Always (San Francisco Brides Series Book 1) Read online

  “’Course.” Joey picked up the phone from the end table and placed an order.

  Gina spent the next twenty minutes finding out what Joey’d been up to, and avoiding his questions.

  “You ever run into Ariella Linda after high school?” He fidgeted with his iPhone.

  “Nope. She disappeared, huh?” Joey’d had a thing for Ariella all through high school, but she’d been dating one of Joey’s friends, so he’d never asked her out. But that guy had been worse than the guys Gina’d dated, a real piece of nasty work. She wasn’t the only woman to choose the wrong guy. Gina wouldn’t make that mistake again.

  “Yeah.” He glanced toward the window. “When you care about someone, you should tell them.” He flopped back into the cushion and tossed his phone on the coffee table.

  Gina rose and rubbed her left palm. She’d been so caught up in her mistaken thoughts and beliefs, she’d missed what she felt, and what was really happening. Now she had clarity. Too bad that clarity didn’t focus on Vincente. Maybe…

  A knock sounded. Sal walked in, a carry-out bag in hand. Gina smiled again. Sal had messed up too, long ago, leaving his wife and sons, but he’d always been kind to her and her friends in high school.

  “Good to see you again, Gina. More beautiful than ever, just like your mom and Grandma. Used to be like visiting Italian cinema stars every time I’d walk into D’Angelo’s.” He winked with a teasing grin. “Let’s eat. And then I want to hear about this nonsense of your dad selling D’Angelo’s Market. It’s a neighborhood fixture. My friends and I used to go there after school for Celeste’s cookies and pastries. So did my sons and nephews.”

  “There’s not much to tell. You know how stubborn he is.”

  “I know all about stubbornness.” Sal’s father, Enzo, hadn’t spoken to him for years. They’d only reconciled since Grandma came into Enzo’s life. Grandma Celeste had that effect on people. Miracles followed in her path.

  “We’ll all get this solved.” Sal handed out the food.

  “I’m going to call Michael.” Joey nodded. “We’ll get Uncle Max and Uncle James in on this too.”

  Gina smiled again. Her family was on this with her. Especially her uncles never let Dad get away with anything, and set him straight if he slipped something by them. The lightness of a coming miracle infused Gina’s limbs with a fizzy tingling, like the buzz from a mojito. It was good to be home.

  Chapter Ten

  Vincente paced in Uncle Enzo’s study. He’d gone driving around, trying to get his thoughts together. When he couldn’t, he knew he needed to talk it out with Uncle Enzo.

  “I don’t get what Grandpop is doing. He tried to set me up with Gina in some convoluted plot, and then, when I realized I want a chance with her, they strike some agreement. She’ll steer clear of me, and he’ll make sure our family doesn’t hurt hers, and show her proof the businesses are legitimate. It’s nuts.”

  “Sometimes I don’t know what to do with that brother of mine. You’d think after seventy-seven years as his younger brother, I’d be better prepared.” Uncle Enzo shook his head and leaned into the cushion of the wing chair by the small fireplace.

  Vincente stopped pacing.

  “I feel the same. I should be able to figure this out.”

  Uncle Enzo shook his head again. “First, what’s this about you and Gina?”

  He sat in the chair across from Uncle Enzo’s. He inhaled and pressed the crease on his slacks between his fingers. “I care about her.”

  Uncle Enzo raised his eyebrows and gazed at him with shrewd eyes.

  “Okay, it’s more than that. I want more than that. I want a chance with her.”

  “And you feel she wants that too?”

  “I’m not sure. I think so. But she wants to resolve this animosity, or maybe she doesn’t want to risk more tension in her family right now. I think she wants to make it right for you and Celeste.”

  Uncle Enzo nodded. “I agree. She didn’t say as much while she was here earlier, but I got the impression her goal now is to bring her father around, to help him see that Celeste and I will be happy together. Gina’s a good woman, like her grandmother.” Uncle Enzo smiled. He was truly happy again.

