Page 151 of Modern Romance January 2025 5-8

‘It’s fine.’ She held up her palm and showed him the plaster. ‘Just a tiny cut.’

She wrapped her scarf around her neck and stepped out into the night, grateful for the chilly air, certain her face was on fire.

It was a relief to close the large gates behind her and step onto the walls.

She’d have liked to sit for a moment, just to relive that moment when time had seemed to slow down...when everything had stopped. To sit for a moment and dwell on a pompous, arrogant man who clearly loved his grandfather deeply.

Oh, she hoped he’d tread gently.

Thanks to Susie’s acting skills Dante was treading gently.

‘You said you spoke to Sev...?’ said Gio warily, resuming the conversation once Susie had left.

Dante was grateful that she’d interrupted him. The last thing he wanted to do was embarrass his grandfather.

‘What did Sev say?’

‘That he can’t make the ball.’

‘Can you?’

‘No.’ Dante shook his head.

‘But a Casadio has to be there.’

‘Could you go?’ Dante asked, wondering if this might be his way into a rather awkward conversation.

‘No, that was where I proposed to yournonna...’

‘I know,’ Dante said. ‘But...’

He wanted to point out that that had been a very long time ago, but he knew it wouldn’t go down well, so he gave up on that suggestion.

‘I really can’t,’ he said. ‘I’ve got a big case that looks as if it’s heading for court.’

‘You mean a divorce?’ His grandfather’s lips curled slightly. ‘Marriage is sacred.’

‘If I was a criminal defence lawyer, would you blame me for my clients’ sins?’

‘I guess not.’ Gio gave a reluctant laugh. ‘Who’s the client?’

‘I’d rather not discuss it.’

Dante did not bring his work life to the dinner table, and although Gio would only have to glance at the news in a few weeks’ time to find out who his grandson was representing, Dante would not be the one to tell him.

Gio had more immediate concerns. ‘What else did Sev say?’

‘Not much.’

‘It’s good to know you two occasionally talk.’

‘Of course we speak.’

‘Dante!’ Gio rebuked. ‘I might be old, but I am no fool. You two haven’t spoken since...’

He paused, but they’d had this discussion many times over the years, so Dante was certain Gio had been about to refer to the accident.

‘Grief affects people differently,’ Dante said. ‘Sev lost his wife and—’