Don't Shoot the Messenger

13 Meet the Family

* edited

Claire's POV

We gathered our luggage and waited for everyone else in our group to be ready before heading to the exit. As we streamed outside, a row of cars pulled up to meet us. When I commented on the good timing the driver chuckled and said he had driven around 3x before we came out. He adds that he texted one of the security guys as he approached so we didn't have to wait outside long. He glances at Mr Macello in the mirror and reassures us that he wasn't texting while driving. The messages were pre-loaded and he just hit send at a traffic stop... I realize that around him coincidences may be arranged for our convenience. Have I missed other such incidents?

As we get closer to our destination I grow a bit nervous. "What's wrong?"   "I suppose it doesn't matter what your family thinks of me, but I just feel...odd about meeting them."   "Of course it matters" he tells me "and they will not disrespect you. I do not disrespect my Madre by bringing my mistresses beneath her roof. You are my guest and will be treated as such." after a pause, he adds "Do not allow my cousins to flirt with you, please. Some of them are too charming for their own good." I give him an inquisitive look, but he looks away and begins pointing out things as we pass.

There are many nativity scenes and I see clusters of fruits and vegetables around niches with paintings... Some of it goes by a bit too fast to be sure what I am seeing, but Alissandru explains. Several families put together an altar to honor the holy family. They are decorated with fruits and vegetables. The cups of water in front of each image have added ingredients to color them. Each color has a specific meaning: white, red, and blu for purity, passion, and virginity. There are other pieces of symbolism as well. Fennel branches represent the crown of thorns. Cotton was the raw material needed to make the shroud.

Don't let his cousins flirt with me? I could almost think he was jealous, but do we have that kind of relationship? He could think it rude; I am here with him after all. It was the first clear sign of possessiveness I had seen and I wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not. A Mafia Don as a jealous boyfriend could be frightening. Affection, desire, possessiveness... If he felt only one of those things for me possessiveness would be the most dangerous. Desire... I didn't really have experience with the subject myself. Others insisted it was both intensely pleasurable ...and temporary. I am sure it could be fun while it lasted. If I had to choose one, I would rather have his affection. I could come or go from his life and always be welcome. The idea of being trapped in an obsessive relationship with a dangerous man was fading - but not quite gone.

Soon enough the car pulled to a stop in front of a villa. The car with the boys pulls in behind us, but I don't see the others. As usual, I waited for Alissandru to open my door and help me out. We walked together up to the front doors which spilled warmth out to greet us. His Mother hurried forward, eager to welcome her son.

"Benvenuto...So glad to meet you! Come in ...come in ....Alisssandru, my dear, it has been too long. ....And the children! Christmas with young ones in the house again... but I still want grandchildren son."  "Madre! Enough." he hugged her and set her on her feet "Do not make our guest uncomfortable. Are the guest rooms ready?" "Of course. She is in the green room next to yours, and the boys are in the old red room. They finished the renovation weeks ago. Lunch will be ready in an hour, so you all have time to settle in."