Say Ye (11 page)

After dinner, she offered to help clean up, though Uncle Enzo tried to protest. But, when it got all the young men in the kitchen without arguing, he put up his hands and followed them in, where he sat at the wide, worn oak table in front of the bank of windows, the warm blue curtains now shut against the chill night. Sophia promised her the lasagna recipe, while Gianni and Joe offered to show her how to use the espresso machine, which sat on one of the long tile counters. They knew she hadn’t mastered it, but used the tiny four pot coffee machine instead. She laughed as she glanced around. Turning her attention back to Gianni and Joe, she noticed Lee and Lorenzo’s absence.

“Where’s Lee? He should see this. He thinks I can’t make decent coffee.”

“He and Lorenzo are in my study,” Uncle Enzo said.

“You could make anything, no doubt,” Gianni said.

“We’ll make you one, so you can see how it’s done, okay?” Joe said.

“How about a cappuccino? Espresso’s too strong for me,” Lita replied.

They showed her all the parts of the machine, how to grind the beans, heat the milk, make the foam. She sprinkled cocoa cinnamon mixture on top and laughed.

“Thanks, but that’s all I better do. You two are better baristas.”

“That’s all they can do in the kitchen,” Lorenzo said from behind her.

She turned to him and Lee, who joined Uncle Enzo, Celeste, Vittorio, Sophia, and Carlo at the table, where the coffee service was set out.

“They made me a cappuccino. Want one?” Lita rubbed her hand along the tiles.

“Yes, thanks, I’ve decided to be an exclusive cappuccino man.”

“You can have mine.” She gripped the edge of the counter to steady herself.

“He can wait, that’s for you,” Gianni said.

“I’ve waited long enough.” Lorenzo walked to her, his eyes fiery. He enclosed her in his arms and pressed his lips to hers. Her knees went limp. She leaned into him, slid her arms around his neck. Masculine voices shouted protests, which were soon silenced. He pulled back. Lita gazed up at him, breathing again.

“I love you, say you’ll be mine?” he whispered.

Yes. She tickled her fingers over the back of his neck and giggled at his minute shudder.

“I’m already yours. I love you too.” She kissed him, then blushed realizing the family watched them. “Does everyone approve?” She looked over at Lee, who grinned.

“Yes,” her brother was the first to say.

“I can be very persuasive.” Lorenzo pulled her closer.

Her head lightened at his nearness. “Did he give you trouble? He’s not a fan of marriage, not that you’ve mentioned it.”

“Didn’t I? Will you marry me, my angel?”

“Yes, you and no one else.” This was the best birthday ever.

“Good. Hear that, guys? She’s off limits. You are sure, right?” Lorenzo said. He tightened his hold on her.

“Since the first time you kissed me. I’ve been waiting for you to catch up.”

“I’m caught,” he said before he kissed her again.

“Thank heaven,” she heard someone say, as if they’d read her thoughts.

Miracles really did happen.

“Yes, thank heaven,” Uncle Enzo echoed as he stood with Lee to hug them both.

8

“We need to talk,” Lee whispered in Lorenzo’s ear as he hugged him.

Lita passed from arm to arm with the congratulatory hugs and kisses from the family. Lorenzo nodded though he’d rather be alone with Lita just then. He went to her where she and Sophia laughed and talked.

“Lee and I forgot to go over a few papers,” he said. “I’ll be back soon.”

She nodded and kissed him. It was criminal to leave her now, but Lee meant what he said. Lorenzo followed him to Uncle Enzo’s office.

Lee stood by Uncle Enzo’s desk, his arms crossed. “I said I didn’t mind if you dated for a while. You said you’d help me convince her to concentrate on finding a career, maybe going back to Jane’s bookstore.”

“I can’t do that. You didn’t see the way she looked at me. If she wants to get a job, that’s fine by me.”

“Right. Do you even want to get married? You haven’t mentioned it for years.”

“I want to marry Lita. It doesn’t have to be right away. Maybe we could live together--”

“What? Man, what was I thinking?” Lee shook his head and leaned over the desk, gripping the edge.

“You want Lita to be happy.”

Lee faced him. “And you’re the only one who will make her happy? Come on.”

“You’ve never really been in love.” Lorenzo agreed with Lee. He wouldn’t make Lita happy, but he didn’t want to admit it, not now. He loved her. He’d waited long enough.

“Maybe not, but I love Lita. I want what’s best for her.”

“She’s an adult. She can make her own choices,” Lorenzo said. And she chose him. He tried to grimace instead of grinning.

Lee frowned. “She’s only twenty-two.” Someone knocked on the door. “Shit. I want to see those tests from your doctor this week. I’m trusting you--”

Uncle Enzo opened the door.

“Your fiancée misses you. What’s going on?” he asked. He stepped into the room and shut the door.

“I’m worried about my sister,” Lee said, still frowning.

“Don’t. I’m here. I’ll see she’s taken care of.”

“Thanks,” Lee said, shaking his head as he shoved past Lorenzo.

Did Lee think so little of him he thought he’d risk giving Lita a STD? If he had anything, he’d never touch her. Then again, maybe his diseased soul would damage her more.

Lorenzo followed the two out, into the living room. The euphoria of ten minutes before was crushed, replaced by a sinking pit in his stomach. But he smiled when he saw Lita. She rose and hugged him. He caressed the small of her back and inhaled. The feeling lifted him again.

