MELROSE

CHAPTER 25

Here's the thing about Italians.

A man could marry and produce seven children. Those seven children in turn could have at least five children each from their first marriage and more from the second. Those children could be anything from a four months old baby girl to a thirty year old man who already has kids. They could live in different towns, states, countries, continents even, but when one person announces he's hosting a Christmas party for the family, they all find every means possible to be there. And some bring plus ones.

To put it in more realistic terms, the Mancini house was packed. Not packed as in you could barely breathe but packed as in the house was overflowing with people and yet there was still enough space. I was starting to rethink whose house was bigger.

Immediately we stepped in, Mum, Fletch, Court and I, I had a huge feeling I was not going to enjoy the party. Granted we had been welcomed warmly, Diana herself had come to do that instead of letting one of the numerous butlers I'd never seen till today do it for her. She had told us Buon Natale! with a huge smile and a good looking about ten year old boy introduced himself as Greco and said he would be telling us the joke of the evening.

"What do you call a person who's afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic!"

We all laughed. It wasn't that funny, in fact it wasn't funny at all, but there was a way he said it that made us laugh. As I laughed, I scanned the crowd and saw that most of the teenage girls in the room were whispering to each other and pointing at me. Not good things because frowns were etched unto their faces. I was close enough to hear one say "Why a jumpsuit? It's not even the designer kind. Doesn't she own a dress? Is it even possible for a girl to be that tall?"

Let's just say my spirits went down after that. Stupid, I know.

And so it I stayed two hours later, sitting by myself in a corner, a tall glass of apple juice in hand, watching everyone else have a great time. Funny thing, I haven't seen Don once.

"Aura."

I turned slowly, frowning at the tall unfamiliar man that was grinning, holding out a hand for me to shake.

I tentatively accepted it. "Hi. Merry Christmas. Do I know you?"

His grin widened. "Ah. I thought only old people forgot easily."

Then it clicked. "Riccardo? What are you doing ..."

I cut myself short as I looked at him. Really looked at him. From his almond eyes to his jet black hair to his high cheekbones. I rolled my eyes at myself for not noticing before.

"You're Diego's brother."

He raised a brow. "He lets you call him Diego?"

"He usually doesn't?"

"No. Not really. Anyways what's a fine young lady like yourself doing here by herself hmm?"

"Well this is a family party. And I'm not family."

He waved me off. "Nonsense. Trust me kiddo if they didn't think you were family, you wouldn't be here. Besides, not everyone here is family. See those five girls over there? I've never seen them in my life and I know every Mancini out there."

I smiled, remembering something. "Are you into my mother?"

He blinked, but before he could dignify my question with an answer, a force landed on him and the impact made him push the juice out of my hand. Luckily, it didn't spill. The force turned out to be the boy from before, Greco.

"Dad! I've been looking all over for you!"

"Grec, what have I told you about surprise attacks in public places?"