Page 55 of Vita Mia

“I can help you,” she offered.

“Set the table?”

She did as he asked and then got his favorite beer and a bottle of wine for them to share. She watched him when he wasn’t looking. She wasn’t exaggerating in her thoughts when it came to his handsomeness. Since she was a little girl she’s dreamed and loved the idea of a future with Nico. The family always pretended it was a cute crush, but eventually when she matured they all knew it was something more. And Nico never allowed her feelings to go any further. In fact, he didn’t allow women close to him period. To this day, twenty-two years after his wife’s death he’d never taken off his wedding ring.

“Why are you staring at me?” Nico asked.

“No reason,” she said softly.

Nico glanced behind him from the sink. “Stop acting weird.”

“Okay.” She sat at the table and Nico brought over the pasta and the sauce he made from his vegetable garden. Exiled out of the mafia, he led a quiet life as fisherman and farmer. He had enough money fromla Camorratucked away. Still he was modest in all things.

“What has you upset?” he asked and started to eat immediately.

“Who said I’m upset?” Eve asked.

He glanced up at her with an arched brow.

“You know me so well.” She rolled her eyes. Eve stirred her pasta with her fork. “Mum. Have you heard what she’s doing?”

“The interview? Yea, I heard.”

“It’s ridiculous Nico! After twenty years she wants to drag all of this up?”

“I thought the interview was about her life?”

“And mine!” Eve looked over at the photos of Cecilia. “And yours too.”

Nico stopped chewing.

“She told them about the fire, what I did. What really happened.”

“It was an accident Evie.”

“No, it wasn’t. I did it. And I have to live with it. She has no right to tell everyone about it. She hides from the world Nico, I live in the world! Alone.”

Nico sighed. “Evie—”

“I love you Nico. I have loved you since I was a little girl.”

“I told you, you’re my daughter.”

“I have a father!” she shouted at him.

“I’m sixty-two Evie. You’re only twenty-eight.”

Eve let go a bitter laugh. “Twenty-eight. I was a widow at eighteen, and then divorced from my second husband at twenty-six. I miscarried twice! I have more life in me, and more pain than any woman the same age as you!” Eve got up from the table. She paced before him. “I came home for you Nico. Mummy wants the truth out. Then here’s my truth. I love you. And I know you love me too.”

“I’ve never done anything improper. I would never disrespect your father.” Nico hung his head.

“I know you’ve wanted too. And I know you love me!”

“You should sit and eat Eve. This conversation is not going to lead to anywhere good.”

Eve burst into tears.

“I’m sorry she’s dead Nico.”

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