Whispers in New York - Book Two

~Chapter 31~

Chapter Song

Fight Song – Rachel Platten

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Adriana smiled nervously as she retrieved the plate from Giuseppa's hands. Of course Salvatore had told his mother not to bring anything and just like every other year, she brought dessert.
"Josephine you really didn't have to trouble yourself." She stated taking the tart from her grasp and placing it into the refrigerator.

"My son doesn't know how to make dessert and I assume your skills embarrassingly mirror his own." She responded with a smirk hearing the clatter of glass bottles clinging together from inside the refrigerator. She had already hit a nerve.

"Actually," Adriana rebutted turning to face her. "My mother taught me all sorts of baking secrets; I often bring almond cookies to work for everyone. Salvo is normally too busy to eat much during the day, but Stefano and Luca seem to enjoy them."

"Those boys will eat anything you put in front of them."

"Speaking of eating." Salvatore's voice interrupted the pair from the doorway, "Adriana and I should start plating up. Siediti mamma." (sit down)

"I'll take care of it." Adriana smiled thankful for the interruption and secretly hoping Salvatore had no further business to discuss with Stefano. Giuseppa had always been a hard nut to crack and tonight was no different, it seemed as though the birthday spirit was lost on her.

"Ho una bella bottiglia di vino rosso, se ti piace ti do una cassa per portare a casa." (I have a beautiful bottle of red wine, if you like it I'll give you a case to take home) He ushered her out of the kitchen area swooping up the bottle of red on his way out to the set dining table.

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"Salvo as always you have made me proud. It has come out perfect." Giuseppa praised her son impressed with the quality of food he had served up to her.
Twirling the fresh tagliatelle onto her fork, she made sure to mop up the rich ragù before bringing the fork to her lips. "And this chicken!" She exclaimed, "where did you get the recipe?"

"Adriana did all the hard work there. She insisted on making it for you."

"My nonna taught me how to make it." She revealed finishing off her second glass of wine and eyeing off the bottle.
This was the best thing she had received remotely resembling a compliment all night. Yet she had a feeling it was all about to be turned around.
From the moment Giuseppa had walked through the door with Stefano she knew she was up for a very interesting night.

"Hmm," she made a slight sound of annoyance. "Well I suppose its ok considering. An OK effort for a woman."

As Salvatore cleared his throat, he found himself feeling a little embarrassed by the situation but not at all willing to start a dispute at his mother's birthday dinner.
Instead he reached for the bottle of red wine and poured his girlfriend another glass.

She's earned it.

He thought to himself before dipping back into his seat.

"Well..." Adriana's voice trailed off a little unsure of what to make of the instantly shut down compliment.
She reached for her glass for yet more liquid encouragement before setting it back down and forcing a smile. "I have no doubt that you're far more advanced in the kitchen than I am. I can only hope that one day I'd be able to pass on the skills you have passed onto Salvo to my own children."
She watched as Giuseppa reached for a piece of the crusty bread in front of her and dipped it into the cacciatore sauce she had slaved over all night and day. Silently smiling on the inside knowing very well she was enjoying her meal far more than she was willing to let on.