Wicked Games

Tea

The next hour I spend walking through the garden, over the walk I see a plethora of colors of Gardenias, Roses, Mums, Orchids and one of my favorite,s Dahlias in a few colors. I grab a few of them and start my way back towards the house.

I walk back through the sliding doors that lead into the kitchen, When I'm surprised to see Gianna sitting at the island..

' Oh. Hi, Dear. '

' Hey Gianna, good morning '

I smile a genuine smile as I bring one of the flowers up to my nose to smell it one last time as I look around for a vase. I find a short clear glass one as I fill it with some water and place the Dahlias inside before placing it on the counter.

I start a kettle before anymore words are spoken, I grab the plate and clean it off before I wash it.. After a few minutes the kettle is screaming letting me know it's ready. I look around and grab the things I need.

' Have you been here long dear.. '

I hear her ask me, I'm not quite sure what to say.

' Oh.. Uh.. No I haven't.. '

I grab two tea cups and pour us some tea and I put a little milk and sugar into mine and take a seat across from her at the island..

' Thank you honey.. '

I smile as I take a sip, sitting here with Giovanni's mother alone was not something I was expecting to be doing this morning.

' How'd you like the Sfogliatelle's '

' Oh they were just perfect, definitely the best in the city.. '

' Giovanni has never asked me to make anything for someone before.. I was quite surprised by it to be frank. You must be pretty special to him.. '

I sip my warm tea not knowing how to feel. Her son ruined my life, holding me hostage and was tongue deep in my pot of gold last night.. How do you say that to a mother.. You don't.

' I'm nothing special.. Just Novalie Russo. '

I hear her gasp.. She didn't know I was a Russo I'm assuming.

' Oh.. Russo.. How is Rosaria? '

The question is a gut punch. She's knows my mom?

' She's uh.. She was good the last time I talked to her.. It's been awhile unfortunately.. '

The tension is a bit thick now, we both look up as we hear footsteps approaching. Gio walks in wearing joggers and no shirt, I'm assuming he wasn't expecting his mother to be here..

' Mamma.. Is everything okay, what are you doing here.. '

' Yes son, Everything is fine. '

She gets a look at his neck as he gets closer.

' Giovanni amore what happened '

She asks in a demanding tone.

' Nothing Mamma, I'm fine. Novalie stitched me up good '

Surely she's not ignorant to her families dirty doings. She looks at me as I stand up and set my cup inside the sink. I need to get outta here. I tell Gianna it was nice seeing her and rush away as quickly as I can..

I hear them talking in Italian before the words fade into nothing. I race to the bedroom, grab a cigarette and make my way to the balcony. A prisoner, in more ways than one. I finish my cigarette and stay put.. Just looking down at the scenery, it's early afternoon and the sun is shining bright.

••••••••

The week goes by slow, Giovanni is in and out of the house at all hours of the night, something I've grown to like. He's not touched me since the last time, Mostly because I don't give him the chance. I spend most of my time in the garden anyways.