The Brightest Star

Chapter 10

"Sei adorabile, Anna," my mom smiles as I walk downstairs.
(You look lovely, Anna)

I adjust one of the bobby pins securing the veil to my head, "grazie."

"I hate when you do that shit," my dad grumbles.

He's ready for the funeral as well wearing the only suit he owns. He's got a mug of coffee in his hands but I'd bet good money there's booze in there.

"Get over it," I grumble back.

My parents have been married for nearly thirty years and nowhere along the line did my dad attempt to learn Italian. We mostly spoke English growing up but my mom ensured that both my brother and I were fluent in her language. Therefore, it's not uncommon for my dad to be completely out of the loop.

"Non parlare così a tuo padre," my mom scolds as she pins her own veil in place.
(Don't speak to your father like that)

I roll my eyes, "sorry, Dad."

"Where's your rosary?" he asks harshly.

"In my purse," I lift the small leather bag.

"Where the hell did you get that?" his eyes widen and he stands from the table.

"It's a knock-off," I quickly lie as he gets closer, "you can get them everywhere in the city."

He snatches my bag from my hand with a huff. I grit my teeth as he looks it over, holding it in different lighting. He makes a sound of disapproval before shoving it into my chest.

"I'm going to wait outside," I inform the room, already striding towards the door.

I let out a heavy breath once I'm outside. God, that man is fucking insufferable. He'll probably be drunk before noon and I really don't want to deal with that.

"Hey, pretty girl," Marco's voice makes me jump.

He's leaning against the SUV that's parked in front of my house. He wears his normal suit with his hair styled back. His arms are folded over his chest and when our eyes meet, he quirks a brow.

"Stalking me?" I half joke.

"I prefer the term protecting," he retorts, pushing off the car.

"And how am I supposed to explain you to my parents?" I ask, "they're coming out any minute now."

"Don't worry about it," he grins as he gets closer, "I already have my lies ready."

"Fantastic," I reply sarcastically. This just causes his grin to spread.

The front door opens behind me and my parents walk outside. Their faces twist in confusion as they look from me to Marco to the car and back.

"Ciao," Marco says brightly, "you must be Mr. and Mrs. Cannonico."

"Sì," my mom nods slowly.

"Who the hell are you?" my dad scoffs, "just showing up on the day of my son's funeral."

"Oh, I'm sorry for the confusion," Marco says, "I'm here to drive you to the church."

"We didn't order a car service," Dad says.

"Someone did," Marco retorts, winking at me.

"Basta salire in macchina," my mom instructs as she brushes past my dad.
(Just get in the car)

"What did you say?" he asks before turning to me, "what did she say?"

"She said to get in the car," I inform him.

Marco hustles over to open the door for my mom. She gives him a grateful smile as she slides into the seat. I climb in beside her before my dad gets in and squishes me.