Page 60 of Christmas with the Mafia
He raises his eyes, and Sophia says, slightly shocked. “It happens, I guess.”
Simeon leans forward. “So your parents merely spend the money your mother inherited rather than use it to invest in your future.”
“You could say that.” I shrug. “They travel a lot and spend a lot. I was merely an inconvenience, and boarding school was a godsend to them. Consequently, the money isrunning out, and I’m guessing there won’t be much left by the time they die.”
Nico heads back and hands me a glass of champagne and is holding a glass similar to the others of whiskey.
Silence once again prevails, and it strikes me how weird this is. There is no conversation, no exchanging of funny stories or questions about their lives. As always, I attempt to fill in the awkward silence and say loudly, “Nico took me to the homeless shelter. I must say I was very impressed with his generosity. He sure is a credit to you both.”
His brothers appear to find that statement amusing, and Sophia says quietly, “We are incredibly proud of our sons.”
His father merely nods, staring at Nico with an intensity that is a little uncomfortable, and, luckily, a woman appears dressed as a maid and says with a slight hesitation, “Dinner is served.”
I am so happy for the interruption, and as we head out of the room, I hope to God conversation picks up because if it doesn’t, I’m liable to drown my sorrows in my bodyweight of champagne.
Another room, another jaw-dropping spectacle of wealth on an obscene scale. Sophia’s love of tapestries is evident here as a giant hanging on one wall dominates the space. It’s not the only one, and there is a virtual gallery of them in what is an enormous room.
The atmosphere is intimate, dark and subdued, much like this family if I’m honest. The table itself is stretched to seat about thirty people and is draped in a white cloth and set for a banquet.
Flowers and festive foliage are everywhere, and I’m soimpressed that once again I wish I had my phone to record every detail.
Luckily, I am sitting beside Nico and am grateful when he clasps my hand under the table, which is the only signal of reassurance I get.
As the family take their seats, I study the place setting, loving the silver cutlery nestling against the most exquisite china.
As a series of waiters pour wine into our glasses, I smile at Sophia. “I adore these tapestries. Are they your work?”
“I wish.” She grins. “Some of them are, so don’t look at them too closely.”
“I couldn’t tell from here.”
She nods. “You flatter me, Regina.”
“So–” I raise my glass to her. “I just want to say thank you for inviting me into your home. You must be wondering what’s happening here, but well, it appears that fairy tales do happen, and I met my Prince Charming.”
For some reason his brothers share an amused grin, and Nico says quickly, “Welcome, Regina.”
His father adds in a deep voice, “Regina. Perhaps you were a little premature in saying yes to my son.”
It’s as if he dropped a grenade in the room as silence prevails after his words.
I’m a little uncomfortable as he carries on. “You see, he has been a little economical with the truth.”
The atmosphere darkens, and I swear my heart is the only one that has stopped beating right now as he says, “Nico is my eldest son. He has responsibilities far above those of his brothers.”
I say nothing and wait for him to mess up my dream, and he gives it his best shot.
“As his wife, you would be expected to step up a gear, and I am not sure if you are up to the job.”
He waves the waiters away, who head into the room, and the air stills as every eye is trained on me.
“My wife is an accomplished hostess. She makes polite conversation and runs a successful home. Nico’s wife will be expected to rise to the same challenge. You have a business; are you prepared to give that up for my son?”
All eyes are trained on me, and I fidget on my seat, the wine glistening in the glass as the air turns toxic.
“I will, um, think about it.” My voice is quiet and shakes a little, and he fixes me with a dark glare.
“Will you follow orders, bend to his will and accept that your life will now be controlled by him and what he wants?”
