Chapter 6
I was aware.
Whatever is going on right now bothers me.
Gabriel gently places his hand over my mother's. She appears at least somewhat at ease. As if this were nothing new, a tiny smile tugs at the corner of her lips. It seems as though she has grown accustomed to it.
Even though my heart is refusing to accept it, my brain is already piecing things together.
At last, Gabriel reveals the truth. "We're getting married."
Nothing else is audible to me. My own heartbeat hammers in my ears, drowning out everything else in the room as the words reverberate in my head.
A joke?
Giacomo's voice breaks the silence. "What? Is that a joke?
I return to the present. Mom is observing me and looking for a reaction on my face. Be concerned. uncertainty.
Then she talks. It's accurate. I've been dating Gabriel for a while, and we both have strong feelings about this. Before making it official, we wanted to let you know first.
Hold on. Have they been dating? Have they been dating for a significant period of time?
How could I have been unaware?
Indeed, Giacomo and I have brought them together, but their interactions have always been formal, courteous, and aloof. When did this begin, then? How?
Gabriel looks over at Giacomo. We believed that you two would be content. You two are best friends. We are aware of how important you are to one another.
A pause. "Giacomo, I know things haven't been easy since your mom left—" he continues.
Giacomo interjects with a forced laugh, "I really haven't noticed." I mean, I'm glad for you. Naturally. However, this is a bit abrupt. Even so, how did you hide this from us? When did it begin? For what duration has this been occurring?
Mom nods as if she anticipated this response. "I swear, we'll address everything. However, we wanted to let you two know first. We must confirm that you are comfortable with it before proceeding.
I'm not.
I ought to say it.
I should let her know that I don't understand this, that it feels wrong, and that my mother will never wed the father of my best friend.
I glance at her face once more, though. There's a gleam in her eyes... I can't recall when I last saw it. Not since Dad, perhaps.
She is content.
Am I being self-centered if I refuse and fight this?
Giacomo is the first to speak. Yes, as long as you're content.
Mom lets out a breath as if she's been holding it.
Gabriel gets up. "You two are welcome to speak."
Mom tries not to show how disappointed she is. "Oh, you won't be staying for dinner?"
Gabriel gives me a slight head tilt. She looks into his eyes and instantly understands.
"Oh, you're right."
"We'll let you ladies talk." Gabriel gives his son a nod.
As he leaves, Giacomo gives me a smile. "Later, beautiful."
I don't respond.
I turn to go to my room as Mom leads them to the door, but I'm only two steps away when she calls me back.
"Elizabeth."
I pause.
She rubs her hands together in hesitation. "Are you alright?"
I whisper, "You could have told me."
She gives a nod. "I understand. Gabriel, however, desired it to be unexpected. He hoped it would be a pleasant surprise.
"When did this begin?"
I couldn't help but chuckle. "When you put it that way, it sounds so wrong." She lets out a sigh. "Two months ago."
I blinked. "You're getting married to a man you've been seeing for two months?"
She raises an eyebrow. "I've known him for many years. It wasn't until recently that I truly noticed him in this manner. Elisabetta, he also brings me joy.
God, no.
She puts her hands on my shoulders and takes a step closer. "I know this is a lot, sweetie. And I am aware of how abrupt it is. However, I have given this some thought. I have contemplated this matter extensively. And I really think this is what your father would want for me. He would prefer that I move on to experience joy once more.
Her voice trembles a little.
And I understand...
I never really inquired about her feelings.
She never showed any signs of being ill, so I just assumed she was okay. But it must have been so painful to lose Dad, and I never—
"I apologize," I mumble. "I ought to have inquired more about your feelings."
She cups my face and smiles while shaking her head. "Elisabetta, you provided me with all the joy I required. That was sufficient.
I let a tear fall down my cheek.
She removes it with a wipe. "Oh, hurry up. No sobs.
I collapse into her arms and give her a firm embrace.
She gives my hair a gentle pat. "This does not imply that I am losing sight of Leo. My first and only true love was for him. I will always hold a particular place in my heart for him. However, this is me allowing someone else to enter. Someone who calms me down
He is also Giacomo's father.
"What time is the wedding?"
"One week from now."
I jerk my head up. "That quick?"
She laughs. Gabriel wants it to happen quickly. I also do.
The casual way she refers to him as Gabriel rather than Mr. D'Angelo almost makes me cringe.
He wants us to relocate as well. Find a new location. Make a new beginning.
"You really like him?" I laugh.
"Yes, darling, I do." She smiles and briefly has the appearance of a teenage girl in love.
I give a sigh. "All right. Alright. Please let me know if this interests you. However, give me a little time to think.
She gives me a cheek kiss. "Obviously, honey."
"Mom, you are loved."
"I love you more."
I head for my room.
I finally let out the sob I've been suppressing as soon as I closed the door.
Why him?
Why must it be Gabriel among all the people in the world?
Why must it be the boy I—
My phone is vibrating.
Giacomo: Hey, how are you? Earlier, you didn't look very good. Dad said you needed time with your mom, but I wanted to stay to be sure. All right?
My chest gets constricted.
The mere sight of me causes my heart to race, as this boy is going to be my stepbrother.
How can I possibly accept that?
The following day at school, before I hear the voice, I sense a presence behind me.
"Hi, stepmom."
I flinch.
Whoa. I have not received any calls, texts, or morning visits. You abandon me as soon as we become family?
"I was rushing."
"For what purpose?"
"Nothing."
He moves ahead of me. "Lizzie. I can tell when something isn't right. Unless I annoy you, you never ignore me. Did I?
I turn my head away. "I simply became busy."
He researches me. "You mean this is about our parents?"
I don't respond.
"Is there something wrong with it?"
"You don't?"
"Why would I? They have a choice. Their joy.
"You don't mind if someone else replaces your mother?"
Is that the purpose of this? Do you believe your mother is taking your father's place?
I shake my head. "No, I simply—"
He interrupts. "Observe. I understand. However, I have faith in your mother. She has no intention of replacing anyone. I also have faith in my father.
That isn't the issue.
Giacomo, you are the issue.
My feelings for you are the issue.
I run into someone at the door just as I'm ready to leave class.
"Louis?"
He smiles. "I found you at last."
"Why are you in this place?"
He gives a shrug. "Enrolled."
I blinked. "What? Since when?
"Since now." He smiles. "You're lucky, Elisabetta, because I think you're a really fascinating person."
Oh.
