seat. “I don’t need my son taking care of me.”
“I want to. You know that. You need my help, Mom. After Dad … I know it hasn’t been easy for you.”
Her eyes flick to the pictures on the end table. My dad’s smiling face shines back through the photo. He’s in his uniform, looking proud. “I miss him, but I’m not an invalid. I can take care of myself.”
I stare at my dad’s picture. He was in the Navy, and when I told him I wanted to join the military, he wasn’t too happy with me. we hadn’t spoken in years. Then he died last year.
“If you need help with any bills …” I offer.
She’s shaking her head before I’m even done talking. “No. Not at all.”
“Are you sure? You know I’ll take care of you.” I want to. I can’t seem to take care of any else in my life. Giulia. Cecilia. No one needs my help, apparently.
“I know, Theo. But I don’t want it. Your dad left me a nest egg. I’ll be fine. I want to make sure you’re okay, too. Are you still having an issue with your PTSD?”
I duck my head. I can’t tell my mom about my last attack in the Moretti household. I should be getting better. I can’t worry her. “I’m fine, Mom.”
“So, we’re just going round and round in circles, are we? I’m fine. You’re fine. We’re both fine.”
“That’s the way of our family. I get it from you.”
She winks. “You get it from your father.”
I turn to his picture again, taking in his proud smile and uniform. I wasn’t around to make sure he was okay either after he got hit by a car. I wasn’t there to stand at my mom’s side as he died. I was too busy with the Moretti family doing my job.
Soon, I say my goodbyes and head back into the city, bracing myself to see Cecilia again. The weight of all my inaction sits heavily on my shoulders.
It’sdinner time in the Moretti household, and I’m stationed near the back wall as usual. When Cecilia comes downstairs, my heart constricts. She looks so withdrawn. In a way I’ve never seen. She was a happy person when she was younger. It seems I’m not the only one with the weight of the world on my shoulders.
She avoids looking at me as she takes her seat next to Mia. The twins are already digging into their food before Giulia even has a chance to sit.
“So, I’m watching this show, right?” Mia says, talking through a mouthful of food. Giulia gives her a disapproving look, and Mia swallows. “It’s all about finding love on a beach. It’s so stupid, but it also looks like so much fun. I’d love to audition for it.”
Giulia frowns. “Audition?”
“Yeah. It’s a reality show. To find love.”
The laughter that escapes Cecilia makes everyone jump.
Mia turns to her. “What’s so funny?”
“You can’t find love on a reality show, Mia,” Cecilia says. My eyes follow her hand as it holds the cross around her neck. “Love doesn’t exist, remember? And besides, you’ll have to marry someone for political gain, just like me. If Antonio isn’t letting me off the hook, then he’s definitely not letting you off the hook.”
