by ADAMS, J.
Ingo shares what Adagio told him about losing his parents when he was young, and about his move to the U.S. over five years ago to open Little Venice.
“I love the name,” I say. Of course, I love Italian food, period–no, I love everything Italian. In fact, I sometimes think I was born on the wrong continent.
“It was a pretty catchy name,” he agrees. He talks about a disgruntled employee setting fire to Adagio's restaurant, destroying the place. “It’s pretty sad that they never caught the guy. Adagio worked so hard for that place, and to lose it like that was terrible. Fortunately, he had good insurance and was able to start over. And I have to say I really like his restaurant in Treviso. It’s in a wing of his home and it's beautiful.”
“What is his new place called?”
“St. John’s Place. Has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?” “It does,” I agree. “It's awful that a person can be
vindictive enough to destroy lives that way.”
“I can’t understand it, but it happens.”
Sadly, I do understand all too well the cruelty of others.
And after hearing all that Adagio has been through, I am even more excited to meet him.
Ingo pulls into the airport parking garage and finds a spot near the terminal entrance. We quickly go in and check the arrival manifest, then stand near the security gate and wait for Adagio. Twenty minutes later Ingo spots him exiting the security area. “There he is,” he says as his friend moves through the large crowd. Adagio waves when he sees Ingo.
Smiling, I watch Adagio’s eyes light up when he sees Ingo. Though I've never seen him before, there is something familiar about him. I could almost believe I've met him before, but I know that's impossible. I would definitely remember if I had.
I notice several women gawking at Adagio as he passes through the crowd and I can understand. Simply put, he is a very attractive guy. A couple of inches shorter than Ingo, his build is lean and muscular. Black, wavy hair, striking emerald eyes, gleaming white teeth, and a wide smile give him that movie star quality people work so hard to achieve. Surprisingly, he seems completely oblivious to all of it.
The two men hug, slapping each others' back heartily. “It is so good to see you, my friend!” Adagio says. “It’s good to see you too! I’m glad you could come.” “Like I would have missed this. It is definitely going to be
the event of the century.” Laughing, Ingo pulls me close. “Adagio, this is Cisely, my wife-to-be. Cisely, meet Adagio.”
“It’s good to finally meet you,” Adagio says, embracing me.
“I'm happy to meet you too. Ingo has told me so much about you.”
“He has told me much about you as well. I hope you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind at all. I’m glad he did.”
“Well, just let me say that any woman who can tame this beast deserves my deepest honor and respect.”
“He’s that bad, huh?”
“Oh look who’s talking,” Ingo interjects. “You’re going to be next, buddy.”
“Definitely,” I agree, smiling at Ingo. “You can count on my help in finding a mate for your mate.” Looking at Adagio, I give him my best angelic smile and he laughs.
“I do believe your wife-to-be is another kindred spirit.”
“I think so, too.” Ingo points to some empty chairs. “Honey, why don't you wait over there while we go and grab Adagio’s suitcase? Looks like it will be coming in on the last conveyor belt.”
“Okay.”
While I wait, I watch other passengers come through the gate into the baggage area. Some have friends and loved ones waiting, some head straight over to retrieve their luggage, and a few stand looking around like they are lost. How well I remember the day I arrived in Salt Lake City. Entering the terminal, I had been afraid, nervous and excited. Then I walked through the security gate and saw Jessica, and I felt like I had come home. Now here I am, living a new life and about to marry an amazing man. I can’t ask for anything more.
Watching a young woman come through the gate and embrace another woman who looks like an older version of her, I experience a brief sadness. Turning just in time to see Ingo and Adagio approaching with his luggage, I quickly smile, pushing all unhappy thoughts from my mind.
When we arrive at the house, Ingo introduces Adagio to his family. The women swoon, the young girls giggle, and the men wonder what all the fuss is about. I mentally lay ten-to-one odds that the men will eventually hit Adagio up for a few romantic Italian phrases to use on their wives. I mention this to Ingo and Adagio and they both laugh out loud.
After we've all visited for a while, Ingo shows Adagio to his room, leaving him to unpack and rest. Later, when everyone else has gone to bed, the three of us sit at the kitchen table and enjoy some lemonade.
Adagio retells me the story of meeting Ingo. Listening to their friendly banter, it is easy to see how close they are.
Prompted by Ingo, I share with Adagio the story of my life-changing experience with the young girl, as well as my meeting Jessica earlier in the year. I could never have guessed our meeting would lead to me falling in love and becoming engaged.
“Despite the trials, I've been very blessed.”
“I don't doubt that,” Adagio agrees. “It seems you have some marvelous things heading your way. I mean, you have a great guy here, and this is only the beginning.”
“He is a pretty amazing guy, huh?”
“I am, aren't I?” Ingo agrees.
Adagio smirks. “And your humility is astounding, is it not?”
“Indeed.”
“Then since I am your best mate, that means I share your amiable qualities, true?”
“Oh, good grief!” I mutter. “You guys are too much.”
