Raison D'être

Basorexia

Anastasia

As I put on a nice top and run downstairs, Lorenzo is setting out plates for three. "Laura is eating with us?"

"Yes she is, I suggested she come. She can't resist my lasagna..." he smiles softly.

"It smells delicious."

"Thank you mia cara" [my dear]

"You know, I really wish I understood what you were saying sometimes. It seems everyone can speak Italian but me."

"I'll have to teach you then. Do you speak another language?"

"I took Mandarin and French in high school," although I didn't get much out of it.

"That's impressive, Mandarin is quite difficult. As for French, that is the language of love no?"

His little accent at the end is cute, and I can't help but laugh. "I guess, I mostly took it in hopes that I would go to France one day." That was a dream of mine when I was in high school before everything happened.

"For the architecture?"

"You remembered?"

"I pay close attention. To you especially," he smirks.

"What is that supposed to mean?" I laugh, raising a brow.

"You pique my interest, Anastasia."

"I don't know what is so interesting about me, but what would you like to know?"

"21 questions?"

"Sure."

"I'll save that little game for another time, Laura will be down soon."

I can't help but tease, "are your questions inappropriate for the dinner table Mr. Amoretto?"

He smiles and raises a brow before he coys, "maybe."

I grin, "okay then. Till next time." As I plate everyone's dishes with a slice of Lorenzo's lasagna Laura comes down.

"Sorry I'm late, my leg has been bothering me lately. "

I tsk, "you should check that out, Laura. Keep off that leg of yours, I'll cover your work."

Lorenzo adds, "yes I'll have the doctor come and check that for you," while nodding at Laura.

"Oh no please, it's not necessary," she waves off our help.

"Oh, it's alright a doctor is coming here anyway for my physical," I assure her.

"Physical?" I turn over to Lorenzo, to see his brow raised.

"Yes, Niccolò said he wants the results of my physical for training."

"That won't be necessary. I'll be training you."

"Really!?" Both Laura and I question at the same time. I thought he said that earlier to have Niccolò come over less. I didn't think he actually meant it, despite the fact that he was a man of his word. 

He laughs, "what?"

"Is everything alright Mr. Amoretto?" Laura questions.

"Yes Laura, why wouldn't it be," he replies sarcastically with a smirk while looking at me. 

"Oh I don't know, you come home early now. You make dinner more. Now you're training Anastasia?" She throws the teasing right back at him as I try and stifle my laugh.

"I'm just getting work done early," he shrugs while taking a bite, avoiding answering more questions.

Laura smiles and tries to hide her chuckle, which is unsuccessful, while I am slightly confused at what she is implying. So I ask, "was he never like this before?"