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‘Ciao.’
‘Serafina.’ Instinctively, my body relaxed as my mum’s welcoming tone reached me.
‘Mum.’ I added some cheer to my voice knowing that if I didn’t, I’d soon be answering at least a hundred questions on what was wrong.
‘How are you?’ she questioned.
Fine, good, okay.I knew I had to choose my words carefully.
‘Enjoying being back.’ I smiled the words as I spoke, hoping they would hold more conviction. Because I was enjoying some aspects, just not all.
‘Wonderful… Your papa and I are happy for you both. I know I’ve said it before, but your’s and Salvatore’s marriage has all the markings of one that could be a happy union and that’s very unusual…’
‘I know, Mum. I know it’s not the norm for an arranged marriage.’ I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me, as I hoped to get off the subject as quickly as possible. ‘Do you have an answer?’ I pushed for her to get to what I hoped was the point of her call.
‘Oh, yes… the answer is yes.’
‘That’s great,’ I replied, not really knowing if I agreed with what I was saying.
‘I was also calling to say we have arrived back at the villa early.’
‘You have? Why?’
‘Well… Mia is due back this coming weekend and your papa took a call from the Don two days ago, asking ifIwould like to help with the arrangements for the family party at yours.’
‘He did?’
‘Yes.’
‘And you agreed?
‘Serafina,’ she cajoled.
‘Sorry, that was a stupid thing to ask. Of course, you said yes.’
What is he up to?
‘He told your papa that as it’s to celebrate you and Mia being back home, back into the loving embrace of your family, that I should be the one to organise it.’
‘That sounds lovely.’ I was sure that was what I’d already said to her when I phoned from the Don’s office. But I knew it sounded much better coming from him and I already had enough on my plate before she could set foot into our home. I needed to discuss yet another thing with Salvatore. ‘Will you need my help?’
‘Of course, let’s meet sometime next week to discuss. Obviously, decorators and caterers will need to be hired.’ I didn’t make a date to meet up with her, as I knew she probably didn’t really want my help as she would be in her element doing all the arranging. ‘We have a few weeks to get everything together and that time frame will give you both a little time to relax before seeing everyone.’
Hearing her say “everyone” had me picturing the long tables filled with relatives and “family” at mine and Salvatore’s wedding.
‘It’s going to be big, then?’
‘Your papa and I are very proud of you both… and given this fantastic opportunity, we would obviously like to share that with as many others as possible.’
‘We know you are,’ I agreed, but inside my head I was also aware of how happy she must be to be asked. As my family, with a level of suspicion still hanging over them, hadn’t been asked by the Don to host anything for a few years.
Salvatore is going to hate it.
‘Oh no.’ I voiced the two words without thinking.
What is he playing at now?I thought back to Salvatore’s grandfather after understanding he was once again moving the chess pieces he was in control of.
‘Serafina?’ she questioned, hearing me.
