Page 37 of His to Have
Rita, ever the observant matriarch, glanced at Keem and Sophia before drawing her son’s attention elsewhere, leaving Bash and Teo’s grandmother mid-conversation.
“Son, are you all here to see Marco?”
He ran a hand down his shirt, smoothing out the fabric as he nodded. “No. Nico.” I immediately recognized that name as theDonatellis’ tailor.
“We need to finalize the tuxes, but I may stick around to holla at Pop, too,” he grinned, while motioning for Bash and Keem. All three men made their exit just as commandingly as they entered. Not long after their exit, the event planner excused herself,promising to contact me if she had any additional questions. Her attitude was a stark difference from earlier, and I had to ask myself, was it because of Teo? Choosing not to spend any more time on it, I settled into my seat so I could chat with all of the most influential women in Teo’s life.
Nonna leaned back in her chair, her wise, weathered eyes settling on me. Her gaze was both gentle and penetrating. “I always knew you had a little fire in you,bella,” she began, her voice calm. “Don’t let these people steal that from you. You’re marrying a powerful man, which by default makes you powerful.”
Her words made me sit up a little straighter.
“There will be those who respect you because of Teo, but there will be others who resent you simply because of who you are: a Black woman. Outsiders will see your confidence as arrogance, your kindness as weakness. There are plenty moreLidiasout there.”
“She’s right.” Rita chimed in. “My marriage into this family was very similar to yours. I was accepted by the family but resented by others in this world.” She swept her hand outward, referring to the broader community outside the family. “Being Marco’s wife wasn’t enough, nor was it easy. I had to prove I was more than just a pretty face. I had to make them see me as his partner, someone just as fierce.”
Sophia shook her head, agreeing with her mother and grandmother. “You’ve already shown you can hold your own, though. Lidia was a test, trust me. She’s been around long enough to think she runs things, but the way you put her in her place? That was…” She trailed off, giving me an approving grin. “Listen, I lead with fear, demand respect, and wish anyone would try me,” she added with a confident smirk. “Messing around with me, Lidia’s family would have been looking for herbody in the morning,” she shrugged nonchalantly, and I knew she wasdeadassserious.
Nonna chuckled softly, while Sophia continued. “You handled her appropriately, but don’t be afraid to assert yourself sooner. These women will try you. Especially the ones who feel as if you have taken their spot or you’re not deserving. Don’t be afraid to check these bitches.” The deadpanned look she gave me made it clear that she meant every word.
This was something I had already been thinking about, considering I had a hit on me. There was someone already threatened by this arrangement. I knew acceptance and respect wouldn’t just be handed over. No, I would have to take both of them.
Teo’s mother’s soft voice cut through the air, gaining all of our attention. “We’ve all walked a version of your path, and now it’s your turn. We’re here to support you. Family is strength, and now you’re part of ours. Yes?”
The look she delivered was motherly but filled with expectation. For the first time, I didn’t feel a sense of duty but a sense for familial bonds bound to grow over time.
“Yes,” I smiled, letting their words of wisdom settle over me.
After the conversation was over, I found myself contemplating whether I should find Teo or head home. He asked me to find him when we were done, but did I really want to? Because he was slowly pulling me into his web.
Thinking better of disregarding him, I cleared my throat, even though there was nothing there. Then uttered, “Sophia.”
Her gaze shifted to me. “What’s up?”
“Teo... asked me to come find him when we were done. Could you take me to him?”
The words left my lips with more ease than I expected, but I couldn’t ignore the faint heat creeping up my neck as Sophia’s lips quirked into a knowing smile.
“Of course. Excuse me Mama... Nonna,” she said easily, pushing her chair back and standing. “Come on. He’s likely in the garden.”
I followed her out of the room, acutely aware of how natural this felt. Sophia glanced at me as we walked down the hall. “I know Teo is about to try and hold you hostage for the next few weeks. Tell that nigga he gonna have to let you go for a night. I have plans for us girls next week. A little hen party for you, before your big day. It’s customary for all Donatelli women.”
Seeing that I didn't know anyone else, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. Sophia was the closest thing I had to a friend here, though even that felt like a stretch. We'd known each other for years, but knowing someone and being close to them were two different things. The age gap between us kept her and me from becoming close as children. Now, as adults, and with this thing with Teo, I was sure the two of us would become extremely close. But today, we were still fairly new to each other.
I guess she could feel my tension.
“Don’t worry. I know how close you and Tasha are. Teo made it clear that she should be included in all wedding festivities. She's invited, and should be arriving next week.” She turned, smiling at me, then exclaimed—like this was her wedding—“Three weeks until you’re officially a Donatelli!”
I shot her a look, my lips curving into a smile despite myself. “I guess so.”
Knowing that Teo had been sure to include my best friend in the activities softened me toward him even more. It was becoming extremely hard to be mad at him... about anything.
She laughed as my expression shifted, soft one moment then frustrated the next. “Don’t be like that. I know you are still upset at my brother for keeping the arrangement from you. And based on that look you hate that you like him. You twoare going tobe perfect together. I may not have known all thedetails aboutthearrangement, but I have eyes. I can see what's happening between you two. What's alwaysbeen happeningbetween youtwo." The knowing look she gave me was both comforting and teasing. “Let’s get you to your man.”
And just like that, I let her lead the way.
eleven
Ayanna
