Tangled In Strings

Chapter Twelve

"It's a kind gesture, Scarlett. Thank you."

"Of course."

She places it down on the tray and goes back to making the martinis.

"Giovanni!"

We turn enough to see Valentina sprinting through the double doors. She quite literally leaps into his arms, choking him with the strength of her embrace.

"Val," he smiles, pulling back to gesture to me, "I think you've already met–"

"Oh, Scarlett." She pulls me into a tight hug, laughing. "I'm so glad you are back together. I knew it would happen."

I smile, blushing and Giovanni's mother turns with two martini glasses in hand.

"Valentina, for heaven's sake. This is a formal dinner. Go put on something appropriate."

I observe her jeans and blouse, which seem perfectly fine to me for a small dinner at home, but her mother regards the garments with distaste. Valentina rolls her eyes at Giovanni, who takes the drink his mother is offering.

"Has she been like this all day?"

"All week," Valentina replies begrudgingly.

"What do you mean?"

I take the martini with a nod of thanks.

"I mean, you're a little on edge, Mom."

"Well, I'm meeting your girlfriend. That would make any mother anxious... Valentina, I told you to change."

"Alright, alright!"

"Valentina, will you show Scarlett the house?" I look at Giovanni, controlling my reaction. His jaw is set tight, his eyes intent on his mother. Clearly, this isn't usual behavior for her, and clearly, he's angry and about to make it known.

"Sure, come on, Scarlett."

I shuffle toward her, reluctantly taking Valentina's outstretched hand. As soon as we're out the doors, which Veronica closes halfway, I expect to leave. Instead, she holds up her hand, moving against the wall. I shake my head, looking both ways, unable to fathom getting caught eavesdropping by his mom.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"I told you we were coming. I told you I wanted to introduce her to you."

"I've been nothing but cordial to her, Gio. Don't be dramatic."

"Are you misusing your meds again?"

"That's always what you think, isn't it! God, Giovanni. I am a grown woman!"

"You get like this when you stop taking them regularly."

"I don't even want to take anything. I am fine!"

"I'd be glad to figure out a way to get you off these medications, Mom. Find an alternative means of help, but you won't do them."

"Because there is nothing wrong with me!"

I hear his sigh. "I really don't want to get into this while she's here."

"You're worried I may do something again?"

"I'm always worried about that."

"Could have fooled me. You've given up on your family."

"For fucks sake, Mom–"

"I saw Tony two days ago. Your brother was beaten. He couldn't even see out of one eye!"

"I am aware."