It Began In Italy | ✔️

Chapter Six

Entering the gelateria, a small bell chimes with our arrival. My eyes are immediately drawn to the display of flavours - ranging from vibrant blues of bubble-gum to neutral shades of salted caramel. I come to the realisation that it is going to become frightfully hard to narrow down my options.

Quaint and free from the active sounds of the town, the shop is painted in the same vibrancy as its exterior. Artwork of a selection of gelato bedecks the walls, adding to the river of hues. Wooden tables and chairs are placed haphazardly, small plants littering the ensemble.

"Miriam," Nico says as an elder woman walks in through the side door. The beads that cover the doorway trickle over her as she enters, and a bright smile forms on her face at the sight of Nico.

"Niccolo, my love," her accent is, to my surprise, somehow stronger than Nico's. Her voice and movements are plagued with age, but her spirit is full of youth. "And who is this that you have brought with you?" Miriam's voice turns softer.

"This is Heidi, she's Vienna and Terrones' niece. Heidi, this is Miriam, the owner of the best gelateria in Vernazza," Nico explains and I give her a warm smile.

"It's lovely to meet you... your shop, it's beautiful," I admire her work and she returns my smile with a bashful one. My heart instantly warms for her.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard lots about you... you look just like your mother," Miriam beams and I furrow my brows. There are so many things my mother is yet to tell me.

"You know my mother?" I ask and she nods her head swiftly - telling me she knows all too well.

"Of course, I know Michelle and her sidekick Mandy. When they came down for the first time, this place was like a second home to them and me, a second mamma," Miriam laughs and I can't help but join her. "But Niccolo, non metterla incinta!" her voice a sound of warning.

Looking towards Nico in confusion, I see amusement glinting in his eyes. "Yes, Miriam," he seems to agree with whatever she said. If this is any constellation, then it's even more of a reason for Nico to teach me a thing or two in the world of Italian.

"Now what can I get you both?" Miriam continues and I brush the conversation aside. Before deciding on a flavour, Nico speaks for the both of us.

"Your special recipe of course," Nico answers. It's almost a relief seeing as indecisive is my middle name. Miriam gives a smile of knowing and begins to craft her special recipe. Anticipation fills me as she moves around behind the counter, from one place to the other.

When I'm sure she can't hear us, I turn to Nico. "What did she say to you?" I question, and he attempts to stifle a laugh.

"She told me that her favourite colour is purple," he shrugs, and I stare at him, knowing full well that is not what she said. I stare at him until he cracks. "She told me to not get you pregnant," he rolls his eyes in jest and my mouth falls open.

"I'm glad that she told you her favourite colour is purple. You know what, I do like a bit of purple myself," I ramble, anything to change the topic. My mother and her antics are obviously quite well-known on the island - despite her brief visit.

Nico opens his mouth to say something but Miriam beats him to it. "It's on the house, Nonna's special," she says before lifting two cones piled high with different colours of gelato. Without Miriam noticing, Nico slides a €20 note onto the counter before taking the two cones from her.

"Thank you, Miriam," Niccolo nods his head. "We'll see you later, have a good day." Miriam only beams at him - the way a grandmother would at her grandson.

As we leave the gelateria, Nico hands me a cone. "Thank you... I'm not sure I'll be able to finish this," I laugh and stare in awe at the gelato piled high.