  It had been a rough time, when Aunt Angela and Grandma Theresa had died. Both Uncle Enzo and Grandpop had lapsed into anger and sadness, giving Aunt Sophia, the family rock, a real challenge. He hadn’t been here. That had been another issue between him and Marie. There was no reason for their families to keep him and Gina apart. They both wanted the same thing, not like he and Marie, who’d never wanted him to reconcile with his family, like she wouldn’t with hers. But he and Gina…they both wanted peace in their families, and for their families to unite in celebration of Uncle Enzo and Celeste’s marriage.

  Uncle Enzo chuckled. “I can see I don’t need to tell you about Gina. Now, if you were Lorenzo, I wouldn’t be smiling. But, I know if you’re telling me this, your intentions are honorable, and I know you’ll be a gentleman.”

  He leaned forward, avoiding Uncle Enzo’s eyes. He put his head in his hands. He hadn’t been a gentleman, but he could remedy that.

  “Love struck, eh?” Uncle Enzo rose and patted his shoulder. “I’ll talk to my brother, don’t worry about that. As to Frank, give Gina and her family some time. Then, you speak to him.”

  He rose and glanced at Uncle Enzo, whose reassuring grin eased his tension. “I doubt Gina would appreciate that.” Frank was old-fashioned enough to want Gina’s boyfriends to get his blessing, but Gina probably bristled at that. He could picture her, eyes flashing, cheeks red, body quivering with the macho presumption of their behavior…maybe it wouldn’t be so bad after all.

  ***

  Gina walked home from her visit with Joey and Sal. The chill air blew her hair back and she hunched, stuffing her hands in her pockets. She weaved around other walkers, chairs and tables, the light poles with their stripes of red, white, and green, smiling at the scent of Grandma’s amaretti wafting from the open back door of the market. Like Gina, Grandma baked when she was upset, or happy. But the way things were in the family, Gina guessed this was upset.

  Gina leaned on the doorframe. Grandma, her oversized white apron on, pulled a tray of cookies from the oven.

  “I thought you’d still be at Enzo’s. Need any help?” Gina asked.

  Grandma clattered the pan into the tall cooling rack. She dabbed her forehead with her forearm, then placed the oven mitts on the counter. “I thought I’d try to have dinner with your father, but he wasn’t available. I’m all done baking for tonight, dear. But thank you. Why don’t we sit and talk.”

  Gina nodded and slid onto the stool next to Grandma’s at the long old wood island, where they rolled bread and cookie dough. “Is there anything I can do for you, Grandma?”

  Grandma patted her hand. “Keep opening your heart. It means so much to me that you accepted Enzo.”

  Gina held Grandma’s hand. Tears choked her throat. “I was wrong about him and his family. We’ve all made mistakes. I’ll probably keep making them, but not ones that will hurt you.” Grandma had been her shelter. But Gina had run out into storm after storm, and forgotten she had a place to come home, and that her choices affected her family.

  “We have all made mistakes. I’m glad you’re not letting that stop you from trusting others, and yourself. I hope my worrying days are over.”

  Gina threw her arms around Grandma’s neck and hugged her with momentary fierceness. “If I have anything to do about it, yes. Now, I’ve got to talk to Dad.”

  “It’ll be wonderful, nina bella. I promise.”

  Gina released Grandma and stood beside her. Gina sniffled to keep tears from falling. Grandma used to call her nina bella—beautiful girl—when she was little, when Gina’d trusted her dreams, herself, her family. It was time to let that girl be part of the woman she’d become. “I know, Grandma.”

  They held hands and walked upstairs.

  ***

  “I’m sor
ry I couldn’t get Dad to come along,” Gina said to Grandma as they waited for Enzo to answer the door. She’d talked to Dad last night, but he’d just sat silently. At least he hadn’t left again. Then he’d claimed there was too much work at the market, work only he and Michael could do.

  “Welcome,” Enzo said. “I’m glad you could all join me for lunch.”

  Gina, Michael, and Grandma followed Enzo into the kitchen after he’d shut the front door.

  Gina glanced around, half-hoping to see Vincente. Just because she’d nixed any chance of more between them didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy seeing him, when he happened to show up somewhere. But the table was set for four, various savory-smelling dishes sat in the center of the table, family-style. The DeGrazias—family. Gina smiled as she sat across from Michael.

  “Thank you for having us,” Grandma said as Enzo held the chair next to Gina for Grandma.

  “Yes, thanks,” Gina and Michael said together.

