Act like my wife

11. Old tricks

Patrizio's Point of View

"Cut the nonsense and tell me why you are both here?!"

Mia madre stared wide-eyed at me as if she cannot believe that I can speak such words. "My son, we are here to see you"

"What do you want? I won't ask again" I rest my back against the wall and observe my parents.

To maintain privacy, I brought them to my study and locked the door. They are both seated in the chairs opposite me.

Mio Padre's hair has gotten grayer than the last time we saw each other, which was before Mira's death. His harsh demeanor hasn't changed one bit. I wish I can say he is a great father, but I should not tell lies. Mia Madre on the other hand made growing up with my old man more bearable, although she had to put up with most of his bullshit.

Mia Madre exhaled audibly. She brought out her inhaler and took a few whiffs. I went to make sure she is okay, but she stopped me with a wave of her hand. She began to speak: "Mio figlio, I am sorry for coming without telling you, we are just worried about you."

I rolled my eyes. "Cut the lies, Madre."

Her expression changed from concern to mischief. "You devil, nothing gets past you, does it?"

I grimaced. "I am your son, aren't I?"

She chuckled. "Well, you remember Amelia, Abigail's Daughter?"

I thought back: "I'm not sure, why?"

She touched her hair, which was an old habit of hers whenever she had some big news. "Well, she is single, and I thought you'd like to see her"

I furrowed my brows. "She is in Córdoba?"

"Sí, Mio figlio. Come on, give it a chance"

I will never understand this woman I call mother.

I gaped at her incredulously. "Do I need to remind you that my wife is in this house?"

"Oh please, Patrizio, I know that woman is not Mira. You may fool everyone else but you cannot fool your mamma" She stood up and came to me. "Just be honest with me" She patted my back. Another old trick of hers.

"She is Mira" I stated matter-of-factly.

She pulled away. "That can't be true" Her thoughts became distant.

"Why?" I folded my arms on my chest and waited for her to speak.

"Because-" She paused. "I just don't feel the connection, you know?"

I clicked my tongue. "It's been a while, you know?"

She nodded and returned to her seat. Her countenance changed in the negative direction. Just as I was about to ask her what the problem was, I heard a scream from outside. Someone called my name. It was Veronica!

I ran outside and saw Giovanni on the ground, breathing with difficulty.

I was angry and may have said some hurtful things, but my son was all I could think of. I can't lose him.