Mitchell let go of my hand, finger by finger, and took a step back. I blew him a kiss, he smiled at me, turned on his heel, and left. I took in a deep breath as I watched him walk further away and get lost in the crowd. I knew he would only have been gone for a few hours but my chest still felt a little constricted - I was going to miss him.
If this dampened my mood, how the hell am I going to feel when we go our separate ways after this trip?
I shook away unwanted thoughts, the last thing I needed was to make myself miserable and think about the future when I could've instead, savor the present. I plastered on a smile and turned to my best friend whose head was turned in the opposite direction and glanced at the seemingly interesting ground.
"Making friends with the ants?" I stepped closer to him.
Leo looked up and faced me, "Desperate times call for desperate measures," I frowned at his vague statement but was distracted when he pointed to the ground, "I named that one Anthony, and next to him is his lovely missus, Antoinette."
I looked at him incredulously, "I worry about you sometimes."
Leo rolled his eyes, "I know the saying goes, you turn into the person you love but please don't tell me you're losing your sense of humor."
"You're befriending ants, that is not funny, it's a matter of concern," I choked out.
A ghostly smile played on Leo's lips, "Well, the human alternative is a rare face these days."
I felt guilty, I knew I'd been a little distant since Mitchell and I got together – heck since Bora Bora. But I never meant to be, I was on such a high with Mitchell over the last couple of weeks that I couldn't think of anyone or anything else.
"Well, I'm here now," I flashed him a wide grin.
"You thought I was talking about you?" He asked. "Awkward," he drawled under his breath.
"It's cute that you think you have any other human friends," I teased.
"Clearly, you don't know me as well as you thought," Leo retorted and his tone was a little serious as he stared at me.
"Anyway," Leo stepped closer and took in our surroundings, a frown grew over his forehead, "Wait, your boyfriend was serious? This wasn't some practical joke and he really left you behind?"
I rolled my eyes at his dramatics, "You're hilarious."
"No, but seriously, he lasted longer than I thought."
I narrowed my eyes at him, "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Well," Leo began, "pretty face aside, you're a pain in the ass and it takes a lot of tolerance to deal with you. Poor guy broods enough on his own, add you to the equation, he's probably ready to jump off a bridge."
I glared and was ready to smack him but he ducked and laughed. "And you're violent! How is he still alive with you?"
"Not that I agree with what you said," I replied. A small grin grew over my lips and I added, "But, Mitch knows how to handle... and silence me when needed."
Leo stopped laughing and appeared serious for a second but before I could properly notice he wore a small grin. "So, since I'm babysitting you for the afternoon, there are a few things we need to cover."
"You're not babysi–" I started but he cut me off.
"The adult is talking, be quiet," he raised a finger and stared sternly at me. He cleared his throat, "Right, first of all, I am in charge so you do as I say, you nap when I tell you to and you better eat all your veggies or no candy. Actually, no candy at all, Mila on a sugar rush is never a good idea."
I shot him a look, "I only eat veggies."
"Be quiet," he playfully scolded and shoved his large hand over my face.
"Secondly, I need to know if you have any allergies. Perhaps lactose intolerant because if you are, I'm walking away now – I cannot deal with that shit," she shuddered and flashed me a humorless grin, "No pun intended."
I couldn't help but laugh at what an idiot Leo was, I truly missed him so much. The last we spoke, things were a little tense and even though I got a strange vibe from him, it was nice to see him being himself.
Leo mumbled on about stuff but my ears closed and with a smile on my face, I stepped closer and hugged him tightly.
"In case of an injury, I need –" he abruptly cut himself off when I wrapped my arms around him. "Oh..." he said softly and after a second, he wrapped one arm around me.
"I missed you," I murmured and enjoyed the moment with my best friend.
"Understandable," Leo cockily responded. "I'm awesome!"
I pursed my lips when I pulled away, "I wouldn't go that far but," I tapped his arm, "you're alright."
Leo's arm twitched as if he was going to lift it but he stopped and left it at his side. "So, what do you want to do? Wanna go check out the tower?"
I chewed on my lip and sheepishly said, "I'm kinda want to do that with Mitch."
Leo nodded, "Okay, anything else you want to do that Mitchell doesn't have to be a part of?"
I gave it a thought while Leo stood at a small distance away and aimlessly stared at our surroundings. "We could check out the cathedral?"
"You sure?" Leo's eyes found me. "I think it might be nice to visit with your boyfriend, it is quite beautiful and significant."
"Firstly, stop saying boyfriend, it's weird," I told him. "And, other than The Tower of Pisa I'm okay with seeing anything."
"Still afraid of titles?" Leo arched a brow.
I shook my head, "No... after everything Mitch and I have been through, boyfriend sounds a little too mediocre."
Leo rolled his bottom lip into his mouth and merely nodded in response. I sensed the little awkwardness and regretted my reply - I figured it would take Leo a little time to get used to the idea of Mitch and me.
"I have an idea," Leo broke the silence, "let me show you what I'm a near damn an expert at."
