by Toni DeMaio
We knew we were moving fast, but neither one of us could come up with a good reason to put on the brakes. Magically we’ve beaten the odds of finding love this late in life and discovered a beautiful connection right out of the gate. We even discovered we have the exact same five year plans…actually our ten, and twenty year plans are also nearly identical, too.
It already feels like we’ve been a couple for years anyway and I’m certain this is what the romance novels mean by ‘finding your soul mate.’ I just hope Kat and Brian Jr. will be as understanding about our instant romance because right now it looks as if we might be engaged by Christmas.
As Brian drew me into a slow dance, I relaxed into his arms, closed my eyes and rested my head on his shoulder, thinking how much I wished I could share this unexpected happiness with Angel.
And with that thought, I felt a warm, bright light on my cheek so I opened my eyes and looked around to see where it was coming from and realized the glowing light source was straight ahead of me. And there, in the corner, stood my daughter Angel, dressed in her high school sweater! She had her hair drawn back in a ponytail and she was wearing a pair of glasses that she quickly removed when she realized I’d seen her.
More beautiful than ever, Angel smiled at me in the most loving way while the light around her got even brighter and then she blew me a kiss.I stopped dead in my tracks and startled Brian by jerking away from him.
“What’s wrong, Meri?” he asked.
Amazed, I watched Angel’s form fade into a tiny sparkling light like Tinkerbell. Then the light danced forward and slipped around the corner and off down the hall in the direction of Lisa’s kitchen. I clutched Brian’s shoulders, so excited I thought I’d faint. “I just saw Angel! She was standing right over there and she blew me a kiss and now she’s gone down that hall.”
He didn’t doubt me for an instant: he just grabbed my hand and said, “Let’s go.”
And so we did. But as we drew nearer to the kitchen we could hear loud angry voices coming from inside so we stopped and waited at the swinging door, unsure if we should intrude.
“Those lazy little bastards are always under foot, Lisa. It’s about time someone got them to help out around here,” Mario shouted, “And it’s mostly your fault because you baby them both. If you don’t stop it now they’re going to act like little girls for the rest of their lives.”
“I will not tolerate you being cruel to my son and my nephew, Mario. They’re only four years old and you expect them to act like grown men. You’re ridiculous.”
“What is ridiculous is you cutting me off at the knees whenever I try to straighten them out with some good old-fashioned discipline.”
“Maybe we should step into the family room and ask the police chief if he thinks kicking two little boys head first into a heavy metal garbage can would be considered good discipline in a court of law. I think you’ll be in for a big shock.”
“I dare you, Lisa,” he said menacingly, “Keep it up and see what happens next.”
“And I’m warning you, Mario, clean up your act or hit the road. I won’t live like this forever and I certainly won’t subject my children to your abuse.”
“And what do you think you’re gonna do about it? Don’t threaten me…You have no idea who you’re talkin’ to.”
Silently, we agreed to back away from the kitchen and return to the party. I felt sick to my stomach, and by the look on Brian’s face, he was equally appalled by everything we’d heard.
“Those poor children,” I whispered, “I wish there was something we could do to help. I had no idea Lisa and Mario were having serious problems. He’s the only father those children have now and it’s heart breaking to think he isn’t doing right by them. He actually sounded as if he could be dangerous.”
Brian nodded. “He sounds like a wild card to me. I think you should have a word with Gino so he’s aware of the potential danger to his sister and her children. If we stay quiet about it, and he is outright abusing them I won’t be able to forgive myself.”
“Me either,” I whispered back. “And I’d better tell Kat. She’s grown fond of the Rossi children. I know she’ll want to see they are kept safe from Mario’s terrible temper. I wonder what happened to make him so angry.”
Brian shrugged. “There is no excuse for abusive behavior. If the man can’t control himself he should get help.”
Brian was right and I knew Angel wanted me to get involved. It was obvious she had appeared and led me down that hall at that very moment so I would hear their argument. That, coupled with the dreams I’d been having warning of danger to someone I cared about made me know I had to act soon.
