Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
And I rarely extended one.
The gates rolled open smoothly. Henry smiled down at me. “Good morning, sir.”
“All well?”
“Quiet as usual. Your nonna was out here yesterday, deciding on new flowers for the garden.”
“Please tell me she was driven down.”
His lips quirked. “She drove herself in the golf cart. Brought us lunch and told us all what we needed to be doing.”
“Of course she did.”
He shrugged. “Well worth pulling some weeds for one of her killer paninis.”
I chuckled. “She is a tyrant.”
He stood straight. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
I nodded and drove up the long, winding driveway, looking at the vineyard, spotting the workers who were busy. I pulled up to the house, sitting for a moment to look at it. The expansive courtyard with the fountain bubbling was surrounded by flowers. The house was shaped like a big U. The center contained the spacious kitchen, dining room, and living area. To the right were my nonna’s rooms, a couple of guest rooms, a gym, and a spare office.
The left was my wing. A huge primary bedroom, en suite, my office, and three other bedrooms. The back of the house boasted a large pool, sitting areas, and a grilling kitchen. All were surrounded by trees and flowers. There were more vineyards toward the back of the property, as well as our wine-making rooms and storage.
I had bought three estates and turned them into one, guaranteeing my privacy. I loved wine and though the art of making it was still much of a mystery to me, I hired the best and I was slowly learning. I found it fascinating. We had won some awards for our vintages, and we were gradually building a good reputation. I stepped out of the car and headed to the house, finding Nonna at the back under a shaded spot, a pot of coffee on the table and a plate of flaky croissants beside it.
I bent and kissed her cheeks, greeting her with affection. There were few I showed any to, but she was the top one.
“Nonna. You are looking well.”
I sat down, putting the paper bag on the table.
“What is that?”
“Bagels. The kind I know you like. I had one yesterday, and it was delicious. I brought you some for your breakfasts.”
She nodded. “Thank you, piccolino.”
I laughed. “I am not a little boy anymore, Nonna.”
“You will always be to me.” She poured me a coffee, pushing the cup my way. “Nice you recalled I am still alive and here.”
I shook my head. “Nonna, I saw you three days ago. I’m a busy man.”
“Three days,” she sniffed. “You live here, yet you are never in your bed. For days, you are gone. I should go into a home. At least others are there to talk to.”
I leaned back, sipping my coffee. “You would hate it. You have plenty of people here to talk to. I know you’ve been at the gates, ordering the gardeners around, and no doubt in the vineyards telling everyone how to do their jobs.” I sniffed the air. “The kitchen too. I smell the sauce.”
She waved her hand. “I have to stay busy to avoid the loneliness.”
“Do you want to go to Italy? See Zia Mary?”
“No.”
“I’ll hire you a companion.”
“No!”
I leaned forward. “Nonna. I am trying to run a business. Many of them. It is crazy right now. But I’ll be around more. I promise. I will come home three nights a week. We will have dinner.”
“Four.”
“Three, and I’ll find a companion for you. Someone to play cards with and gossip.”
“I do not gossip. Nor do I require a stranger as a companion. I prefer family.” She met my eyes. “My own family.”
I sighed and took her hand. It felt paper-thin, the spider web of veins underneath it almost purple in color. The skin was becoming translucent, looking fragile. But her grip was strong and sure. “Nonna, I am not getting married or settling down soon. Luca is married now. So is Aldo. They will have little ones soon. I am sure they will be happy to have you bounce them on your knee.”
“I want your children on my knee, Roman. I want to know you are settled and happy. I cannot leave this earth and join my Roberto until I know that.”
I shook my head. “If my being single keeps you here, I’m selfish enough to become a monk, Nonna.”
That made her laugh. She cupped my face. “You deserve to be happy. Settled with a wife. Fill this house, these grounds, with your bambini. Live, Roman. You are not living. You are existing.”
I had no idea how to respond to her. My phone rang in my pocket, and I ignored it. It went silent and rang again. Then again.
Nonna dropped her hands.
“Take the call. It must be important.”
I stood, answering. “What, Franco? This better be important.”