"Technology?" I frowned since Leo was exceptionally good with anything that had to do with technology.
"No," Leo looked at me as if I was absurd, "I wouldn't suggest something you haven't a clue about."
"I'm talking about one of the greatest things about Italy," Leo's eyes sparkled when he grinned, "Cuisine."
That sounded like a great idea, I could've done with some lunch and since it wasn't Leo's first time in Tuscany, I assumed he knew the best spots.
"I am hungry," I agreed, "and maybe afterward, we could do a little shopping."
Leo took a moment to scrutinize my attire. "Yeah," he drawled, "maybe you'd prefer to shop in Milan or even Rome."
"What's wrong with here?" I asked.
Leo pointed to my bag, "Is that a Hermès you're carrying?"
"Yeah," I replied a little awkwardly, "it was a gift from Mitch."
"Hmm," Leo stepped a little closer, "I bet you're dressed in Prada or Chanel too?"
"No," I replied honestly. "And I'm getting judgmental vibes from you."
Leo put up his hands defensively, "No judgment from me. It's just you look a little... different."
"Elaborate," I crossed my arms and raised a brow, "and be very careful with your words."
Leo shook his head, "I'm just messing with you." He stared at me earnestly, "You look great, Mils. You look happy – glowingly happy and that is a look I've never seen on you before."
"Designer wear or not, your smile that finally reaches your eyes is what makes you shine."
"Stop complimenting me, it's weird," I couldn't stop the stupid grin on my face, "Let's get food before I kill you out of hanger."
I looped my arm through his and before we could walk off, Leo glanced at my arm around his and then up at me.
"What?" I asked.
He shook his head, kept his hands in his pocket, and led the way to his grandparent's car. Leo dropped a text to Lorenzo to tell him that he'd meet them at his grandparents' farm a little later and that he was showing me around. Leo also offered Lorenzo to join us but Nina didn't want to be too long away from their daughter.
True to his word, Leo knew exactly the right places for the most delicious lunch. The restaurants weren't as flashy as the ones I'd visited recently but the food was amazing. After lunch, Leo insisted we visit a place that – according to him – made the best Italian biscotti in the world. Leo said that when he lived in Germany for a year, he sometimes took a flight to Pisa on weekends just for the biscotti.
Leo kept our tour short and simple, we walked along the bank of the second most important river in Italy known as Arno River. We ate gelato as we strolled and Leo pointed at the many historic buildings that were viewable from the banks, while doing so I took in a vista of mountain-scapes in the background.
Our last stop before we were to head to Leo's grandparent's place was a visit to the Museum of Human Anatomy. Leo was not keen but I was more than excited to view human skeletons, real-life mummies, death masks, and other anatomy oddities.
"That was the weirdest thing you ever made me do," Leo shuddered as he drove along the narrow roads.
"Don't be a drama queen," I rolled my eyes, "it was interesting and I've never seen a mummy before."
"Uh, that's why we have movies and YouTube!" Leo dramatically exclaimed.
I was about to retort but my phone vibrated and when Mitchell's name popped up, a wide grin grew over my lips. I might've been busy all afternoon but every time I saw something interesting, I couldn't help but think of Mitchell and how much I wanted to share that moment with him.
Mitchell informed me that he safely reached London and was on his way to Katie's apartment. Once I knew he was alright, naturally, I teased and flirted a little with him. I was so engrossed with texting Mitchell that I didn't take in the picturesque surroundings of the Tuscan countryside nor did I hear what Leo said when he spoke.
"Earth to Mila," Leo waved one hand in front of me.
I blinked and looked his way, "Hmm?"
Leo glanced at me from the corner of his eye and I noticed his gaze drop to the phone in my hand then back at the road again, "I take it Loverboy reached safe and sound?"
"It's Mitchell," I clarified. "And yeah, he landed about thirty minutes ago."
"I'm not one to pry," Leo hesitantly began, "but what urgent work did he have in London to abandon you and burden me with your responsibility?"
I quickly told Mitchell I had to go and to keep me posted about Katie. After he replied, I locked my phone and dropped it on my lap. I turned to Leo, "Admit it, Leonardo, spending a day with me is not a burden but a privilege."
Leo scoffed and glanced at me with a small grin, "Delusion is not a good look on you."
I rolled my eyes at his sarcasm, "Just like lying isn't on you."
Leo shook his head, "So, London?"
"Mitch's sister lives there, he went to check on her after a weird call," I briefed Leo.
Leo frowned, "Clarke has a sister?"
I nodded, "Yeah. Why do you look so surprised?"
Leo shrugged as he turned onto another narrower, gravel road. He held the steering wheel with one hand while his elbow rested against the door. "Seeing how... uptight and broody he is, I assumed he's an only child."
"You know," he glanced at me, "the kind that doesn't know how to smile or play well with others. All that angst has to be a childhood problem."
I shot Leo a look of dismay and warned, "Leo."
"What?" he innocently asked. "You can't blame me for thinking so, I have never seen the guy smile since I've met him."