***
Thanksgiving came and went yesterday and still we have enough leftovers to do it all again today! As always, Liz and Franny and I shared the chef duties while Kat brought the pies and Lilly did the appetizers. Dinner was a huge success and this year was doubly special for me because the Brians were with us for the first time.
The turkey was huge and tender, and it was even chilly enough outside to light all of the fireplaces and believe me this big old house looked right at home glowing and dressed-up for the occasion in candlelight, autumn leaves, scarecrows and pumpkins.
I never expected to be this happy again after Bob passed, so I guess this proves you never know what life has planned for you. And it doesn’t matter if you’re six or sixty, because your greatest adventures can begin at any time without any warning right up until the day you draw your last breath.
I’d wanted Brian to spend the night after our feast last night, but with both of our children here, it was just too awkward to pull off. It was crazy how the roles were slowly reversing and now Brian and I were the ones plotting to have our alone time. It was almost funny… but not quite.
I was falling crazy in love with this man and I was beginning not to care who knew about it. But Brian was such a gentleman he wouldn’t risk doing anything to embarrass the kids. Oh, well…our time to be together is coming and sooner than they expect.
And now tonight is the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Brian and I both had to work hard to convince Kat to come along with us. She was shy about just showing up there and possibly running into Gino and his kids because before the rift between them occurred they had had tentative plans to go with Lilly and Tom. I was hoping we wouldn’t get there to find they’d come as a group, but with Isabella instead of Kat. Kat assured me Lilly wouldn’t let that happen so she, Tom, and the kids told Gino they’d see him and his kids there and they were meeting up with us instead. At least she’d have Lilly beside her if Isabella did show up tagging after Gino.
I was worried about Kat. She and Tori had been getting very close, and there was also the matter of their uncanny resemblance to each other. I could only imagine that Linda Rossi, Tori’s mom, had been a dead ringer for Kat. That was the only logical explanation for it. And that would also explain why Gino and Kat were so strongly drawn together. Kat is definitely his type, despite his failure to acknowledge it at the moment.
Even though I was happy and grateful to have found Brian, there was another matter weighing heavily on my heart and I was hoping to somehow resolve it tonight. I had yet to speak to Gino about what I had overheard at his sister’s house. It hadn’t seemed like the right time at the party, and after mass last Sunday, they had all left quickly as a group, so I figured tonight might be my only opportunity to speak to him for some time seeing as Kat and Gino were still on the outs.
***
That night the town square was bright with twinkling fairy lights and in the center of the square sat a huge tree covered in more lights that had yet to be turned on, along with beautiful, glittering decorations.
The tree lighting committee had done a great job and deserved our praise. Within a half an hour the ceremony would begin. Like every year, the tree would burst into brilliance, and the choir would sing our favorite carols while old Adam Baxter, dressed up as Santa would come wheeling down th
e street, throwing bags of candy from his magnificent sleigh constructed around the frame of an old hay wagon on wheels and pulled by a team of horses, each sporting very unlikely brightly lit antlers on the tops of their heads. It was quite a crazy but fun show and all the kids loved it. I always got a good laugh out of it myself. Adam was a good sport, volunteering to be our Santa in the years since Leo passed, along with his usual duties at the Halloween Hay Ride. Despite giving up farming, we were lucky he held onto that old wagon just for these two occasions each year.
Kat was looking pretty miserable tonight. To cheer her up, Lilly handed Daisy off to Tom for safekeeping and then grabbed Kat’s hand and pulled her toward the concession stands for some roasted chestnuts.
Brian Jr. looked equally miserable and I was surprised he didn’t trail after Kat and Lilly, but just stood apart from the rest of us, talking with some of his football players, and scanning the crowd as if he were looking for someone in particular.
Brian and I were holding hands and window shopping the little shops on each side of the road. The window decorations were the best they’d ever been and even though my heart was heavy for Kat, I couldn’t help but be grateful and happy to be experiencing the holidays with this special man. I could only pray my daughter found the same measure of happiness.
