When In Rome...Or Greece

Something's Brewing

Maya crossed the lawn, coming up towards the patio of the villa as she made her way back from her run.  She smiled at seeing Carina out at the table feeding Liam and picked up her pace to get to them.  Carina spotted her and waved, pointing to show Liam who was coming as he smiled and started waving his arms.
"Amama! Amama!"
Maya waved back and took the steps two at a time.  Bending down to kiss Carina before turning her attention to Liam, his face half covered in pieces of berries. 
"Look at you my little Picasso, you are too cute.  Are you ready for some fun time at the beach today?"
Liam looked at Maya and then Carina before laughing and blowing raspberries.  Maya turned back to Carina, stretching her arms across her body.
"I'm going to go down to the gym and do a quick workout and then jump in the shower so we can go, ok?"
Carina smiled but before she could respond, Raphael came through the patio doors. He smiled at Maya but his face turned serious as he motioned to Carina.
"Carina, ho bisogno di parlati."
Maya's eyebrows furrowed as Carina's body language immediately shifted and she handed Maya Liam's bowl of fruit and yogurt.
"Bambina I'll be right back and then you can go for your workout, capisce?"
Maya and Liam watched as Carina disappeared inside, already speaking Italian at a rapid pace with Raphael.  Turning to her son, Maya shrugged her shoulders and sat down, scooping a spoonful of fruit and yogurt. 
"I might have learned Italian for Mamma, but I'm not good enough to understand it at top speed.  Let's hope that by the time you start really talking I can catch up because I know your little brother and sister are going to come out speaking it."
Liam banged on his high chair, smiled and laughed.

Their day at the beach had been relaxing and wonderful.  As Maya circled the roundabout by the front door she saw Camille and Gabriella standing outside waiting for them.  Maya parked as Carina got out without a word and headed directly toward the pair, leaving Maya to take the sleeping Liam and their bags out.  As she came up on the trio, Carina put her finger to her lips and pointed to Liam, causing both women to abruptly stop talking.  Maya looked at them quizzically.
"Hey, what's going on?"
"Nothing Bambina, I just don't want to wake him.  Can you bring him up and put him to bed por favore?"
"Uhh sure...aren't you coming too?"
"I'll be there soon amore mio, lo prometto."
Maya squinted but stayed silent as she headed inside.  She was almost to the top of the stairs when she heard them all come in and noticed that Raphael had shown up as well as another man she hadn't seen since the day they had arrived.  Maya tried to listen, but the multiple voices and the speed of the language were just too fast.  Heading into their room, Maya put the bags down and then lifted Liam out of his car seat, laid him on the bed and changed him before gently rocking him in her arms to lull him from the half waking her disturbing him had caused.  She was just laying him in the crib when her phone began to ring.  Grabbing it, Maya stepped out on to the balcony and closed the door to just a crack as she looked down at the screen and smiled.
"Katie! I'm so glad to see you, how are you feeling?"
"Much better actually, just got out of the doctor's office and he said another week and I'll be good as new.  I can start light workouts so I'll be able to get myself back into shape.  Now if only SOMEONE would let me go surfing!"
Maya chuckled as Lucy's face popped into the FaceTime screen.
"I can see now why you two clicked right away.  I can't wait to have Carina to be able to understand my frustration!"
"Wait, what?  No way!  You guys are coming back? Oh my g-wait...is something going on?  Is Carina in danger?"
"Not at the moment and honestly Maya, it's more you that we're concerned with this time.  But let's talk when Lucy and I arrive.  We couldn't get a flight out until tomorrow so we won't see you for a couple of days anyway.  How is Carina doing?"
"She's...healing I guess is the best way to put it.  But I think there's something else going on, I just haven't figured out what.  Anyway, like you said, we can talk when you get here.  Oh!  Can you do me a favor and get Carina a nice, casual Hawaiian dress?  She's starting to fill out and I want her to have something cute and flowery that she can wear around the house."
Lucy popped back into the screen with a big smile.
"Oh My GOD! YES!  I know just the one I can get her!!"
Maya laughed and then wiggled a finger at Lucy.
"Thanks, but one more thing, can you please let Katie at least go sit on her surfboard before you guys leave?  Italy doesn't have much for surfing and I hate the idea of her having to wait so long to get on her longboard again.  Please Lucy?"
Maya stuck her lower lip out in the pouty face Carina always got her way with as Lucy rolled her eyes and nodded.
"Ugh, fine!  This pouty lip thing is out of control with all of you now!  I'm going to start using it when I want my way!  So here, we're going  shopping first Kate!"
Lucy stuck her lower lip out as Kate and Maya both laughed and Maya gave her a thumbs up.  Kate looked at Maya and smiled as she blew her a kiss.
"You just made her day and I owe you for making mine.  See you soon, stay safe until we get there, ok?"