"He smiles... often," I grinned like an idiot when I pictured Mitchell's dimples. "He even has two deep dimples on each cheek."
"Mila," Leo drawled and twisted his face in disgust, "I do not need to know what he has on his ass cheeks!"
I widened my eyes and turned in my seat to face Leo, "¡Dios mío! I mean his face!"
"Oh," Leo laughed, "Sorry, I just cannot imagine him having delightful things like dimples."
I poked his arm, "Ey, no seas gillipollas."
Leo put up a hand defensively, "Alright, I'll stop messing with you," he glanced at me with a smirk, "for now."
We drove through hills that were lusciously green among vineyards and olive trees with specks of gold from wheat fields. The area was immersed in lush, unpopulated nature and gave off a serene vibe. I rolled down the window and let the fresh, crisp air blew through my hair, the wind was cool and I was in awe of the beauty I was surrounded by.
"Alright, Principessa," Leo said, "Roll up the window, we're almost there."
No less than five minutes the car idled in front of a tall iron gate that was surrounded by a stone fence that went around the entire property that appeared to be well over a hectare of land. Leo pressed a button on a remote and I was reminded of Jurassic Park when the gates opened inward and we drove through the beautiful plot.
The grass was green and luscious and the plot was lined with what appeared to be well over a hundred olive trees. I spotted a river not far off the property and Leo informed me it was the valley River Era which was a tributary of River Arno. Shrubs, an array of growing flowers and other plantation was spread across the land and in the middle was a typical, Tuscan farmhouse that was made of stone. Leo pulled up outside the large, double-story house and it appeared a lot larger up-close than from afar.
"It's beautiful out here," With the bottle of wine and jar of biscotti I purchased in my hand, I breathed in as I took in my tranquil surroundings. The soft chirping of insects, a melodious howl of the breeze, and the singing of birds welcomed my ears as the fresh air flooded my lungs.
"It sure is something else," Leo grinned. "But savor the silence because once we enter, it's going to be loud."
I rolled my eyes, "I know your family pretty well now."
"No, you do not know my family in their homeland," he looked at me utterly serious, "they don't talk, they have screaming matches."
I must've been crazy because I looked forward to that. Leo's family were kind, loving, and just a delightful bunch. His mom loved to feed me way more than my stomach could handle but I knew it was the way she expressed her affection. His dad was more of a quiet man, he was obsessed with crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or any kind of mind-enhancing games.
"Give me that," Leo grabbed the jar of biscotti from my hands, "I need to hide this before anyone else gets their hands on it."
I shot him a look, "You made me get this for you and not your family, right?"
He crookedly grinned, "Obviously."
I was immediately greeted with the smell of potpourri with ascents of thyme, rosemary, clove, and sight hints of sandalwood. If it wasn't for the sandalwood, I would've assumed Leo's family was cooking up a storm in the kitchen. The home was lovely and exactly what I imagined a classic, country Tuscan home would look like. It felt very rustic and sunbaked with a chestnut paneled ceiling, complimented by chestnut beams. Terra-cotta tiles covered the entire home and textured wall finishing's with the occasional trompe l'oeil design were everywhere as I followed Leo. Classic, elegant yet simple furniture with iron accents was the cherry on top to complete the farmhouse feel.
"Uncle Leo!" A little girl ran towards Leo, her golden-brown locks swayed behind her small face as her feet rushed towards the tall man in front of me.
"Piglet!" Leo quickly dropped the jar of biscotti on a nearby table and picked her up.
"Where were you?" she looked very concerned. "You didn't come back with Mommy and Daddy."
"I missed you," she adorably mumbled and wrapped her small arms around his neck.
"I missed you too," he kissed the side of the little girl's head.
I'd never seen Leo with kids before and if I was honest, I never thought he'd be so affectionate towards them. Seeing this side of him was endearing and heartwarming.
"Who are you?" The little girl stared at me curiously.
Leo turned around and she turned her neck to look at me. "This is Mila, my friend." Leo looked at me, "Mila, meet my three-year-old niece, Gemma."
"It's Piglet," Gemma very dramatically rolled her eyes.
"Only I get to call you that," Leo pinched her cheek.
"You really come up with the worst nicknames," I said to Leo before I turned my attention to Gemma. "Hi, Gemma, it's nice to meet you."
Gemma had to have been the prettiest little girl I'd ever seen, her round eyes were light brown, and complimented her plump rosy cheeks and a cute little button nose. Gemma smiled coyly, rested her head on Leo's chest, and softly greeted, "Hi."
"How is she related to you?" I asked Leo, "She adorable."
"Precisely why she's related to me," Leo cockily replied.
"You're pretty," Gemma said to me.
"You're prettier," I couldn't help but laugh at how adorable she was.
"Can I play with your girlfriend, uncle Leo?" Gemma asked Leo.
Awkward.
"She's not my girlfriend," Leo replied, "Girlfriends are gross, remember?"
