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“No, no, it’s fine. I just didn’t realize anyone was in the garden.” I smile, nervously combing my hair behind one ear.
“I can come back later,” he assures me, gripping his knee as he comes to a stand with arthritic effort.
“No, please, there’s no need,” I assure him, instinctively reaching out to help. Then I pause, as I realize he’s already on his feet.
“It’s no trouble,” he says. “I wouldn’t want to disturb your walk.”
“Actually…” I give a breathy laugh. “If it’s not too odd a request, could I join you? I love gardening.”
Stunned into silence, the older gentleman considers my request. And by his hesitation, I wonder if I might not have put him in a bad spot.
“Of course you can join us, Signora,” a woman cuts in, her breath heavy as she pushes a wheelbarrow of fresh flowers up the path. “We’re replanting this portion of the garden since one of our furry neighbors thought they’d turn it into their bed.”
The woman is a stark contrast to her male counterpart, her words verbose as she welcomes me. Rather than his more wiry frame, the woman is on the heavier side with her frizzy gray hair pulled up into a messy bun on top of her head.
Her words send a wave of relief through me as I finally find something useful to do with my time.
“You can use my gloves,” the man offers, getting ready to remove them.
“Actually, I love getting my hands dirty,” I assure him. Then, I clap my hands together with a broad grin. “How can I help?”
Ignoring the way my pants get dirty as soon as I sit down, I take up the spade the man hands me and get to work. The woman’s chatter is friendly and constant as we work, and for the first time since I moved into the Moretti estate, I dare to hope that I’ve found a few friends.
15
LEO
“Mayor Romney, this is a pleasant surprise,” I say as I enter the bank just as he’s about to leave.
“Ah, Signor Moretti, it is indeed,” he agrees with an amicable smile. “I must congratulate you on such a spectacular wedding. I’m rather impressed by the splendor, considering the limited time you had to prepare.”
I chuckle. “I assure you, my family is well-versed in how to plan extravagant affairs. We’ve had plenty of practice.”
Mayor Romney releases a low, throaty chuckle as well, nodding in silent acknowledgment.
“I hope you and your wife enjoyed the party,” I add. “My wife and I were honored by your presence.” I press a palm to my chest in a sign of heartfelt sincerity.
“Very much so. Your Tia was a vision. And your first dance brought tears to my eyes. It’s a rare thing to see two young people so well matched.”
My heart twists at the mention of her name, but I maintain my smile. “I’m a lucky man.”
“I’ll say. I’ll tell you, my wife and I have taken quite a shine to her. In fact, we were just talking yesterday about how we ought to have you over for dinner soon. What do you say? Are you free tonight?”
“To—Yes, absolutely. Tia will be overjoyed to see you both again.”
“Wonderful. I’ll let Alicia know. Shall we plan on seven?”
“We’ll be there,” I agree, astounded by the sudden shift in my relationship with the mayor I’ve been trying to get into my back pocket—the man who would solve a lot of red tape issues for my vision of expanding my family’s reach.
I take his offered hand, giving it a firm shake. He departs a moment later, leaving me rooted to the spot as my mind races. It’s a perfect opportunity to further garner his trust. But I know I’ve dug myself into a rut.
Because I haven’t done anything to make amends with Tia. In truth, I’ve done nothing but expand the gaping chasm between us. I can’t stand the steady guilt that’s been gnawing at me since our wedding night. To avoid it, I’ve spent as little time with Tia as possible, giving her space rather than showing her that I do, in fact, know how to be a decent husband. Or human being.
Swallowing my pride, I know that I’m going to have to make a convincing argument for why she should help me. To win the mayor’s approval, I might even be willing to do some groveling.
Rather than attending to the business I came for, I turn and exit the bank, climbing back into my car to head home early.
It only takes me fifteen minutes to drive across town. I park on the far side of the courtyard fountain outside my home, then take the steps two at a time, stepping inside the entry as Luigi opens the door.
