The kids were pretty good about picking up after themselves, but their standard of clean wasn’t the same as mine.
I blew out the candle I’d lit in the living room while I was reading on my chaise and turned off the lights as I exited the room. Once up the stairs, I popped my head in the media room to see both Stella and Si sitting on the couch watching TV.
It wasn’t unusual for them to hang out together, but now that they were older and constantly busy, it was rare.
“Hey, what are you watching?” I asked as I stepped inside.
“A scary movie,” Silas said, without looking away from the television.
“Us,” Stella clarified.
“Is it good?”
They both gave noncommittal replies, so I knew I was probably bothering them, but because it was hard to get them together at the same time, I asked, “Can you pause it for a sec?”
Stella reached for the remote and stopped the movie and they both looked at me expectantly.
“What’s up?” Silas asked.
I crossed the room and sat on one of the foot stools.
After clearing my throat nervously, I folded my hands in my lap and said, “I wanted to let you both know that I’m seeing someone … dating someone … a man.”
Stella laughed at my awkward delivery, but Silas narrowed his eyes.
“Like, seriously?” he asked.
“Well, it started out very casual. In fact, I wasn’t sure I wanted to see him, or anyone for that matter; I didn’t feel ready. But we took things slow and went on a couple dates, and now, I really like him.”
“Okay, so you’re just dating,” my son clarified.
It took me a second, but I realized what he must have been concerned about. Since his dad had jumped right into marriage, giving my kids an immediate stepmom, Silas was probably worried a new stepdad was next.
“Yes, sweetie, we’re only dating. I’m not ready to get married again … I’m not even sure I ever will be. But I’ve been seeing Luca and we’ve decided to be exclusive, so I figured it was time to let you both know about him.”
“How did you meet him?” Stella asked.
“We work together, but I actually met him the week before I started at the firm. The first night I was out with Margo and Summer.”
“Is he nice to you?” Silas asked.
“Yes, he really is,” I replied with a smile as I thought of Luca. “He’s sweet and funny. He’s got this big Italian family, who I have not met, but he talks about all the time. He’s a really great cook and he’s fun to be around.”
“Cool,” Si replied, apparently satisfied with my answer.
“He’d actually like to meet you guys,” I said, studying their faces for a reaction. “And I should tell you now, he’s younger than me. Not Crystal young,” I amended, speaking of their stepmom, “but about thirteen years younger.”
Stella’s eyes widened a bit, but she simply asked, “Is he cute?”
“Very,” I admitted with a grin.
“When will we meet him?” she asked.
“I wanted to make sure you were both okay with meeting him before I committed to anything, but I’ll let you know.”
“Sounds good, just give me time to put in a request at work or get someone to cover my shift.”
“I will. Si?”
“Yeah, Mom, it’s cool. Just let me know when.”
I released a deep sigh and said gratefully, “Thanks. You guys are the best.”
“Sure thing, Mom. You deserve to be happy,” Silas said, melting my heart.
“Totally,” Stella agreed. “Want to watch the movie with us?”
I hated scary movies with a passion and would surely have nightmares that night, but I moved to sit between them on the couch, pulling up a throw blanket and saying happily, “I’d love to.”
Eighteen
Luca
“Ma, you look gorgeous,” I said as I leaned down to kiss one cheek, then the other. “The motherland really must have suited you.”
“It really did,” she gushed happily. “It’s the most wonderful place on earth.”
“I’m glad you had a good time. How about Dad? Did he love it?” I asked, grabbing an olive out of the dish and popping it in my mouth.
“Of course. Why don’t you go ask him about it, he’s in his chair,” she said, turning me and practically pushing me out of the kitchen. “No more snacking for you, you’ll ruin your supper.”
I shook my head and chuckled, then spun around to grab another olive and ran out as she swatted at me.
I’d come a little early so I could catch up with my parents. They’d never really left us before and I’d missed them, which seemed funny. But I was used to seeing my dad at work and my ma being home, so having them out of the country and not easily accessible had left this empty space in my life.
It made me realize how much I needed to cherish and appreciate having them around and what they meant to me.
“Hey, Dad, how’s it feel to be home?” I asked as I walked into the den.
My father looked away from the game on the TV and gave me a welcoming smile.
“Amazing,” he replied. “Italy was wonderful, and the vacation was great, but there’s nothing like that feeling of coming back home.”
“I missed you,” I said, crossing to give him an awkward hug. “It’s good to have you both back.”
“Everything okay at the office?” he asked.
“Na-ah,” I replied. “We can talk about that tomorrow when you come in. No work talk at home, you know that.”
“I know, it’s just been so long. You know I’ve never been away from the office this long, I’m dying to know what’s been happening.”
“I’ll just say everything is great and leave it at that. Now, tell me all about your trip.”
“The pace took some getting used to, but by the end of the trip I was moving slower and napping during the day. The food is outta this world, the countryside is gorgeous, and the people are salt of the earth.”
“What was your favorite dish?” I asked.
“There was no such thing as a bad meal, but my favorite had to be the carbonara at this little trattoria in town. We sat outside, had some wine, and stayed well into the night listening to music.” He stared off as if picturing himself back there, then glanced back at me. “You know how your mom is in bed by ten every night and up at six, well, not in there. We slept in, went on long walks, and stayed in town until well after bedtime.”
“That’s awesome, Dad. I’m thrilled you both enjoyed yourselves.”
‘Hello, hello,” my brother called as he opened the front door and came inside.
His greeting was followed by the pounding for four feet stomping our way as my nephews came running straight to the family room, yelling, “Grandpa!”
I laughed as they both hurled their bodies into the chair and hugged him fiercely.
“There they are,” my dad said happily as he held them close. “If you go into the back bedroom, you may find a couple souvenirs waiting for you to claim them.”