"You said boyfriends are gross," she replied and if I wasn't mistaken, I heard a bit of an accent in her voice.
"What's that?" Gemma – who was easily distracted pointed to the jar of biscotti on the table.
"Biscotti," he replied with a grin, "I'm going to put you down so you can run up to my room and hide it."
"From Daddy?" she asked with wide eyes.
"From everyone," Leo answered, "It's just for me and Piglet."
"Okay, I won't tell anyone," Gemma's eye's widened when she whispered. "Especially Daddy, he has a big tummy just like Daddy Pig."
"Daddy does, doesn't he?" Leo agreed and I shot him a look as I tried to hide my laughter.
"Yes," Gemma giggled and then let out a loud snort.
"Go on upstairs, I'll see you later," Leo said and before he could put her down, her little hands grabbed his cheeks and she planted a big kiss on one of his cheeks.
Leo smiled at her and dropped her on her feet before he handed her the jar, "Be careful when you climb the stairs."
"I'm three and a half Uncle Leo," she cheekily retorted.
She smiled at me before her little feet walked off in the opposite direction. I couldn't help but smile at the cute scene I just witnessed. "Did Lorenzo move to England? I swear I heard a British accent."
Leo shook his head, "No, that's the result of watching too much Peppa Pig. She loves the show so much, she now insists her parents buy her a brother and name him George."
"George?" I frowned.
Leo shook his head, "Peppa's brother. Get some culture Mils, it's general knowledge."
"Forgive me, I almost forgot that the only mental stimulant you can handle are kiddy shows." I retorted with a tight-lipped smile.
"Nonna, Ma," Leo shouted as we entered the living room, "Look what I picked up."
"Why do you make it sound as if you picked up a stray off the road?" I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Your words not mine," Leo shrugged and plopped himself on the couch.
"Mila!" Leo's mom gasped and grinned widely just as she entered the room.
"Hi, Mrs. Marino," I smiled and stepped towards her.
Leo's mom wrapped her arms around me and hugged me tightly. "What a wonderful surprise, cara," wrinkles formed at the corner of her eyes as she held me at arm's length and smiled.
Leo's mom was a short, plump middle-aged woman with a warm, pretty smile. Leo resembled his mother while Lorenzo was an almost exact copy of their dad. Leo had the same warm eyes and smile as his mother, except he was more masculine and a lot taller than anyone in his family.
"Mimmo, why are you yelling?" An older woman walked in with an apron tied around her waist. Her short hair was white and curly and she wore spectacles but what made her even cuter was the way she stood with her hands on her hips and one hand donned a rolling pin.
"I brought a friend for dinner, Nonna," Leo stood up and made his way over.
"Nonna, meet Mila," he very lazily gestured between us, "Mila, meet Nonna."
Leo's mom spoke in a much higher tone in Italian to Leo's grandmother and I idly wondered if perhaps the old woman was hard in hearing because we only stood a mere foot apart.
"Lo Spagnolo?" Leo's Nonna asked and Leo shook his head.
"Nonna, you can't say things like that, people take offense."
"It's alright, I am the Spanish one," I laughed under my breath and offered my hand to Leo's Nonna. "Ciao, Nonna, piacere di conoscerti."
Leo's Nonna looked at my hand and I was caught off guard when she slapped it away. Instead, she grabbed me, kissed each of my cheeks, and hugged me.
"I don't do handshake or American greetings like that," she scolded and then smiled. "Welcome, Mila."
I smiled at her and felt a sense of familiarity and warmth – the kind I got with Abuela and I knew that I would easily feel at home. "Che belle," she smiled and then glanced at Leo.
"Eh Leonard?" she shot her eyebrows up.
Leo shook his head, "Go finish up dinner, Nonna. Mila's hungry."
Leo's grandmother scolded him in Italian, smiled sweetly at me, and then left the room. Leo's mom left with her and mumbled something about going to get refreshments.
"A fair warning, Nonna is a little unhinged so don't take anything she says personally," Leo said to me. He gestured around the room, "And make yourself at home, my babysitting is done for the day."
"You're an ass," I playfully shoved him. "Show me where the bathroom is, I need to freshen up."
Leo threw his head back and groaned, "Do I need to hold your hand for everything?"
I shook my head, "I can pee on my own."
After I freshened up, I met Leo's dad and grandfather who were just as polite and happy to see me. Lorenzo and Nina joined me in the living room while I sipped on iced tea, Leo was particularly quiet and focused more on his phone than our conversation. I didn't take much note because Nina was quite a talkative person.
Once I was done with my drink, I excused myself and decided to check in with Mitchell. I walked out onto the patio for privacy and as soon as I heard Mitchell's voice a wide smile grew on my face.
While Leo's family was great and reminded me a little of my grandparents, I still missed Mitchell. I was a little disheartened that we wasted a day and were in separate countries but I also understood his reasons for leaving.
Once I heard that Kate was alright, I let out a breath of relief and flirted a little with Mitchell. I smiled like a fool in love at our flirtatious banter. Our conversation felt too short when Mitchell had to go and deal with his sister who drank and got high for the first time.
