My father’s eyes are on hers and he lifts his chin a little. There’s a moment of awkward silence before he extends a hand to her.
“Welcome, Natalie Gregorian.”
I swear I hear Natalie swallow. My father can be overbearing, and that’s putting it mildly.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Benedetti,” Natalie says, sliding her hand into his. He doesn’t quite shake it, just holds it in his and I swear he hasn’t blinked.
I look at him, try to see him as she is seeing him. Not like his son. His favorite son.
Dominic may be my mom’s favorite, but I’ve always been my dad’s. I almost feel sorry for Salvatore.
Not for the first time in my life, I see a coldness in my father’s eyes. A ruthlessness. Is that what she sees? I wonder how much like him I am. Wonder if I should feel anything about that, because I don’t.
Natalie finally drops her gaze and clears her throat.
“It’s cold,” she says to me.
I get the feeling she doesn’t mean the weather. “Let’s go in.”
As the door closes behind us, voices come from around the corner. Salvatore and my mom. I’m doing the same thing now. Seeing them the way she must see them. My mom is the opposite of my dad. Warm and welcoming, her smile authentic and immediate.
Salvatore looks like a giant beside her, she’s lost so much weight. He’s a big guy, big as me, but that’s not why she looks so small.
I shift my gaze to my brother, wonder what Natalie’s seeing. If she recognizes the darkness that clings to him. That shadow of somberness. But maybe that’s because it’s hard not to think about the fact that this may be the last time we’re here like this. With mom alive. Not in a goddamned box.
“Sergio,” my mom says. I take her in my arms, feel the flesh and bone she’s become. Curse the fucking cancer that’s raging a war inside her.
“Mom. You look good.” She’s wearing a light pink headscarf.
“No, I don’t, kiddo.”
No, she doesn’t. What I told Natalie is right. She won’t last the year. She has months and I’m unprepared.
“Mom, this is Natalie. Natalie, this is my mom.”
She shifts her gaze to Natalie, takes her outstretched hand in both of hers. “Natalie,” she says, then pulls her in for a hug. “It’s so good to meet you. We’re glad to have you here with us.”
The warmth of her reception is so opposite my father’s.
“It’s good to meet you too, Mrs. Benedetti.”
“Sergio’s never brought a girl home,” she says, winking, pulling back to look Natalie over. She cocks her head to the side and studies her eyes for a moment longer than is comfortable. But then she gives her a nod. “I see what he sees in you.”
I glance at Natalie, see her blush.
Dominic clears his throat and walks around the corner. My cocky younger brother is tucking his phone into his pocket and devouring Natalie with his eyes.
“This is my brother, Salvatore,” I say, ignoring Dominic, knowing it’ll piss him off to be introduced last.
“Nice to meet you,” Natalie says as she and Salvatore shake hands.
“Finally, a girl who can stand my brother,” he says.
Dominic clears his throat. “And I’m Dominic,” he says.
I step closer to her, wrap my hand around the back of her neck. “My baby brother,” I add on.
I see Dominic bristle at the introduction. He’s so damn easy to fuck with.
“Go get Natalie settled. I’ll see you in my study,” my dad says before turning to walk away. “We have some business to discuss.”
“Franco, I said no business,” my mom starts.
But dad waves off her comment.
“It’s okay, mom. I’ll make sure he keeps it short.”
I watch him go but I have to force the smile on my face.
“Your mom and Salvatore seem really nice,” Natalie says once we’re out of earshot.
I chuckle. “My dad’s okay too. You just have to get to know him. This is my room.”
We walk into my bedroom and I close the door. It’s a spacious room, lavishly decorated in dark grays and blacks.
“Did you grow up here?” she asks.
“Here and in Philadelphia. My mom wants to be here now. It’s her favorite place.”
“It’s a beautiful house.”
“Thanks.” I walk into the closet, switch on the lights to make sure the dress I ordered at the last minute is here. I didn’t see anything in her closet for tonight’s dinner. It is and it’s perfect for Natalie. I switch out the light and return to the bedroom. “You okay?”
She nods. “My stomach just feels funny.”
“Nerves. Why don’t you relax. Have a bath if you want. Dinner isn’t until nine. I’ll go see what my dad wants, and I’ll be up to get you.”
“Okay.”
“There’s a dress in the closet for you. Wear it tonight.”
“A dress?”
I smile, walk to the door.
“Sergio?” She asks when my hand is on the doorknob.