They sat in the oversized sofa chair, pressed close together. She put her head on his shoulder and held his hand. He didn’t even care that Janice and his cousins grimaced at him or shook their heads, the indulgent smiles of Uncle Enzo, Celeste, and Sophia didn’t annoy him. He had Lita, they would finally be together.

“We need to get you a ring,” he said when they sat in the living room alone. Some of the family were still there, in the kitchen.

“If you want.” She twined her fingers in his.

“I want you happy.” When they were alone like this, Lita’s softness close, he almost believed they would be.

“I am. Sophia said we should call Father Grihalva soon. The church gets booked fast.”

“Church? What?” He shifted, but Lita didn’t move.

“Didn’t Uncle Enzo mention I’ve been going to church with him?”

“Yeah, but I thought you did that for him.”

“No, I’ve been going since I got confirmed in eighth grade. I snuck out to go every Sunday to the church by Jane’s. You know how Jane and even Lee feel about religion.”

“Okay. So, where are you sleeping tonight?” He eased his hand a little higher on her stomach.

“In my room.”

“You could come back to my apartment--”

“No.” She sat up and smoothed her skirt.

“How about I stay in the guest room here? The bed is comfortable.” Big enough for two.

“Sounds like Sophia and Carlo are leaving,” she said as she got up.

He exhaled. This was not going how he’d imagined.

Once everyone left, Uncle Enzo wouldn’t.

“I’m tired,” Lorenzo said. He glanced at Lita. “Why don’t--”

“We’ll see you tomorrow, perhaps?” Uncle Enzo said.

“Lita and I need to talk.”

Uncle Enzo raised an eyebrow but Lorenzo stood still.

“Thank you for my party,” Lita said before she kissed Uncle Enzo’s cheek. “I’ll see Lorenzo out.”

“Very well,” Uncle Enzo said.

He and Lorenzo exchanged goodbyes and Uncle Enzo went into his sitting room. He left the door open. Lorenzo rolled his eyes. He took Lita’s hand and kissed it.

“Let’s talk upstairs, it’s more private.”

“I’m tired too. Can’t we talk tomorrow?”

“Sure.” He grabbed her and kissed her until she melded herself into him. He gripped her hand and moved toward the stairs.

“Lita,” Uncle Enzo called. She stopped. Lorenzo tilted his head to the ceiling. “Do you know where I left my reading glasses?” He walked into the foyer and gave Lorenzo a fake surprised look.

Lorenzo frowned, his special “you are on my list” frown, one he’d learned from Uncle Enzo.

“Have you checked your study?”

Uncle Enzo shook his head and went into the other room.

“Do you want to have breakfast with us?” Lita said.

“Will I be here that early?

“Make it lunch, then.” She walked to the door.

“Have I entered an alternate universe?”

“Welcome to my world.” Lita smiled.

He shook his head then kissed her as Uncle Enzo walked past. She didn’t let go of his hand until Uncle Enzo placed his hands on her shoulders. They all said goodnight and Lorenzo drove home, flipping the radio control the whole way.

He and Lita were alone after lunch the next day, sort of. Uncle Enzo went into his study to make some phone calls, not that it mattered, as Lita wiped down the counters while he stood nearby, waiting to make his move.

“Uncle Enzo gave me Father Grihalva’s number. I thought you could call since you’ve known him longer.”

“We could get married at the courthouse in a week or two.”

“I know, but I want to get married in the church. We’ve never even been on a date. You know what I mean. Please don’t try to talk me out of this. Don’t you think we’ll need some guidance? Look at our families: my mother never even married and your parents…”

“I know what my parents’ marriage was, what everyone thinks. Are you saying if we got married now I’d screw up? How is church marriage preparation going to change that?”

“I don’t think that. I’m just saying I think we need time to learn more about each other and what it’s like to be married. Uncle Enzo said--”

“I’ll call Father Grihalva now.” Uncle Enzo, who knows what he’d said to Lita. Something to make her not want to look him in the eyes. But he knew arguing with her would only put him further from her.

The fulfillment of his desires seemed less likely as the next few days passed. Uncle Enzo stayed with him and Lita like a bouncer tracking a suspicious drunk. Lita did her part and kept her distance, as if he was a customer at the old club, able to look but not touch. Then he was simultaneously aroused and disgusted, thinking of Lita that way. A few goodnight kisses and snuggling on the couch wasn’t enough and she wouldn’t talk to him about anything important. She chatted with him about her favorite Christmas movies or if he thought they could get tickets for “The Nutcracker” as if they weren’t in love, as if they were just friends.

“I thought you and Celeste were seeing each other,” he asked Uncle Enzo as they waited for Lita to join them in the living room one evening.

“I don’t think that’s your business.”

“You’re making it my concern.” Lorenzo crossed his arms.

“This is my house--”

“And Lita’s.”

“Yes, and she shows me the proper respect.” Uncle Enzo leaned forward.

“Respect? Why don’t you--”

“Lorenzo,” Lita said when she entered.

“What?” he snapped and stood.

“What’s going on?” She pursed her lips, his least favorite expression.

“Absolutely nothing.” He kissed her cheek and wished them goodnight.