Love Hurts

Eight

Hoss,
    
                    Mr. Spaghetti, if you want to have breakfast before we leave, please come downstairs immediately.
                   *Bark*
                   Do not argue with me, my friend. I will leave you at the kennel tonight.
                  *Hastily coming down the stairs*
                   That's what I thought. Now, please have your breakfast so we can proceed.
                 *Phone ringing*
                  "Oh, look Mr. Spaghetti, it's Nonna."
                  "Hello, Nonna, what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"
                 "Well, hello Rene, I just wanted to make sure you remember Sunday dinner."
                "Nonna, we've been having Sunday dinners since before I was born, and I've never missed one. Unless I'm working, so do you really think I would miss your delicious cooking now?"
              "That's because I always call my little Nipote and remind him. Otherwise, you might forget."
              "You know, Nonna, all this distrust you have in me is starting to hurt my feelings. Maybe you should call Brian or Mallory instead of me."
             *Nonna laughing*
  "You, my beloved son, are the one who always gives me trouble. Nonna's words pierce my heart like a dagger."
            Nonna bursts into laughter once again.
            "Alright, Rene, I'll see you early on Sunday morning. Hopefully, you'll bring that lady friend Julie mentioned to me."
           That darn Newark!
           "Yes, Nonna, if everything goes well, Camilla will accompany me."
          "That's all I can hope for. I'll talk to you later, my dear grandson. I love you.
          "I love you too, Nonna."
       *Someone knocks on the door*
        "Well, hell Mr. Spaghetti! It seems like we're quite popular today. There's a good chance we'll make it to work on time today."
        As I opened the door, Berry asked, "Damn bro, what happened to your nose?"
      "What you were talking about?" I asked as I instinctively put my hand up to my nose. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through it.
       I explained to him that it was a long story, but I couldn't help but smile at the memory of Camilla punching me in the nose last night at the gym.
     "Well, brother, with that smile on your face, you have to tell me the whole story on our way to work," he said.
     He suggested that I and the dog ride with him this morning, which was actually the reason why he came over to ask me in the first place.
   "Mr. Spaghetti, please cover your ears. Uncle Berry didn't mean what he said."
   "Dude, you really need to find a purpose in life," Berry said, laughing. "I have a fulfilling life, and it's going great. If you want me to tell you about this nose, get in the car and stop disrespecting my partner."
    Berry then slapped the back of my head and said, "Just get in the car already." He growled in frustration.
  "Ha-ha, tell him, Mr. Spaghetti," I said, laughing. "Okay, bro, what happened to your nose?" Berry asked once we were in the car.       "Camilla hit me," I replied.
    "Well, it wasn't a long story at all. She hit me because we were in the gym practicing self-defense. I was teaching her the technique of hitting the groin to the nose, and I wasn't paying attention to her hand. She ended up hitting me square on the nose, and she has a really strong right hook."
     Berry mentioned that she is a lot stronger than she thinks she is, and I agree with that.
    "Oh, Nonna gave me a call this morning to remind me about Sunday dinner. Will you and Olivia be joining us?"
    "I mean, we've never missed a Sunday dinner before, right?"
    I couldn't help but laugh.
     "That's exactly what I asked Nonna."
    "Anyway, I was thinking of inviting Camilla to join us for dinner, and I thought it would be more comfortable for her if someone she knows is also going to be there."
    Berry agree, it's a good idea. "I plan to ask her tonight at the shooting range."
   "How is it going?" Berry asks me. "Olivia mentioned that she's unsure about guns. But considering her situation with her abusive husband, she's willing to do whatever it takes to protect herself. And I think you play a big role in making her feel safe, Hoss."
    "I find pleasure in spending time with her, and I prioritize her safety and knowledge of self-protection. Being a good friend is important to me, and if we bring each other happiness, that's an added bonus."
     Berry expresses frustration, hitting me in the back of the head, and calls me a fool.
     "Well, I admit it, I have feelings for her."
     "But I suppose I'm a bit afraid of getting too close and being left the same way I was with Sam," I confess to Berry.
      "Well, first of all, Sam is an idiot," Berry responds, "and secondly, I don't think you have to worry about that with Camilla. All she wants is someone to prove to her that not all men are animals."
     "Who says I'm not an animal?" I smirk.
      "I didn't need that image of my best friend in my mind. Thanks, bro," Berry laughs.
      "You're welcome," I wink at him.
      Later that afternoon, Camilla and I are at the shooting range.
     "Alright, Camilla, are you ready to fire your first gun?"
     "No!" she whispers.
     "Darling, look at me." I gently turn her around. "Once you become familiar with the workings of the firearm, you'll be fine. It's a valuable skill to have." I reassure her. "I'll assist you with the initial shots, and then you can shoot on your own, alright?"
     "Alright," Camilla responds nervously.
     "Great, sweetheart. Put these earplugs in your ears. Stand in the area between the walls where the targets are hanging. Hold the gun with your arms extended. Now, make sure the safety is off." I instruct her, and she follows my guidance before firing her first shot.
