All I Believe (Firsts and Forever, #10)(14)
“Seriously? It was so tiny that it looked like a headband!”
“Nico, your body’s perfect! You can pull off tiny Speedos. Not many people can.”
“Thanks, but I’d prefer a bathing suit that doesn’t immediately tell the entire world I’m circumcised.”
“Okay, fine. Tomorrow, we’ll use my credit card and go shopping. You can pay me back later.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m telling you, though, you won’t find your uniform.” Jessie turned to Fiona and changed the subject abruptly. “Are any of your cousins gay?” She pointed at me, and Jessie amended, “Besides Nico. I’m trying to find someone to hit on.”
“What’s wrong with Nico?” she asked as she borrowed the drink I was holding, took a sip, and returned it to my hand.
“He’s like my brother since we’ve both been living together at Nana’s house.”
“I see.” She plucked a canape off a passing tray carried by a uniformed waiter. “I suspect that Matteo’s gay since I’ve never seen him with a woman, but it’s not like he talks about it with his family.”
“Which one’s Matteo?” Jessie asked, standing up on tip-toe and scanning the crowd.
“He was working tonight and couldn’t make it,” Fiona said.
“Bummer. Hey, do you happen to know if there’s a gay bar in town?”
“You’ll have to forgive my friend,” I said. “He’s on a single-minded quest to get laid on his vacation.”
“I like the fact that you’re so open about your sexuality,” she told Jessie. “In answer to your question, I’ve heard there is, but it’s kind of like a, what do you call it? A speakeasy? There’s no sign out front, and I’m not sure where it’s located. I believe it’s more of a sex club than a nightclub. Maybe that’s what you’re after?” Jessie colored slightly and shook his head no. I thought it was sweet that he was so innocent.
We chatted with Fiona about her job in banking, and Remy and his wife and kids joined us. A few minutes later, we were startled by a blood-curdling shriek from the back of the house. Jessie and I immediately took off at a run.
When we got to the kitchen, we found Nana and her sister cursing at each other in Italian. Nonna looked a lot like Nana and was only a year younger, but she’d always dyed her hair jet black. Nana yelled in English, “I’m leaving! I won’t spend another minute in this house!”
Nonna yelled after her in Italian, “Fine! See if I care!”
My grandmother took off in a huff with Jessie and me right behind her. When Fiona saw we were leaving she grabbed her purse and joined us. “I need a drink,” Nana said. “One big enough to do the backstroke in.”
“What was that about?” Jessie wanted to know.
“I’ll tell you later. I’m too upset to talk about it now,” Nana said.
Fiona drove us back to the hotel, and the four of us went straight to the bar. It was on the ground floor, facing the sea, and a light breeze drifted in through the wide-open panel walls. “Your grandmother’s going to be pissed that you came with us,” Nana told Fiona after we’d settled in at a table in the corner.
“I know, but I only get to see you and Nico every few years, and she’ll forgive me once she calms down,” Fiona told her.
Nana patted her hand. “You’re a good girl, Fi. Pretty, too. I don’t understand how come you’re single. What’s wrong with the men in this town?”
Fiona shrugged and adjusted the short sleeve of her royal blue dress. “I think I’ve dated all of them by now and have run out of options. But that’s okay, I really don’t need a man to be happy.”
“I cannot say the same,” Jessie murmured.
“I been on my own a long time,” Nana said. “I don’t know if you heard, but I’m finally divorcing my no-good, cheating husband. I know the Catholic Church ain’t on board with that, but them and me don’t see eye to eye on a lot of stuff anyway. They’re behind the times if you ask me. Don’t even get me started on what they have to say about gay homosexuals! I’m thinking maybe I ought to stop by and have a talk with the Pope when we’re in Rome. Seems like he’d benefit from a fresh perspective.”
“I don’t think that’s really an option,” I pointed out as our drinks arrived.
“Details.” To Fiona she said, “I’m thinking I want to start looking for a decent fella. Maybe you can be my wingman, Fi. Do they have some of that speed dating here in town? Maybe we could give it a go. I figure I only need a minute or two to decide if some guy’s worth my time.”
My cousin grinned at her and sounded very American when she said, “I don’t think so, but if they did I’d absolutely be down with that.” All of a sudden, her brown eyes went wide and she murmured, “Or maybe we just need to hang around hotel bars more often. Dio mio, look what just walked in.”
I glanced up and grinned when I saw who she was talking about. “Bad news, Fi. He plays for my team.”
Luca smiled when he spotted me and crossed the bar to our table. He was once again dressed in an impeccable black suit and a dark shirt that was open at the collar. He said, “Hello, Nico. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”