"See you soon, I love you," Mitchell said and butterflies still erupted in my stomach every time he said those words.
"Ew," I feigned disgust and scrunched my nose, "But I love you too."
I hung up and sighed contently as I stared at my phone screen. It had only been a few hours but I missed Mitchell like crazy - I couldn't wait for him to return.
I turned to head back in and bumped into Leo, I let out a small gasp because I didn't hear him come out.
"Uh, sorry," he mumbled and I frowned at how formal he was, "Ma was looking for you. Something about... I don't even know."
"I'm right behind you," I offered a small smile and Leo gestured for me to walk first before he followed.
Leo's mom and Nonna wanted to ask if I could travel with edible items like olives and homemade ricotta cheese. Much like Abuela, Nonna was an exceptional cook and she had to have been preparing about a dozen different dishes for dinner.
Leo and Gemma watched a few episodes of Peppa Pig while Nonna taught me how to make her family tomato sauce. She insisted I note it down because no one else in her family wanted to, they claimed to have memorized it.
"When I die, I want someone to remember the sauce," she spoke in a thick Italian accent.
"I make it better, Nonna," Leo walked into the kitchen to grab a soda. "And you're entrusting the wrong person with your recipe, Mila can't cook to save her life."
Nonna hilariously yelled at Leo in Italian, she spoke so fast and angrily that I couldn't make out the words. Leo laughed, passed a remark about Nonna's sauce having too much basil and before she could whack him with a spoon, he bolted out.
"Leonardo raises my BP," Nonna shook her head.
"Relax, Nonna," I placed my hands on her shoulders, "Lee was born with many defaults."
"But I love him," his Nonna's eyes expressed nothing but affection for Leo. "He is very quiet these days, it is nice to see him smile today."
A small smile grew on my lips and I stared at the threshold Leo walked out of. Leo appeared his usual self but even I thought something was amiss, I just didn't know what. The last I saw him, we made up and things seemed a lot better but perhaps he still wasn't used to the idea of Mitchell and me and I couldn't hold that against him – it would take time.
***
As suspected, there were well over a dozen dishes on the table later that night. Leo's family sat around a large, rounded dining table in the vast dining room. Everything looked and smelled delicious, from the pasta, flatbreads, freshly baked bread, and sauces.
Leo's grandparents were Catholic and said grace before everyone dug into their meals, even little Gemma looked serious with her eyes closed as she sat next to her uncle. Leo's mom passed over the many vegetarian meals they prepared for me and I couldn't believe they were able to prepare so many meals in such a short matter of time.
"But I want to eat what Uncle Leo is eating," Gemma whined as her mom tried to feed her some butternut dish.
"You can have a bite of Uncle Leo's food but only after you finish this," Nina bargained.
"Can three-year old's eat pork?" Leo asked me.
"Yeah, kids are introduced to meats from as young as eight months," I replied.
"Although," I mused and glanced at Gemma's wide brown gaze, "I don't know if Gemma will want to eat Pep–"
"Mila!" Leo cut me off and shot me a 'what-is-wrong-with-you' look. "Filter. Do not traumatize her."
"To eat?" Gemma innocently asked.
Leo smiled at the little girl and shook his head, "Nothing Piglet, eat your dinner, and then we'll have," he lowered his head and whispered, "that other thing."
"What other thing?" Nina raised a brow at Leo.
Gemma giggled and adorably snorted again, "It's our secret Mommy. But Daddy can't have because he has a big tummy."
"I do not," Lorenzo defended himself and everyone burst out laughing.
Gemma giggled when Leo winked at her and reached for Leo's glass, she brought it to her lips but Nina quickly stopped her. "No, honey, you can't drink that," Nina tried to grab the glass but Gemma held on tightly and looked angrily at her mother.
"It's alright, Nina," Leo said, "It's only water, I've got to drive Mila back so I'm not having any alcohol."
"You look forward to being a mom, Mila?" Nonna averted my attention her way and I wished I didn't hear what she asked.
I almost choked on my pasta and Leo tried to hide his grin. While I thought kids were adorable and great, I had never thought that far ahead. I reached for my glass of wine and took a large gulp, cleared my throat, and decided to reply honestly. "Um, I haven't really thought about it."
"I see your hips; you will bear healthy babies." Nonna blurted and my eyes widened.
"Mamma," Leo's dad warned and then turned to me. "I'm sorry Mila, my mom doesn't think when she speaks."
"It's okay," I breathed and when I glanced Leo's way, he mouthed the word 'unhinged'.
"I say nothing wrong," Nonna defended herself. "I wish to have more great-grandkids."
Kill me now. She's worse than Abuela.
"Nonna," Leo coolly said, "Mila is my friend. She has a boyfriend, please stop trying to arrange my marriage with every female that walks in here."
Lorenzo burst out laughing, "You should've seen how pissed Leo was when Nonna tried to hook Leo up with her friends' forty-year-old daughter."
