History
He encouraged her to keep walking towards the farm. “Your grandfather was hoping we would do it as a favor and my father was still very hurt by the way he cut him off he laughed in his face.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Dad was pissed. Sat in your grandfather’s shitty little kitchen at his table and laughed at him for moving to America to live the American dream yet he was living in near poverty with a son who clearly hated his parents and a daughter who was so desperate for affection she went seeking it in the arms of a classmate.”
“My grandparents loved my mother.”
“Yes. They did. Your grandmother was a very soft-hearted person and each time your grandfather tried to discipline the kids, she would scream at him for being a thug, but your mother was not particularly good socially with no friends to speak of and because of it, she fell for the first boy who paid her attention.”
“How do you know this?”
“Because behind your grandmother’s back, after we did the job for your family, your grandfather and my father started talking again. Your grandfather hated his life. He loved your grandmother. He adored her. He loved his kids, even Ippocrate despite him being a total douchebag but he hated living in America. He hated being dirt poor. He hated his father died before they reconciled.”
“Your father and my grandfather were friends before he died?”
“For about a year. Your grandmother was furious you were my one but even she was so worried about your mother’s mental health she knew to take the agreement we offered.”
“What did my grandfather do for work when he was here? If he was a Lucchesi, why didn’t he just kill my father on his own?”
“Because your father had a big mouth and told everyone who listened about how your mother was a slut who was trying to lie and say her baby was his. If he went missing it would automatically get linked back to your grandfather.”
“Why did your Nonno force you to come?”
“Because he knew his friend would have not hesitated to help his son, even after all the time which passed.”
“Loyalty is important in this family, isn’t it?”
“In any family, actually,” Icaro agreed.
“Are my great-grandparents buried here, in Sicily?”
“In their town yes.”
“Would you take me sometime to pay my respects? I used to go once a month to the cemetery to put fresh flowers on my grandparents’ graves even though I didn’t know them. It was important to me to remember where I came from.”
“That’s very kind of you, Zorah.”
“It’s the right thing to do. My grandparents died so young, and I know the sacrifices they made for my mom.”
He waved to her book, “should you write in your book?”
“What exactly am I writing?”
“You’re thoughtful.”
She sighed and pulled the booklet out and wrote it in. “This seems absurd.”
“Why does he suggest it?”
“He seems to think I focus too much on my negative qualities and wants me to remind myself of my good ones.”
“I think it’s a great exercise.”
“You wouldn’t need to do it,” she snickered suddenly.
“Why is that?”
“You have no problem with your ego or self-confidence.”
“Are you kidding? Look at me! I’m the shit.”
She giggled at his playful words, “full of it maybe.”
“Hey now,” he picked up a stick as they walked through a large vegetable patch, “I have confidence in spades, but I still have feelings.”
“I know.”
A man leaning against a shovel waved at them and Icaro waved back calling the man by name.
“Are all the workers here your family?”
“Our family,” he corrected with a smirk, “but no. Many are family but many are simply employees of neighboring towns. We provide work and employment opportunities for many people. The fellow who waved there works our farms. He’s actually trained with a college degree in agriculture. He has a brother who works over on the vineyard.”
“Speaking of the vineyard, I haven’t heard from Sidonia today.”
“She and Vodingo are having a day together, only the two of them. I believe he planned a picnic for her and was going to take her for a drive. They have their own battles to work through.” He grinned at her, “but he did tell me he spent a good deal of time reading the quote you told him to and thinking it over.”
“I hope he does right by Sidonia.” She said quietly as they walked, the house now coming into view.
“I know he loves her, Zorah.”
“He’s known her three days.”
“The length of time will not diminish his affection. It will only grow as time goes on, but it won’t ever lessen.”
“You really believe in this whole thing, don’t you?”
“I do,” he nodded. “Even if I didn’t feel it in my heart the way I do, I’ve watched the way my grandfather, father, uncles, some cousins all love their wives from the moment their eyes lock. I’ve seen how the coldest and cruelest of men become the softest and gentlest with their wives.”
“My family, the Grasso family, they didn’t have the same experiences, did they?”
“No. It is entirely a Lucchesi-blood son gift. Only the sons who are direct descendants of my ancestor are able gifted.”
“If we have sons, will they be like this?”
“Like what?”
“Rage filled until they meet some woman to quell their bloodlust. Will my children be assassins?”
The question made him falter in his footsteps and then he nodded, “Zorah it is the way of our family.”
“I need time to think this over, Icaro. On Saturday I was happy to get away from my family but I’m feeling like I’ve jumped from the frying pan into the fire, and I’m overwhelmed and scared.”
He stood in front of her, his hands resting upon her shoulder and not looking away from her, “I know. I failed you, Zorah. So many times, I have failed you and dishonored you and in doing so I made you fear me and our family. We’re going to do better, collectively, as a family to show you who we are and what are about. Family is about protection and safety and having each other’s backs. You will see. I promise.”
“I think I’d like to go back to my room now.”
“Of course. The house is right there. Will you join us for dinner this evening?”
“Will it be like the dinner from last evening?”
“No however my Nonno and Nonna will be present. They would like to meet you.”
“I can’t do another –”
“Zorah,” he put a finger to her lips, “never again will you be subjected to such a dinner as you did last night. I promise.”
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