Before I could locate Gino in the crowd, the tree lighting ceremony began and Kat and Lilly, Brian Jr., along with Liz and Franny, their husbands, and the kids, joined us around the tree.
It’s always a bit of a thrill when the lights suddenly blaze on and the Carolers blast out their first holiday song with great enthusiasm. Unfortunately, this year, a few were off-key which somehow made it more fun. I had to giggle at the pained expression on Miss Malone’s face as she pounded out the accompaniment on her keyboard.
She was the elementary school’s music teacher and this was her first year playing for the rag-tag band of Carolers, volunteers ranging in age from seven to at least seventy. After a few songs, I, along with everyone else, was beginning to look forward to the place in the program when Miss Malone would sing her solo. She had an exquisite voice.
Then, like a winter wind, Tori flew across the square and practically knocked Kat over with a huge hug. “I’m so glad you’re here, Kat. I miss you! How was your Thanksgiving?”
Kat’s face lit like the Madonna. I noticed she closed her eyes for a moment as she hugged the little girl back. “It was lovely, Sweetie, and I’m sure you had a feast at Grandma Maria’s.”
Tori laughed, her red curls dancing around her cheeks. “It was amazing just like always. Do you believe we had stuffed shells and meatballs before Grandma even brought out the biggest turkey we’ve ever had. It’s always too much…I’m still stuffed just like her shells!”
“It sounds wonderful,” Kat said dreamily.
“My mother is a great cook,” Gino said, strolling up beside his daughter. “And she goes all out for the holidays.”
“Yes!” Isabella added from where she’d followed, peeking around Gino’s shoulder. “I love this holiday. But so much food…Before too long I will be too big to fit in my clothing!”
“I don’t think you have to worry about that,” Kat said generously, “You’re gorgeous and I don’t think a few pounds would make any difference.”
I noticed that Gino was focusing his intense gaze on Kat during this friendly exchange, and it’s plain to me that the wistful look in his eyes tells the true story. Gino definitely still has feelings for Kat. The only problem is how to fix this misunderstanding between them.
Before I could come up with a way to help, Brian Jr. jumped into the conversation and made it all worse.
“I’m trying to talk Kat into coming with me tonight to Mama Maria’s for Open- Mike Night. It’s always a good time.” He grinned good-naturedly.
Gino’s face fell and he turned his attention to Isabella. “Isabella’s singing tonight? You all have to come and hear her sing “Oh, Holy Night;” she has an incredible voice.”
“Wow, beautiful and talented,” Kat said, then laughed, but it had a hollow ring.
Lilly spoke quickly to cover the awkwardness. “Actually we’re all going as a group now, Brian,” she said, “So we’ll meet you there and we can all sit together.”
“Great idea,” said Tom, “Join us Buddy,” he coaxed Gino.
Gino glanced at Kat again; then said, “I’ll be there anyway so I’ll definitely stop by your table for a beer.”
“Good,” said Kat.
“Can I ride over with Kat and Mrs. Donovan, Daddy? Please?” Tori begged.
“Can I come too?” Anthony piped in.
Gino looked at Kat first, then me, and shook his head. “I think you’ve invited yourselves kids. That’s rude.”
“Nonsense!” I said, “We’d love to have them with us. Between Brian’s van and Lilly and Tom’s van we’ll manage just fine, Gino.”
“Okay, it’s fine with me then.”
“Thank you, Gino,” said Kat. Her smile made her more beautiful than ever and it wasn’t lost on Gino who couldn’t help softening his expression as he watched her hug Tori, giving her love so freely and with such joy to his child.
“Wow,” Brian said, “I couldn’t get Kat to say yes and I’ve been trying since yesterday but I guess Tori has the magic touch. Is Lisa on tonight, Gino?”
“Yup,” he said, “the whole family will be there to hear Isabella sing.”