Leo scowled and shook his head while Nonna insisted that age was just a number and that her friend's daughter was still able to bear kids because she froze her eggs.
"Mamma, we're eating," Leo's dad scolded while I tried hard to hide my laughter.
Conversation went around the table and Nonna made me laugh, Leo's grandfather was the complete opposite of his wife. He was quiet and only spoke when he really needed to. Leo's mom and Nonna kept piling food on my plate but I was stuffed and couldn't eat anymore.
"I've had enough, thank you," I insisted when Nonna tried to pile more pasta on my plate.
"Nonsense," Nonna waved me off and proceeded to drop another serving on my plate. "You need to put some meat on those bones."
"Men like a little something to grip onto when they make love," Nonna casually added, and this time I did choke.
"Ask your Nonno, I was a very... eh small woman before I marry and –"
"Got it, Nonna," Leo, thankfully, quickly cut his grandmother off.
"Santina," Leo's grandfather lifted a hand and gestured for Nonna to stop, "Basta, per favor."
"I could've gone my entire life without having this conversation," Leo murmured before he took a sip of water.
"You play innocente, Leonard," Nonna scorned. "Ma lo so you are having the sex with Flora."
Wow, no chill granny.
Nonna was on a roll, she did not know the meaning of a filter and she spoke her mind – no matter how uncomfortable it made those around her. She was adorable in her own way but I was beginning to think she was not a force to be reckoned with. My eyebrows shot up and I turned to Leo with wide, amused, and surprised eyes.
"I, um," Nina pushed out her chair, "I'm going to finish dinner with Gemma... somewhere else."
"Dad, Nonno, control her!" Leo exclaimed.
"Mamma," Leo's dad shook his head, "Why are you getting in the business of your old neighbors?"
"Flora tell her mamma everything and her mamma is my friend," Nonna replied. "She like Leo very much."
"I bet," I smirked at Leo and he was almost as read the sauce on his plate.
"Flora è bellissima," Nonna said and used a lot of hand gestures when she spoke, "You will make beautiful babies."
"Nonna, it's not like that. Flora's mom is misunderstanding everything," Leo calmly said while I suppressed my laughter. Lorenzo on the other hand enjoyed his brother's embarrassment way too much and didn't hold back his laughter.
"Debatable," Lorenzo remarked and he made it even more difficult for me not to laugh.
"I am eighty-three years old; I cannot change but the world is changed," Nonna was on the verge of shouting but I figured that's how she spoke. "I want to have more great grandbabies before I lose my mind to eh... how you say in English?" she pursed her lips for a moment and eventually shook her head, "Demenza or Alzheimer and forget how to wipe my ass."
I would've laughed at her statement but it triggered me instead. I knew Nonna meant no harm and she only expressed her feelings but I couldn't help the way I felt at her words. The urge to smile or laugh disappeared in seconds and I dropped my fork onto the plate and instinctively tensed.
"Marriage or no marriage, make the babies. I will be happy with a bastard children also," she concluded.
Double triggered.
"Nonna," Leo snapped at his grandmother and put his hands together, "Per favore silenzio."
Nonna opened her mouth to say something but Leo's mom cut her off, "Santina, prepariamo il dolce."
"Mila," Leo called and I glanced his way, "Wanna go for a walk before dessert?"
Leo always came to my rescue; I nodded and didn't need to be told twice to get out of my seat. Leo told me to carry on without him while he headed upstairs for something, I nodded and made my way to the backyard of the lovely plot.
I didn't realize but there was a large swimming pool and outdoor entertainment area in the back. There was a slight breeze in the air as I walked past the pool and mindlessly listened to the chirping of crickets and other nocturnal insects.
"Here you go," Leo arrived shortly and wrapped a jacket around my shoulders. I glanced at him and he offered a small grin, "The nights get a little chilly."
I pulled Leo's jacket closer and appreciated the warmth it offered, "Thanks."
We walked in silence around the yard and Leo occasionally pointed out a certain plant his grandmother recently planted. He told me she loved gardening almost as much as cooking which was why after his grandfather retired, they bought the farm and moved to the country.
"It's certainly peaceful and beautiful out here," I mused and took in a deep breath.
"A great escapism," Leo agreed. "I wouldn't mind moving here permanently."
I might've come off selfish but I did not like the idea of Leo permanently shifting to Italy. I recently reunited with him and even though I was at a decent place in my life, I did not want to lose anyone else.
"You're thinking of moving here?" I heard the insecurity in my tone. "W-what about your IT company?"
Leo pursed his lips and seemed to be lost in thought for a moment before his lips twitched at the sides and formed a small grin. "Relax Amo-Mila," he tapped my head as one would to a puppy. "That is still very much the plan, I'm thinking of in a few years. When I'm old and finally ready to give Nonna great-grandbabies."
"Although, she might be dead by then," he lightheartedly added as an afterthought.
