Page 5 of Wizard's Spitfire
“We had a good day, Ma.” Lucia says, setting her ingredients next to mine.
“How was your chemistry test?”
“I think Franni and I did well, but Val got salty when I asked her about it later.”
“How bad is she struggling?”
Lucia shrugs. “Like a seven, maybe.”
“It’s time to send in Nonna.”
“Ma, you wouldn’t?”
“I have to. I’ve tried several times. I know she blames me for the divorce, but I don’t know why.”
“You should tell her the truth.”
I put down the knife before I cut myself, lowering my voice.
“What do you mean?” I ask gently.
“I, uh. Ma, I didn’t want to say anything, but I caught Dad once. When Val came down with strep, Franni and I went out to get her something to make her feel better. We caught Dad with some bimbo. They were all over each other. I’m sorry we didn’t tell you.”
She throws her arms around me. I pull her into a hug and let her cry. Ma comes over, but I shake my head. She nods in understanding and starts carrying food into the dining room.
I run my fingers through my daughter's thick, dark hair. I’d say they’re mini replicas of me, but they’re already two inches taller than I am.
“I should have left him the first time I caught him cheating. Then you wouldn’t have seen that.”
My phone rings. I pull it out of my pocket and look at the screen. It’s Wizard.
“Is it okay if I take this, honey? It’s business.”
“Of course, Ma. I’ll finish the dressing.”
“Thank you, sweet girl.”
I slide the phone, taking the call. “Hello.”
“Charlie, it’s Wizard. I know we have a meeting on Monday, but I want to invite you and your family to a BBQ on Saturday. The club is hosting it for our employees and their families.”
“We’d love to come. There’s six of us. I’ll need a time and address.”
“I’ll send them to you in a text.”
By the time the brief call ends, Ma is staring at me.”
“I’ll tell everyone at the same time.”
She nods her head and hands me the completed bowl of salad. We gather around the table. Ma outdid herself as usual. Unless the girls have an event, we have family dinner. Tonight, in addition to the salad, she made melanzane alla parmigiana. It’s roasted eggplant, marinara, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Grilled asparagus tossed in olive oil, fresh garlic, and lemon. My mouth waters when I see the spaghetti all’ ubracio, better known as drunken spaghetti. It’s chianti-infused spaghetti with shrimp, scallops, clams, lobster, and calamari. It’s like a mini seafood feast with every bite and my favorite.
Pops says grace before Ma starts passing food around.
“Your mother has an announcement to make.”
I smile. She’s dying to know about my phone conversation.
“We’re invited to employee day at the Voodoo Kings’ clubhouse.”