Neglected Limits

23| Crystal Pain

Bianca

Matteo and Gabriella sat together in the middle of the famiglie table, Gabriella having a smile on her face. I couldn't help but feel relieved she at least was enjoying herself today. 

The couple had been on the floor for at least eight songs now, and everyone cheered them on, wanting another round. Lucky for them, Papa and Luca announced it was time to eat and give them a rest. 

Each table was full of people, and you could hear women giggle and gossip to each other while men chattered about other things. Luca sat next to Gabriella and Papa was on the other side of Matteo. While Mama, Nonna, Sofia, Matteo's mom, and I sat around them. 

After a couple minutes

the rest of both sides of the famiglia joined Matteo and Gabriella, as we sat around them. Papa and Luca sat on both sides, which probably meant Gabriella would be in the middle of a business meeting. 

While Gabriella portrayed a pleasant smile at all times tonight, Matteo had his signature mask on like always. If you looked at him, you'd have no idea if he's upset about the engagement or happy, it was emotionless, only his lips moving as he spoke to the men.

"Nervous?" Sofia asked, who was sitting next to me.

I turned my head to the side and looked at her. "No, why did you ask?" She shrugged and grabbed her glass that was filled up with soda unlike everyone else's.

"You're making a face, plus you keep looking at Matteo." She said before taking a sip.

I shook my head. "Why would I be nervous?" She gave me a look, and apparently I was supposed to get what she meant. Sighing she said, "Because of the Cognata dance."

I froze, realizing I had forgotten about that. While all the preparations and work kept me busy, it had totally slipped my mind that I was going to be dancing tonight with my brother in law, with everyone's eyes on me.

I relaxed my posture again, taking a sip of my wine. "I don't think that's a problem." Sofia looked at me for a couple seconds, either waiting for me to talk further or something, but when she got nothing she turned away and got busy in a conversation with her mom.

While everyone around me chattered and laughed socializing, I focused on the glass in my hand, letting the liquid sparkle with the reflected light. After I finished my glance I checked my phone and messaged Jax. He was probably somewhere in the room right now, busy discussing something with someone, but he'd eventually see the message.

As I was closing my phone, I noticed a few women looking my way. I looked at them blankly for a couple seconds making them turn away. I guess their gossiping and whispering was still not over after several hours.

At this point I was bored and tired of this engagement party. All I wanted to do was escape to my room and sleep in my bed. Plus my heels were killing my feet, and my dress had tired me of carrying several pounds of fabric around for so long.

A few minutes later the food was served, and now with the loud laughs and words, were sounds of the utensils and plates as well. At least it was something to distract me.

After the entire seven course meal everyone started to stand up. Papa and the men went to the cigar room, while the women stayed here and chattered.

Before Jax could leave with the rest of the men, I motioned for him to stop and walked towards the exit of the room to meet him in the hallway, trying not to limp because of the pain my heels were giving.

"Get me some shoes, these hurt like a bitch." I said.

As I reached him my foot twisted a bit, making me trip. He reached forward, pulling me up and saving me from falling and probably ripping this dress.