Nat, on the other hand, is wicked smart, andhas probably half-learned the language already simply by beingaround Gio’s family. I know I’m right when she too tears up at whatSignoreParisi says.
After the formalities, the evening reverts toa noisy family dinner where everyone is talking over each other,conversations are being shouted across the table, and copiousamounts of wine and astonishingly delicious food is consumed withthe gusto of the starved.
When it’s time for dessert, and I swear, Idon’t have room for one more crumb, Sofia is surprised when anexquisitely decorated three-tier wedding cake is rolled into theroom. Edible pearls dot the swirls and rosettes of thecrème-on-white frosting. The bride and groom at the top of the cakeis the best replica of the real couple I’ve ever seen.
Sofia and Matteo stand and go over to thecake, and in old-fashioned tradition, he holds his hand over hersas she cuts into the cake. He plates the slice, and forks a smallpiece onto her tongue, then kisses each corner of her mouth. Theroom is silent as Sofia forks a piece into Matteo’s mouth, thengrabs him around the neck and pulls him down for a noisy kiss. Weall clap, and Sofia’s mother waves the couple back to the table andtakes over cutting up the cake for everyone.
As I’ve witnessed more than a few times attheir home, this really is another family dinner with the DiCaros.
After cake and espresso, Sofia and Matteoleave for their suite at the Fairmont, and the rest of us sitaround drinking expensive brandy – the Don, Gio, and Signore Parisi– Campari and soda, onlyNonna, or Limoncello – me, Amy,Nat, andDonnaDi Caro. Aurora, being underage, sits sippingbubbly water as if she’s drinking arsenic.
By the time we stagger outside – the Dondoesn’t stagger, and I’m certain that man has never been off hisgame for one moment of his life – one of the bodyguards is in thedriver’s seat of Gio’s car, and the rest of the party pour into twohuge blacked-out SUVs that I’d bet my townhouse are bulletproof.Which has me wondering if Gio’s car is bulletproof. That’s thealcohol talking. But still.
Gio’s up front with the bodyguard, a guynamed Tommy, and Nat and I are in the back.
“The best time…” Nat trails off as she pullsher long naturally blonde hair off her neck in a handheldponytail.
“They’re so sweet together,” I say.
“He’d cross the Arctic barefoot for her,” Natslurs.
“Damn, Ace.” Gio laughs.
“Well, he would,” she insists.
“Right, baby.”
Nat hurrumphs, then asks me, “You agree withme, don’t you?”
I nod. “Absolutely.”
“Ha,” Nat shouts.
Gio is cracking up in the front seat. EvenTommy chuckles.
“You know what your problem is,” Nat leansforward to ask Gio.
He turns his head and says, “I didn’t know Ihave a problem, Ace.”
“That’s your problem,” she shouts.
We’re all laughing while Nat mutters, “He’snot getting drunk sex tonight. I’ll tell you that.”
***
The next morning my head doesn’t want to liftoff the pillow. I crack open one eye, stretch out my arm toward thenightstand, and slap my hand around until I find my phone. I dragit to me and look at the time. Ten-thirty. Considering I fell intobed a little before two in the morning, not bad. I had a decentnight’s sleep. Now I have to convince my body of that and get itinto the bathroom.
I’m supposed to join Nat and Gio in the lobbyat noon. Nat’s meeting some friend from Oregon who moved here a fewmonths ago. Gio and I are letting them have some private time whilewe head back to the restaurant to pick up cannolis to takehome.
Ten minutes later, I’ve successfullynavigated my way into the beautifully appointed bathroom and digthrough one of my little bags for Aleve. I forgot to take twobefore I went to bed and I’m paying for it now. I swallow twotablets and stick my face under the nozzle, slurping water to helpget those pills down.
By eleven-thirty, I’ve taken a shower, theAleve has kicked in, and I’m drinking a cup of coffee in the room,which is surprisingly good. Or it could be average, but I’m in suchdire need of kick-starting my system, the coffee tastes like nectarfrom the gods.
After getting my jolt, I roll my luggage,with the garment bag thrown over it, into the elevator and make itto the lobby a few minutes before noon. I see Gio and tell him,“Give me a minute. I’m going to check out, then I’ll be ready togo.”
He smiles and shakes his head. “It’s takencare of.”
I look up at him to make sure I heardcorrectly. “I’m still a bit fuzzy. Did you say the room has beenpaid for?”