Bella Mafia

Chapter 75

I was happy to say that the rest of our honeymoon was fantastic and Vincent was more attentive and more determined to go above and beyond for us.

I was sad to watch our new home get smaller as we drove from it, but took comfort that we could go back any time we wanted because of Vincent's generous wedding present.

We'd been home for about three weeks and for some reason I kept having a nagging feeling about my mom, like I should call her, I didn't know why, but I didn't hesitate to pick up my phone and dial her number.

My heart broke with the first word out of her mouth. "Calli?" Her mom sounded broken and defeated and I knew this was not normal, something bad had definitely happened.

"Mama, what's wrong?" I asked her immediately and that's when she broke down and I let her and when she was done, I asked again and then she told me.

"Your dad left me. Right after we retuned from your engagement party. He's letting me live in the apartment and he's paying the bills and giving me a small allowance, but that was the last time I saw him."

"Mom, why didn't you call me or Nona for that matter? I'm so sorry" I told her and believe it or not, I actually meant it. True I did not love my mother like I should and Nona was more of a mother to me than she, but I didn't want her suffering unduly.

We talked for about an hour and then we hung up. I didn't know what to do with the information or how to process it, so I just sat there for a while, pondering it all and decided to call Nona.

"Calli, cara, how are you?" She always sounded so bright and happy. "I'm good and we had an amazing time in Rome and do you know what my crazy husband did? He bought me a villa!"  I laughed.

Nona chuckled and said that didn't surprise her considering how smitten Vincent was with me and I agreed. Then Nona asked why I really called.

"I never could get anything past you, but yes, I do have some things to talk to you about. The first one being Vincent's birthday is in two months, we would like you here" I told her and she said nothing would keep her away.

"The other thing is, I spoke to mom this morning" I let it sink in before I continued. "She sounded horrible Nona and she said my dad left her. Did you know about this?" I asked.

I heard her sigh and then she answered "I suspected but didn't know for sure plus I haven't spoken with him since he pulled that stunt at your engagement party. I'm sorry Calli. I wished I could tell you more" she said sadly.

"Nona what would you think if I asked her to come and stay with us for a bit? I mean I would have to talk with Vincent but even with everything that's gone on, she's still my mother and the thought of her being hurt and lonely just kills me." I couldn't help but tear up over this.

"Calli it's what makes you, you. You have a very tender heart and I dare say your husband will not deny you whatever you ask for.

I think it's a splendid idea and despite your mother's shortcomings she would be denying herself the opportunity to get to know you again." Nona always knew what to say and I loved her for it.

I dressed for the day in a cute pair of blue jean shorts and vintage Marilyn Monroe tee shirt, put my hair in a high ponytail, pulled on my sandals and threw on some lip gloss and headed downstairs to talk to Clarissa.

"Good morning everyone!" I called out to Clarissa, Alberto and Bri. Receiving a hug from Clarissa and kisses from Bri and Alberto, I grabbed a plate and loaded up with a couple of pieces of French toast, fruit and bacon.

"Guys, I need to talk to you about something" I began, then took a bite of breakfast. "What is it darling?" Alberto asked. I cleared my throat and started.