Breaking the Grid

Gelato

As Blair parked the car in front of the villa, I couldn't help but admire the view. The Antonelli home was a gorgeous Italian villa nestled between olive trees, its stone walls glowing in the late morning sunlight. The air smelled of fresh herbs and lemon trees, a stark contrast to the bustling airport we'd just left behind.

Blair hopped out of the car with her usual energy, her long legs carrying her around the front to grab my suitcase from the trunk before I even had a chance to move. "I've got this," she said casually, lifting it with ease. "You just worry about making a good impression."

I raised an eyebrow at her. "Good impression? I thought I already won everyone over."

Blair smirked. "With my mom? Absolutely. With Marco? You'll have to fight me for the title of his favorite person."

Kimi had already started up the stone path toward the house, calling out in Italian as he approached the door. I didn't catch all of it, but I heard "Blair" and "Kyra," followed by the unmistakable sound of excitement from inside.

The door opened, and a petite, elegant woman stepped out, her smile wide and welcoming. Elisabetta Antonelli—or Betta, as Blair called her—looked every bit the warm Italian matriarch I'd imagined. She spread her arms wide as Blair reached her first, kissing both her cheeks.

"Mia figlia," Betta said, her voice full of affection before pulling Blair into a brief hug.

Blair stepped aside, gesturing toward me with a proud smile. "Mama, this is Kyra. La mia Ky."

Betta's eyes lit up as she turned her attention to me, immediately pulling me into a warm embrace. "Benvenuta, Kyra! Welcome! We are so happy you're here."

"Thank you, Betta," I said, returning her hug. "I've heard so much about you."

She pulled back, her hands still on my arms as she studied me with a kind smile. "All good things, I hope?"

I glanced at Blair, who gave me a playful wink. "Mostly," I teased, earning a soft laugh from Betta.

Kimi reappeared, stepping out of the house with a tall, broad-shouldered man who looked like an older version of him. Marco Antonelli, Blair's "second dad," as she called him, had a kind face and an easy demeanor.

"Marco!" Blair called out, her voice full of excitement as she went to greet him.

"Blair!" Marco replied with equal enthusiasm, pulling her into a bear hug that lifted her slightly off the ground.

When they separated, Marco turned to me, extending a hand with a warm smile. "You must be Kyra. I've heard so much about you."

I shook his hand, feeling immediately at ease. "All good things, I hope," I said, repeating the line I'd just used with Betta.

Marco laughed. "Blair's never short on praise when it comes to you." He glanced at Blair, who looked momentarily flustered but quickly covered it with a playful roll of her eyes.

I followed them inside, the cool interior of the villa a welcome contrast to the warm sun outside. The house was cozy and inviting, filled with the smell of something delicious cooking in the kitchen. Pictures of the family lined the walls, and the dining table was already set for lunch.

"Sit, sit," Betta urged, motioning toward the living room. "Lunch will be ready soon. Marco, take Kyra's suitcase upstairs to Blair's room."

Blair raised her hand. "I've got it," she said, still holding onto my suitcase as if it were a feather.

"Always so independent," Marco teased, shaking his head but smiling.

As Blair headed upstairs with my bag, Kimi flopped onto the couch, patting the seat next to him. "Come, Ky. Sit. Tell me—what is it like traveling with this one?" He nodded toward the stairs where Blair had disappeared. "She's very... particular."