  “Frank and Eva are busy with the market?” Enzo asked.

  “Yes,” Grandma said.

  “But he’s still not happy.” Enzo must really know Grandma—he’d picked up on the slight sadness in her tone.

  “He’ll come around,” Michael said.

  Gina wasn’t sure, but she’d keep trying. “Enzo, I’d like to speak to your brother.” Gina hadn’t meant to blurt that out, but the urgent need to smooth part of the path to Vincente had loosened her lips. And she’d realized that maybe what Grandma had said about Dad being stubborn because he felt sorry about his mistakes with her was the same as Mr. DeGrazia felt about his daughter, and Vincente.

  “I can arrange that,” Enzo said. “But first, let’s enjoy this food from Sal’s.”

  “And pray for peace,” Grandma added.

  Gina bowed her head while Enzo said a quick prayer. Then Grandma passed Gina a dish of polenta. Michael chatted about the market and asked about Enzo and Grandma’s plans. Gina ate in silence, listening to and watching Enzo. It was clear he was a good man, and loved Grandma with devotion and tender care. She’d been so blinded by her own mistrust that she hadn’t seen what was right in front of her.

  When they were finished, Michael rose. “I’ll clean up. Sounds like you three need to talk.”

  “Thank you, dear,” Grandma said.

  Enzo grasped Grandma’s hand, but he studied Gina. “Vincente and I spoke yesterday. I’m not happy with my brother’s behavior.”

  “I want you and Grandma to be happy. He wants the same thing.” She wasn’t going to ask what he’d said, no matter how much she ached to know.

  “True. But Vittorio’s gotten into one of his moods. It’s difficult for him to admit the truth about his daughter. We’ve always known she’s, as he says, ruthless. But for him to acknowledge what Carolina did to you and your father…he has to admit to himself that he wasn’t the father to her he should’ve been—that his previous life affected his children, his family.”

  Gina gripped the edges of her chair. She glanced at Grandma, who wore her usual serene smile. “How long have you known?” Gina whispered.

  “Only since Vincente told me yesterday, and then I shared his story with your grandma. No one is going to tell Carolina. You have nothing to fear, Gina. Even if it were only me, I wouldn’t allow anyone, not even my own brother, to harm your grandma, or her family. But I’m not alone. Vincente cares very much for you. As does my brother. He’ll recall that once he stops seeing through this darkness he’s in.”

  Gina rubbed her hands on her thighs. Vincente cared, so much he’d told Enzo about it. She smiled, almost laughed. Then her decision about him, about them, flooded back in on her. She wasn’t going to let her dad’s stubbornness keep her from happiness. She’d done that enough. She’d keep trying with him, but first she’d talk to Vincente’s grandpop again.

  “I suggest we go and see my brother together, later today. He’ll have had a day to think. But first, what are we going to do to keep your father from selling the market? It’s too important in the community. I’ve been a customer since your grandfather opened, as have many of my friends. It’s a place we meet—all of us, from young to old—and enjoy conversation, food, the slow pace and nostalgia of the past.”

  “I agree. But, I think it’s overly optimistic to expect my dad to accept your help, and yours and Grandma’s marriage. Joey, Sal, and I were talking yesterday.” Gina looked to her brother, who was wiping his hands on a dishtowel. “Michael, what do you think about calling Uncle James and asking if he’d be willing to invest in the market?”

  “Great idea. Dad still won’t like it, but it might be an easier sell. Especially if we can get Uncle James up here.”

  “Joey said Uncle James is coming for the wedding,” Gina said.

  “So, do you want to call, or should I?”

  “I will,” Gina said.

  “Let me talk to him first,” Grandma said. “Then you can go over your business plan. I want this all out of the way, so we can enjoy the happy events ahead.”

  “Your grandma is a wise woman.” Enzo smiled.

  “I know.” Gina kissed Grandma’s cheek.

  “I’ll get the phone,” Enzo said.

  “Coffee, anyone?” Michael asked.

  Grandma nodded. She glanced at Gina. “It’s good to have you home.”

  “It’s good to be home.” She wouldn’t leave again. This was where her family was, and now her whole heart, because of Vincente.

  ***

  Enzo smiled at Gina as they waited for someone to answer the door at Vincente’s grandpop’s. They’d left Grandma and Michael enjoying their coffee. Enzo thought it would be best to speak to his brother Vittorio with just Gina.