“Too much what?” Ingo asks, his expression one of mock contrition.
“Too much everything.”
“But you love us anyway.”
“This is true.”
I talk with them a few minutes more before saying goodnight, leaving them to visit a little longer.
Adagio lifts his glass and Ingo refills it with more lemonade. “So, how are you feeling? Are you ready for this?”
“Oh, yeah,” Ingo answers, wearing a lazy smile. “I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life. I keep wondering what I did to deserve her. I mean, with everything she has been through in her life, she is simply amazing.”
“She is pretty special. And the love you share is obvious. I have never seen you so happy.”
“I’ve never been so happy.”
“Man, I never thought it would happen, at least, not until you were fifty or so.”
Ingo snorts. “Tell me about it.”
“In a way, it feels like I have always known her, just like when I met you.”
“I felt that, too, from the very first. It’s like she has always been a part of my life. She makes me so happy.”
“No need to tell me that, my friend. You have completely changed her life. And if anyone deserves happiness, it is Cisely.”
“Truer words have never been spoken.”
Staring through my bedroom window into the darkness, I am lost in thought when Jessica knocks.
“Come in.”
She sticks her head in. “Am I disturbing you?”
“No, come on in.” She sits next to me on the bed.
“I was just contemplating my life and thinking about Ingo and how grateful I am for him.”
“He's a good man.”
“He is.” I stand and lean against the window frame. “I'm grateful for you and for my life here, but I still . . . and don’t take this the wrong way, but I think about my mother, and I wish I could have talked to her before she died and settled things better between us. I’ve tried to make peace with her in my heart, but I wonder if it will ever be enough.”
Jessica's eyes are thoughtful. “Cisely, I can’t even begin to comprehend what life was like for you, but I have to believe your mother did love you in her own way
. How could she not?”
“I don’t know. I want to believe she did.”
“Then hold on to that belief, Cisely. Don’t ever let it go.”
“I’ll try,” I say, sitting down beside her again. “How do you always know just what to say?”
Instead of answering, she simply hugs me. “We are all living amazing lives, Cisely, and we need to recognize and enjoy each and every blessing that comes, because we never know what the future holds. We are continuously being prepared for something greater. Each and every trial we face in this life makes us stronger, if we allow them to. We just need to persevere and live the best we can.”
“I do believe that now. Thank you, Jessica.” She hugs me once more and leaves me to my thoughts.
Pondering a little longer, I send up a prayer of gratitude for Jessica and Ingo. I am also thankful for Adagio, and for the special friendship he and Ingo share that has expanded to include me.
Sixteen
The day before the wedding, there is a flurry of excitement throughout the house. Everyone is busy preparing for the big day. While I help the women do the baking for the wedding brunch, the men wash and wax the cars and take care of the children. Everything seems to be going smoothly.
Occasionally, Ingo seeks me out and we disappear for a few moments alone. Each time we return, we are kidded by everyone about not being able to survive for five minutes without seeing each other. I'm completely all right with that and I am sure Ingo is too.
Jessica throws a surprise bridal shower for me. She planned it a couple of weeks ago and managed to keep it secret. I am overwhelmed by the love and kindness of the women attending. I receive so many beautiful things, it is like Christmas, or at least how I imagine Christmas is for some people. Smiling, I consider how some of the gifts will please Ingo more than others.
I thank everyone for their thoughtfulness. After the shower, Jessica helps me take all the presents up to my room. We pile them in the corner until I can put them away. Ingo and I have decided to use my room as our permanent bedroom, and now most of his personal belongings are in the closet with mine, as well as on the dresser. I briefly look around the room and imagine sharing it with him. My eyes move to the bed and my face warms.
“A dollar for your thoughts,” Jessica says, a knowing smile curving her lips. Though she has never married, I'm sure she isn't ignorant of things pertaining to the wedding night.
“Is it that obvious?”
“It is quite obvious, my dear. And I’m sure it is perfectly normal.” Sighing, I sit on the bed. “I know it was never right in the past, but this is different, very different. I've never longed to share this kind of closeness with anyone.” I silently mull that fact over for a moment. “It was never love before. It was always induced by drugs and alcohol, and it was dirty and cheap.”
Jessica sits next to me. “But it’s not this time.” “No,” I say. “Not this time.”
“You deserve the best life has to offer, Cisely. And Ingo
is definitely one of the best men to ever walk the face of the earth.”
“I know,” I agree softly. “I know.”
At midnight Ingo softly knocks on my door and quietly opens it. He tiptoes over and kneels by my bed. Feeling his caress on my cheek, I smile.
“Were you awake, love?” he whispers. “Yes. I can’t sleep either. I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited or nervous in my life.”
“Neither have I. I just had to see you.”
“I’m glad you came. I hope no one saw you, though. I would hate to create a scandal the night before our wedding.”
Thanks to the moonlight shining through the curtains, I can clearly make out the wide grin splitting his face. He leans over and kisses me. “I can’t wait until you are totally mine,” he whispers.