I softly laughed and we engaged in lighthearted chatter for a while longer. I admired how Leo always effortlessly made me feel better merely by being himself. I came to a halt when I spotted a clump of what appeared to be mushrooms at the bark of a tree.
"Your grandparents grow mushrooms too?" I asked Leo as I pointed to the bunch of long-stemmed mushrooms that appeared to be the color of honey.
"Nonna is going to freak," Leo sighed. "Those are honey agaric mushrooms; they sometimes attack trees."
"But they're pretty," I admitted and they were - in an odd way.
"Really?" Leo raised a brow. "I quote Nonna when I say that they look like a bunch of skinny, sick penises."
I burst out laughing, "Your Nonna is something else."
"Tell me about it," Leo agreed and then spontaneously laughed. "I just remembered something."
"Do you remember the first time you saw a picture of a penis in Biology?" Leo laughed and the mere memory embarrassed me. "You ran to me and asked if I had the gross salami-looking thing too?"
"Stop," I whined and playfully shoved him but Leo only laughed more.
"And then when you learned how babies are really made you were traumatized," he enjoyed this way too much. "You said you will never let anyone's salami near you."
"I was like... eleven. Sex sounded scary and painful," I defended myself.
Leo's laughter died down and he wiped invisible tears, "So much has changed since then. The good ol' days."
"You know," Leo pointed to the mushrooms before I could respond to his prior statement, "These are proof that sometimes the most expected, unplanned things can turn out beautiful and serve a greater purpose."
I averted my attention to Leo, "Is this about the bastard comment Nonna made?" I took in a breath, "Because if it is, don't sweat it, I've matured and grown a lot in the last year. I accept the... circumstances I was made in but I also know that my parents never regretted having me and love me dearly."
Leo smiled, "Good," he glanced at the mushrooms for a moment, "But you're such a little narcissist, I was talking about how delicious honey mushrooms can be and you made it about yourself."
"Sure," I smiled and he seemed caught off guard when I wrapped an arm around him. "Let's head on inside before Nonna thinks we're making babies."
"Oh wait, but you're doing that with Flora," I wriggled my brows and mimicked his Nonna's accent, "Dirty Leonard."
Leo rolled his eyes, "I can't even have a summer fling without Nonna butting in."
"Summer fling or something more?" I raised a brow.
"Strictly sex," Leo clarified. "And it was a once-off... or maybe a couple of times thing. That's it."
"Whatever you say, Casanova," I smirked at him.
I assumed Leo's parents had a word with Nonna because, during dessert, she was very quiet and didn't say anything out of line. She only criticized the Tiramisu Leo's mom made and said there wasn't enough mascarpone in it.
Time seemed to fly by and after dessert, Leo's family had a tradition to have coffee. Gemma wanted Leo to have a little tea party with her and her stuffed animals and I was strung along for the fun. It was the first time I sat and had a tea party with a kid and it was... pleasant. Leo wore a ridiculous crown and spoke in a high-pitched voice with a British accent which resulted in a fit of giggles from Gemma.
It was almost eleven PM when Nina decided it was way past Gemma's bedtime. I headed downstairs while Leo read Gemma a bedtime story. Leo's mom finally had some time to have a conversation with me and as always, she was sweet and endearing. She inquired about my family and even asked about my 'boyfriend'.
"Look at the time!" I exclaimed after I let out a yawn and glanced at the clock which read a little after midnight.
"Do you have a curfew, cara?" Leo's mom asked.
"Probably," Leo slid in a remark which earned him a glare.
"No, but Mitchell must've landed by now although..." I trailed off, grabbed my bag, and pulled out my phone, "I haven't heard from him."
"Joder!" I cursed when I realized my phone battery died.
"Everything alright?" Leo asked.
"Yeah," I ran a hand through my hair. "My battery is dead but I think I really should get going."
Leo who was seated comfortably got onto his feet and his shirt lifted a little when he stretched. I didn't stare but I noticed something that resembled a new tattoo on his lower abdomen but before I could ask, Leo spoke, "I'm ready when you are. The harbor is almost an hour away from here."
I hope Mitch doesn't get too paranoid.
I bid everyone farewell and they responded with tight hugs and kisses on my cheek. Leo's parents told me not to be a stranger when I was back in New York. Leo's grandfather apologized in Italian on behalf of his wife and kissed my cheek goodbye.
"Mimma," Nonna smiled warmly and handed me the cheese and olives she set aside for me. "Perdonami if I did offend you or hurt your feeling."
"Please, there's no need for that," I wrapped my arms around her. Even though she had no filter at all, she was still very welcoming and reminded me of my Abuela. "Nonna's never apologize to their kids."
"I had a wonderful evening and the food..." I offered a chef kiss, "delizioso!"
"Tell your Abuela that," Nonna pointed her finger and after one more hug, she let me go.
"Do you have a charging cable?" I asked Leo as he drove me back to the harbor. I was a little anxious and wanted to know if Mitchell landed back safely. I was so busy that I didn't check my phone after Mitchell informed me the time of his return flight and now, I felt awfully guilty.