     "Fantastic job!" I praise her.
     "Now, using your left hand, pull back the gun's cock. Good job. Alright, Camilla, now aim for the center of the target and fire."
   *Boom*
      "Great job, Camilla! Now, please put the gun down and let's see where you hit."
      "Wow, are you certain you've never fired a gun before?"
      "Is that a positive 'wow'?"
     "Yes, sweetheart, you hit the bull's eye."
     "I'll take that as a confirmation that I hit my target."
     "Yes," I chuckle. Camilla fires the gun a few more times on her own. The more she shoots, the more at ease she becomes with the weapon.
     "Well, I feel much more self-assured now. I appreciate all the effort you're putting into helping me," Camilla expresses. She approaches me and wraps her arms around my neck.
      "Mm, you're very welcome," I respond, leaning in to kiss her.
      I put my arm around her waist and lean back, then I ask her a question. "I have something to ask you. You don't have to say yes, but I would appreciate it if you did." She urges me to speak up by saying, "Spit it out, Hoss." I gather my courage and continue, "I was wondering if you would like to join me for Sunday dinner at my grandparents' house. Berry and Olivia will be there too, so you can say you're there with them if being there with me makes you uncomfortable." Camilla responds with a smile.
     "Sure, I'll to Sunday dinner at your grandparents. And if it's uncomfortable for you, I can go as Olivia and Berry's guest. But I would prefer to go as your guest," she says.
    "You would?" I inquire.
     That doesn't sound desperate at all, dumbass.
     "Yes, really," she assures me.
     "Great. Well, I think we're finished here. Would you like to grab something to eat before you head home?" I ask.
     "How about you come over to my place, and I'll cook for you?" Camilla suggests.
     "As a way of saying thank you for all the training," she adds.
     "Yes, ma'am, that sounds agreeable," I say before leaning in for another kiss.
     "So, Hoss, would you be interested in having chicken stir-fry?" Camilla asks.
     "I'll consume whatever you desire us to prepare," I inform her.
     "Us?" She inquires.
    "Yes, I intend to assist you in cooking."
    "Alright, you can begin by slicing these bell peppers," she instructs me.
   "Yes, ma'am."
   While she was cleaning and cutting the chicken and all the other veggies, I got busy cutting the bell peppers. I must be really slow at cutting up vegetables because she's almost finished with all her tasks. Camilla smirks and teases me, saying, "Are you going to take all night with that one pepper?" I playfully respond by snagging her over to me.
     "So, you want to demonstrate how to cut the peppers?" I ask her, gently turning her around to face the counter. I plant a kiss on her neck, but she quickly stops me.
    "I can't show you anything if you're distracting me like that. We might end up cutting our fingers off," she warns.
    "Yeah, you're right. Maybe I can just give you a kiss right here instead," I suggest, kissing her on the shoulder. "Is that better?" I whisper.
    She clears her throat. "Um, yeah, if you don't want dinner right now."
    "As much as I'm enjoying this and want to continue, I know you're hungry," I say, hearing her stomach growl at that moment.
    Camilla complains, "Well, it seems like someone forgot to come and get me for lunch. I've gotten so used to him coming around this time. I completely forgot to take one myself."
    I playfully respond, "Oh no! Did you call the cops on that jerk?"
   Camilla smirks and says, "I did one better. I went home with one. But now he's distracting me, so I might not even get any supper." She fake pouts.
    "I can't let that happen, can I?" I say, giving her a kiss before stepping back.
    After about thirty minutes, we finish our dinner and now we're sitting, enjoying a glass of wine.
    Camilla rests her head on my shoulder and we have a conversation.
    She becomes quiet, so I glance at her and see that she's fallen asleep. I gently carry her to her bed.
    As I try to get up, she grabs onto my shirt. "Stay with me for a while," she whispers.
   How can I refuse? I take off my shoes and crawl in behind her.
                                                     ♾️
        "Camilla, why are you feeling restless?"
         "What if your family doesn't approve of me?"
         I tell her, "Oh, baby, it's impossible not to like you."
         She responds, "You're just a little biased."
         I wink at her and say, "Maybe!"
        I grab her hand and give it a squeeze. "I promise you'll fit right in with everyone."
        When we arrive at Nonna's, I ask her, "Are you ready?"
        "Oh, fair warning, my family is a little crazy. We're Italian, so that's our excuse," I add.
Camilla bursts out laughing!
        "I'm just being honest, baby," I say.
        "Okay, well, you've scared me enough. Let's go inside," she says to me.
        I let out a small laugh.
      "That wasn't my intention, and I apologize," I tell her, stepping out of the truck and going around to open Camilla's door, helping her out. I take her hand and we walk into my grandparents' house.
    "Is that my nipote?" Nonna asks from the kitchen.
      "Yes, Nonna, it's me," I reply.
      "You're late, Rene," she tells me as I enter the kitchen.
      "It's not my fault, Nonna. I blame it all on Camilla," I say.