  An older woman—probably Marcella—answered the door. She pushed her dark hair away from her face. “Ah, Signore Enzo, per favore, Signore Vittorio—“ her words tumbled out in a harassed tone.

  “Yes, Marcella, I know. Leave him to me. He’s in his sitting room?” Enzo’s smile faded. He held out his arm for Gina. She linked her elbow under his.

  “Sí. Grazie.” Marcella bustled off through the side door that led into the kitchen.

  Enzo led Gina to Vittorio’s sitting room. The room was dim and stuffy. Dark green curtains were drawn against the sunny day. Light chinked in, showing a masculine room decorated in greens and golds and browns. Vittorio sat slumped on a sofa, a muted TV flashing on his face. His usual vigor was gone, his face unshaven and hollow.

  “Nipote?” Vittorio rasped, not looking up.

  “No, Vittorio. And he won’t be back if you don’t realize—“

  Vittorio glared at Enzo and Gina. “Why did you bring her here?”

  Gina squeezed Enzo’s arm, signaling him she wanted to speak. “I want to talk to you. We both care about our families. We both care about Vincente.”

  Enzo patted her arm and smiled. Gina faced Vittorio again, who studied her. Gina stood firm, thinking of Vincente and how he’d stood up for her, how he’d wanted to fight for a chance with her, for them. Vittorio blew out a breath and ran a hand over his face.

  “You can go, Enzo. Gina and I need to talk.”

  Enzo didn’t move. “Vincente told me what happened. I won’t leave until I’m sure you’re done accusing Gina. She’s going to be my granddaughter.”

  Vittorio leaned forward, his expression strengthening, and mellowing. “And mine, I hope, if she’ll forgive a foolish old man.” He waved a hand.

  Gina’s eyes brimmed with tears. She blinked. Two grandpas. She closed her eyes. Grandpa Frank and Grandpa Gambora would want her to be happy—would want them all to be happy. Grandpa Frank used to welcome Enzo at the market. They’d talk in Italian together. She’d forgotten, just like she’d forgotten so many other telling memories. She smiled and opened her eyes.

  “Vincente’s always been wiser than either of us,” Enzo said. “Will you see Gina gets home, then?”

  “Sí. I’ll see you tomorrow with your lovely bride-to-be, eh?” Vittorio sat up
and placed his hands on his knees.

  Enzo nodded, kissed Gina’s cheek, and walked out.

  “Sit with me, won’t you?” Vittorio motioned to the seat next to him. “Can I get you something to drink?”

  Gina sat. “No, thanks.”

  “Vincente was telling you the truth. He didn’t know I was listening to your conversation. He was right. I shouldn’t have said those things to you. I didn’t mean them. I was angry. At myself. I had no right to take it out on you, and my grandson.”

  “Thank you. I know he was telling the truth. But why did you listen in?”

  “I wanted to make sure he didn’t let you get away. But when you said those things about Carolina…” He leaned back again, but his expression stayed firm.

  “She’s your daughter.”

  Vittorio took Gina’s hand. “I didn’t do right by my children. I’ve tried to make amends for my mistakes. You saw that our businesses are all legitimate. They weren’t always. I fooled myself into thinking I was an honorable man, that I could bend the law. But I didn’t just bend it, I broke it, and I felt justified.” He rubbed his hands over his eyes. “When Vincente left with Marie, I realized I would lose everyone, everything I loved. But it was hard to get out of that life. When he came back, Vincente helped me finish that process. I’ve given Vincente the attention and been the better man I should have been for his father—and Carolina. I tried to help Vincente find his happiness, but it seems I went too far again.”

  “You wanted what was best for Vincente.” Gina squeezed his hand. It was warm and she felt the wrinkles and grooves, the experiences and hardships he must’ve had.

  “Yes, and that is you. You make him smile. He doesn’t smile enough.”

  “I…so you knew I’d be at the auction?”

  “I had an idea.” He grinned slyly. “And I made sure Connie would outbid you for me.”

  Gina shook her head. “But no one else knew?”

  “I wouldn’t still be alive if I didn’t know how to keep secrets.” His tone was at once proud and sad.