"This is a nineteen-sixties car," Leo pointed out, "even if I had a cable, you can't do anything with it."
I huffed and sat back against my seat, defeated. Leo glanced my way, "Are you afraid he's going to freak out?"
I shook my head, "No, I just... miss him."
"Relax," Leo assured me, "I'm sure he's alright and savoring time away from you. If you know his number by heart, you can use my phone."
"You don't have Mitch's number?"
"What would I do with his number?" Leo replied as if I asked an absurd question.
That made sense so I remained quiet and counted the minutes until we reached the harbor. I really missed Mitchell; the day flew by but he was always present in the back of my mind. I missed his scent, his touch, his skin on mine, the way his breathing caressed my skin when he was nearby. I missed his smile, the way he annoyed and teased me, I missed holding his hand and randomly leaning into him.
I couldn't wait to get back and be in his arms, I didn't even want to kiss him or engage in anything sexual – okay maybe I didn't mind that – but I wanted to feel him close more than anything else.
Leo made small talk to distract me while he drove and I felt a little bad when I dismissed his conversation with one-word answers. I knew he meant well but I had a long day and just wanted to get back to the place I called home.
"Well, here we are," Leo switched the car engine off when we finally reached. "You can finally breathe again."
It literally felt like that. I turned to Leo with a smile, "Thank you for today, I had an amazing time."
"Even with my senile Nonna?" Leo raised a brow.
I chuckled, "I think she might've been the highlight."
"You're obviously just as insane as she is," Leo teased.
"It was so good to see you again." I moved my hand to place over his but he moved his hand and shoved it in his jacket pocket. I tried not to make anything of it and brushed it off when I continued, "I missed you."
"Yeah, yeah, stop with the formalities," Leo dismissed. "I'll see you back at home soon."
I nodded and leaned over for a hug which he returned by placing one hand around my shoulder. He gave my shoulder a tap and I pulled away with a small frown, "I have gotten better hugs from my stuffed animals."
"I think," Leo gestured to the many yachts lined up a few feet away, "Your real hug awaits you."
"Which one is his by the way?" Leo asked before I could respond. I noticed he swiftly changed the subject often during the day.
I pointed to the slightly larger one from the line, "The Julianne."
"Damn," Leo commented in awe. "And Julianne is his mom?"
I shook my head, "Late grandmother."
"Oh," Leo drawled and glanced my way. "So, your almost step-grandma?"
Leo had a point since Mitchell's late grandmother was engaged to my late grandfather but it was short-lived because they died in a car accident. The Clarke's and Brinson's were tied together in a messy, very telenovela way that I tried not to remind myself of often.
"Leo," I warned.
He lifted a hand and laughed, "I'm just saying. You're on a yacht with the grandson of your almost step-grandma and the son of your dad's almost-wife."
That was also true, my dad was not only in high school with Mitchell's parents but he was also once engaged to Mitchell's mom, Carly. It was a long story but they went their separate ways and never met again until I entered Mitchell's life.
"Stop being an ass," I smacked his arm.
"Alright, I'll stop," Leo tried his best not to laugh.
"Goodbye Leo," I was about to leave but he stopped me.
"I just have one question," Leo said and I waited for him to continue. "If Mitch's grandparents were divorced, why did his grandfather name the yacht Julianne?"
I recalled when I met Mitchell's grandfather and he told me that despite circumstances, he only ever loved his wife. "Because no matter what, Mitch's gramps still loves his wife."
A ghostly smile played on Leo's lips and his mind appeared far away for a moment. "Admirable," he mused, "She was never his but he still loved her with all he had. That's something you don't hear every day."
Leo's eyes found me, "You look happy, Mils. Really happy for the first time in your life and as much as I... feel indifferent to Clarke I hope he loves you as purely as his gramps loved his grandmother."
"Because if anyone deserves that, it's you," Leo earnestly stared at me and I smiled at him.
"As do you, Leo," I placed my hand over his before he could move it. "And even if it's Flora or Fauna or whoever. I want you to be really happy too."
"Ew ew ew, too many mushy feelings," Leo tried to mimic my voice and I rolled my eyes but laughed at his antics.
"Goodnight, Mila," he earnestly said with a smile, "I'll see you soon."
"Night, Leonard," I teased using the name his Nonna called him.
"Alright, get out of my car," he feigned annoyance and after one more hug, I left.
Excitement and anticipation built in the pit of my stomach as I made my way to the yacht. I took quick steps and assumed Mitchell was in our bedroom asleep but I fully intended to wake him with a hug.
"Mitch," I smiled widely when I entered the bedroom and spotted him seated on the couch.
His eyes found mine and my smile slowly faded when he sat back on the sofa and glared at me. "Well, it's about fucking time. I've been waiting for you."
Uh oh.
A/N did anyone feel a little bad for Leo? I know I did.
What are your thoughts on his Nonna, I had fun writing her.
New one will be up soon! I missed writing M&M together.
Let me know your thoughts
Till then
Be safe
Tina