       Camilla's face turns red.
       I almost feel sorry for her, but then again, she's diverting the attention away from me right now.
       "Is this argazzo telling the truth?" Nonna asks Camilla, and the expression on Camilla's face is priceless.
       "That means boy," I tell her.
       "Oh," Camilla giggles. "No, he's not telling the truth. I was ready as soon as he got to my house. He was 10 minutes later than he said he was going to be." Camilla calls me out.
      "Oh, oh, oh I see you trader. That's okay. I got your number." I whisper in her ear. She turns around and looks me straight in the eyes with a serious look.
     "I'm not taking the fall for your tardiness with your grandmother. Grandmothers scare the crap out of me."
      "I'm sorry Nonna. I brought you some lilies." I carry the flowers over and kiss her cheeks.
      "And you think flowers are going to make up for you being late to Sunday dinner, Rena?"
      "Help me out, mom since my girl betrayed me."
     "Sorry son, you know how Nonna is about her Sunday dinners."
      "Where is Brian? He's late. Why am I getting all the heat? Shouldn't you leave some of it for my big brother?"
      "Brian has a wife and children," Nonna says.
      "Okay, you got me there."
      "Where do I need to start?" I asked, already knowing that I wouldn't win this argument.
     "Well, you can start by introducing me to your nice young lady," she replied.
     I sighed and introduced Camilla, the head nurse at the hospital. She had taken Aunt Dorothy's place when she retired.
    "Oh, and she gave me this bruise on my nose," I added, pointing to the mark.
    My grandmother turned to Camilla and asked, "What did he do to make you mad, girl?"
     I smirked and said, "Tell Nonna she'll get him for you."
    We all laughed, but deep down, I couldn't help but wonder if there was any justice in this world.
    Camilla playfully stuck her tongue out at me while I was carrying the plates out of the kitchen. "Hey brother, looks like Nonna is going to give you a hard time for being late again," Brian snickered. Irritated, I whispered back, "You're always late, asshole, and you never get in trouble." Brian smirked and replied, "Well, I have kids now, so I get a pass." I couldn't help but remember how Nonna used to constantly scold me for being late and forgetting to call her. She was even stricter than our mother. "Where do you think mom got it from?" I asked. Brian nodded in agreement, saying, "True story."
     "So, where is your girlfriend?"
     "Nonna and mom took her away and left me to set the table. I'm grounded from kitchen duty because I was late."
     "Well, that's a tough situation," Brian laughs.
     "Definitely. I knew what I was getting into."
     I winked at him.
     "Nonna is going to be mad at you."
     Mallory says from behind us.
     "No, she won't because I'm her favorite."
     "Oh, is that a challenge, little brother?"
     "Mallory," mom calls.
     "Haha, you're in trouble, big sister."
     As she walks into the kitchen, she playfully raises her middle finger. Mom and Nonna are busy cooking. After setting the table, I return to the kitchen and lean on the door frame, observing how Camilla interacts with my family. Her joyful expression is a rare sight, and it brings a wide smile to my face.
    "Rene, are you just going to stand there?" Mom asks.
   "Or are you going to help put the food on the table?"
   "Yeah, Rene, come help. Stop being a bad grandson. Or how do you say it in Italian? Nipote."
    "That's right."
   "Where are Nonno and dad?" I ask.
    They went out to get some firewood because it's supposed to get cold this week.
    I walked past Camilla and embarrassed her again by smacking her on her ass. I enjoy seeing her turn all red in the face. She whispers that she's going to pop me in the nose again.
    I asked Mom if she heard that, and she laughs and pushes me out of the kitchen.
   After dinner, I take Camilla out to our childhood tree house.
   "You mentioned that my family is lovely and down-to-earth." Yes, I'm fond of them too.
   "Your grandma really adores you. You're such a lucky guy," Camilla tells me with a smile.
    "Alright, enough about my family. Come here. I've been waiting all day to hold you and give you a passionate kiss," I say, pulling her close by the waist.
    "Oh really? I don't think you deserve any of my kisses. After all the times you embarrassed me in front of your grandma and mom," Camilla pouts playfully.
    "Oh, come on, baby. I was just teasing. Besides, Nonna and mom were on your side the whole time. Traitors!" I say, trying to defend myself.
    Camilla giggles and says, "Well, I have a face that grandmas and moms can't resist," as she circles her face with her hands.
    "And men like me," I say, grabbing her and pulling her closer. "Now, I think I deserve a kiss for enduring all that 'abuse' at home," I tell her.
    "Do you now?" she giggles.
    "Yes," I say, leaning down to kiss her.
    We share a passionate kiss for a good ten minutes. I run my hand up and down her leg, feeling the desire to make love to her.
    "As much as I would love that too, I think it's a terrible idea right now. There are way too many kids running around outside," she tells me, trying to be practical.
    "We can be quiet," I suggest, winking at her.
    She bursts into laughter, almost to the point of peeing herself.

@Crystal Steadman 2023