Page 3 of Merciless Monster

“Yeah. I’d be careful if I were you. Erice does things to a woman’s fertility. One kiss, and you’re in danger of giving birth to an entire litter.”

“Thanks for the heads up. I’ll be sure to keep my legs crossed while I’m here.”

“Yeah. You do that.”

Jeff looks like he’s about to fall asleep on his feet. Not ideal, seeing as he’s the man of the hour. I imagine Gina’s extended family is super excited about meeting the man who stole their Gina’s heart.

“Are you ready for this?” I whisper to the man, who looks like a deer caught in the headlights of a pantechnicon.

“I guess we’ll find out together,” he whispers.

“You have the advantage here,” I whisper back. “You speak Italian. Unless you say otherwise, I plan on smiling and nodding.”

“Stick with me, kid.”

A rush of noise bursts forth from the medieval building as Gina’s family approaches us as soon as we exit the cab. Everyone is talking all at once. Gina wasn’t kidding. It looks like the whole village is here to greet us. I’m overwhelmed, so I stand back and wait for the chaos to subside.

Gina pulls me into the family and introduces me to her aunts, uncles, cousins, and family friends who have all gathered for this momentous occasion.

“Come! Let’s eat,” one of the older women announces and grabs me by the arm.

I’m not complaining. I’m starving, and whatever they’ve prepared smells wonderful.

“Are all these people family?” I ask Gina once the storm of chatter has subsided a bit.

“Most of them. My wedding is an event, so everyone who’s ever known me and my family is here to celebrate. I’m the only daughter, so it’s a big deal.”

“This is quite something,” I grin. “I had no idea you were a minor celebrity.”

“What can I say? I’m the golden girl.”

“Poor Jeff is surrounded by a horde of old women. He looks rather nervous.”

“Yeah. They’re probably grilling him about impregnating me as soon as possible,” she laughs.

“Poor guy.”

“Come on. I’ll show you to your room. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. You’re going to love it.”

“How old is this house?”

“Older than time.”

“It’s so beautiful, Gina.”

“I’m so happy you are here to share it with us, M.”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For giving me something to look forward to this year.”

“Oh, come now. It’s going to be a great vacation. You’re going to have a great time. No more sad face. Okay?”

“You got it.”

I’m all settled in in no time, so I go downstairs. I pass Gina’s mother on the staircase.

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