The Italian

“I haven’t met her yet. She can come to the engagement party next weekend, and you can tell her about the baby in person. You don’t want to do it over the phone, do you? As soon as she knows, we can

tell everyone else.”

I sit back in my chair in shock. “Really?”

“Yes, I want to get to know her, and who knows?” He shrugs. “We may convince her to move to Lake Como for a while. I can get her a house of her own on the lake so she will be close while you’re pregnant.”

I put my hands over my mouth. “That would be so amazing,” I whisper. “You are so thoughtful. Thank you. I’ll call her tonight.” I take out my pad and paper and write the words.

To do

“My friend is going to help me organize this party,” I say as I begin my list.

“What friend?”

“Jenn.”

“Who’s she?”

“My friend from the gym. Remember? You met her the night you carried on like a pork chop and punched Franco.”

He rolls his eyes, unimpressed by the memory. “He deserved it.”

“She used to be a party planner in Australia.”

“No.” He sips his drink.

“What?”

“I am not having a stranger involved.”

“She’s not a stranger.”

“She is. You don’t know her. Who knows who she is?” He sits back, annoyed. “She can’t even attend the party,” he adds.

My face falls. “What? Why not?”

“We don’t know her.” He widens his eyes, as if I should already know this.

“I know her.”

“You really don’t. Lorenzo will have to check her out. She isn’t to come to the house at all until we get it through security.”

I roll my eyes. “You’re so dramatic. She’s just a girl from the gym.”

“No,” he replies sharply. “I’m a realist. Nobody has access to you unless they are security checked first.”

I look over and frown in surprise. “Speak of the devil. Look.” I wave at Jennifer and her boyfriend Diego who have just walked into the restaurant. They smile, wave back, and make their way over to the table.

“Hi.” I stand and kiss them both.

Enrico politely shakes their hands. “Hello.” He looks them up and down.

Oh shit, he’s going to be snarky.

“Will you join us for a drink?” I ask, a little uncomfortably.

“Yes.” Jennifer smiles and sits down beside me.