“And I can’t wait to be yours.”
Kissing me a moment longer, he clears his throat abruptly before pulling away. “I guess I had better get back to my room before I really do cause a scandal.”
I chuckle. “I guess you’d better.”
“I love you, Cisely.”
“I love you too. And I'm looking forward to beginning our new life together.”
“So am I, and it will be a wonderful life.”
“I think that's the name of a movie.”
“I think you're right. Look at me. I'm turning cheesy all of a sudden. Don't tell anyone, okay?”
“Your secret is safe with me.”
Kissing my brow, he finally stands. “So, I guess I’ll see you in about seven hours.”
“You mean six hours, forty-five minutes,” I correct him, smiling dreamily.
“Good night, love. Sleep well.”
“You, too.”
Seventeen
The tears in Jessica’s eyes mirror mine as we stand in the spacious dressing room of the church, gazing at my reflection in the large mirror. My beaded white gown is beautiful and I feel radiant.
“I think you are without a doubt the most beautiful bride I have ever seen.” “Thank you.” Fingering the lovely strand of pearls Jessica gave me yesterday, I continue to examine my reflection, and for the first time in my life, I really do feel beautiful.
“I can’t believe I’m about to be married.” “Believe it,” Jessica says, wiping a tear away. “Oh, just look at me, starting with the waterworks already.”
“I chuckle, wiping my own cheek. “I’m so glad you’re here with me. I can’t think of anyone else I would rather have standing in my mother's place.”
Jessica's smile fades slightly. She pulls an envelope from her pocket, holding it out to me. “This came for you yesterday.”
Taking the envelope, I read the front, raising my eyes in surprise. “It’s from my cousin, Velma.”
“I would have given it to you yesterday, but for some reason it slipped my mind until this morning. Maybe you were supposed to have it today.”
I open it. Along with the letter from Velma is a smaller envelope addressed to me. Stunned, I look up at Jessica. “It’s from my mother.”
“Would you like me to leave and let you read it in private?”
“No, please stay.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. You are my family and I want to share this with you.” I can’t believe I am actually holding a letter from my mother. I gaze at her handwriting on the front of the envelope. Mama always had beautiful handwriting. First, I read the letter from Velma.
Dear Cisely, I just wanted to say how sorry I am for the way things were when you came back. Our family could never win a prize for niceness, but they were just plain cruel to you and I am truly sorry for that.
I admire you very much for the way you have changed your life. You are such a good person and I am trying to be just as brave. After you left, I made the decision to move out. I have been sharing an apartment for the past few weeks with two other roommates. It feels so good to be on my own.
Thank you for setting the example for me to follow. Enclosed is a letter from your mother. I found it while I was helping Mama clean out her apartment and thought you should have it. I guess she never got the chance to mail it.
Thank you again for the example you have set. Maybe one day I too, might finally get away from this place. I will write you again soon. Take care.
Velma
Blinking tears onto my cheeks, I refold the letter. How amazing is that? It's hard to believe I have actually been a good example for someone, especially someone in my own family. My heart swells with joy at the thought of my cousin finally breaking free and choosing a new course for her life. I will keep in touch with her from now on.
“I’ve always known you were pretty special,” Jessica says.
“That's because you are completely biased.”
“Of course I am, but it's still true.”
Refolding the letter, I take a deep breath and open the one from my mother, and struggle to contain my emotions as I read her final words to me.
Dearest Cisely,
I know you’re probably shocked to be receiving a letter from me, and I must admit that I don’t blame you. I’ve never been there for you when you needed me in the past. For that, I am truly sorry.
I guess the first thing I should tell you, which I’m sure you already know, is that I am an alcoholic. Can you believe it? I’m finally admitting it. It has taken me far too long to realize this fact. I've been sober now for a month, which isn’t long, but for me it’s a good start. It’s been very hard to stay that way, but I’m not about to give in if I can help it. I’m only sorry it has taken me so long to get to this point.
Cisely, more than anything I just want to let you know how proud I am of you for getting away from here and making a better life for yourself. I know life has never been easy for you, and again I am sorry for my part in all of it. I wish I could change the past, but I can’t. Anyway, I just wanted you to know these things.
Have a good life, Cisely. You deserve all the good this old world has to offer. I only hope you can forgive me for the past and let me be a part of your life now. Thank you for being such a wonderful daughter, despite my poor parenting.
I love you very much,
Mama
Pressing a hand to my mouth, I futilely fight a growing sob. Wrapping her arms around me, Jessica cries with me. I can’t believe I have finally been given the peace I've prayed so hard for. To know my mother really did love me, that she really cared, and my life truly did matter to her is all I could have hoped for and more. And to read her final words on my wedding day! It is definitely the best wedding gift I could ever receive.
“Are you going to be all right?” Jessica asks, pressing a hand to my cheek.
I nod, still too emotional to speak. She dries my tears with a tissue. “Well, you had better fix your makeup.”
“I do look a sight, don’t I? Studying my reflection, I dry my face.