As we all moved slowly through the crowded square headed for our parked vehicles, with a whispered word to Brian, I maneuvered my way toward Gino. Finally moving up beside him, I slid my hand under his arm and allowed him to lead the way, as he kindly slowed his pace to match my own.
I leaned in close and said, “Gino, I hope I’m not overstepping but can I speak to you alone for just a moment?”
He looked surprised, but quickly agreed. Waving Isabella on, he pulled me to the side and, under one of the glowing Victorian-style street lamps that surround our little town square, we stopped to chat.
I drew a deep breath and just plunged ahead. “I have something upsetting to tell you, Gino, and I hope I’m right to tell you this. I don’t like to gossip, but this is information I overheard myself…”
I felt my cheeks grow red as Gino’s eyes held mine. “The other evening at your sister Lisa’s house, Brian and I happened to overhear an argument from the hallway outside of the kitchen between your sister, Lisa, and Mario. I wouldn’t bring it up but what we heard was very disturbing.”
“How so?” he asked, moving a step closer to me, his hand firm on my arm, waiting intently for my next words.
“Your sister was very angry at Mario and she was making it clear to him that he had better watch his treatment of the boys. It appears she walked in on Mario disciplining both boys out in back of the house, for what he described as being lazy, by kicking them headfirst into a heavy metal garbage can.”
“What? That sick bastard!” Gino’s eyes flashed fire and I realized I’d gone at this all wrong.
“Wait, Gino. I think you should talk to Lisa about this first before you jump to any conclusions and make a scene at your mama’s restaurants. I mean, Lisa was very upset. It was a bad argument and Mario was livid, too. But I’m sure now that they’ve both calmed down, you’ll get the full story from her. And a clear perspective on what actually did happen. I just couldn’t risk not telling you, though.”
He rubbed the back of his head; then shook it as if to clear his thoughts. “Honestly, Mrs. Donovan, I can’t stand the guy. I’ve tried to like him for my sister’s sake but there’s something off about the man. If he has laid a finger on either one of those boys he’s going to have to deal with me! Lazy four year olds! He’s out of his mind!”
“Well, that’s why Brian and I both felt it was right to tell you about it. If your sister and all the kids are dealing with a dangerous situation she’ll need your help and your support.”
“I’m glad you told me, Mrs. Donovan, and don’t worry I’l
l keep my cool tonight and get to the truth.”
The grim determination in his eyes set my mind at ease. I was sure they’d all be safe with a good man like Gino around.
CHAPTER TWENTY
TORI
I love sitting in the comfortable backseat of Mr. Potter Sr.’s car so happy to be between Gia and Kat, two of my favorite people. It’s a huge relief for both Gia and me to be safe from Uncle Mario and his creepy looks and scary threats. If only for tonight Gia and I can relax a little and actually have a nice time. If that’s even possible considering Uncle Mario has made it clear our ‘party’ is happening tomorrow night no matter what we try to do about it, or else…something will happen to the boys.
I’d be out of my mind right now if Kat hadn’t asked all of us to say overnight with her this weekend, and if we didn’t have the phone app and Angel on our side, if all else fails. So far Daddy says it’s a no, and we shouldn’t keep imposing on the Donovans. I guess he feels funny around Kat since they aren’t such great friends anymore.
I wish I could tell Daddy why it’s so important to us to go with Kat, but I just can’t risk it without proof everyone will believe. Sometimes I wonder how a person gets to be as evil and messed up as Uncle Mario. Gia says trying to understand how it happened isn’t going to help us deal with it any better, but I think maybe it might.
Anyway, there is one thing I’m sure of beyond any doubt. Uncle Mario isn’t going to mess with Gia ever again. And he absolutely isn’t going to ever get me.
I was so relieved Kat and Mrs. Donovan were at the tree lighting ceremony because I didn’t know how I was going to find a way to ask them to convince Daddy we should stay with Kat tomorrow night if we hadn’t run into them tonight.
