fan the flames for seven days
because fire requires time to spread, amore mio
and on the sixth day, boil acqua
add zucchero until it dissolves
for more hair on the chest, add more acqua
for a sweeter finish, add more zucchero
quanto basta
cool overnight, and in the morning
make a wish, quanto basta—
—che cosa vuoi?
When it’s ready, serve chilled with the boy you love
at night under the stars by the Sea
I’ve sipped limoncello with Nonno,
I’ve had an Amalfi lemon,
I’ve been to the Sea,
but you—you’re more elusive,
one none can equal,
the perfect amount
not too much
not too little
Un sogno, un giorno
quanto basta
RICKY DELUCA
“Measure Twice, Cut Once”
. . . One Year, One Month, One Week, and Two Days Earlier . . .
“I’m a coward,” I said before the door to Sienna’s car had clicked shut.
She idled in the driveway of Topher’s Hamptons mansion, staring. “You’re lucky I was still home at Mom and Dad’s for the week.” It was after my graduation. She hadn’t gone back to the city yet. “You gonna tell me what’s going on, or—” She stopped mid-sentence, reaching for my face. With her thumb, she wiped a steady stream of tears from my cheek I didn’t realize were flowing. I couldn’t feel anything I was so numb. “You’re shaking, Ric. What the hell happened? Did Fielder do something to you? I’ll murder—”
I shook my head. “No, he didn’t do anything to me.Ibroke up with him, and I’ll tell you everything, but I need you to drive before I change my mind and go back inside.”
Like a dam breaking, I lost it. I hadn’t cried that much sinceNonno passed away. I told Sienna everything, including how Fielder and I spent our last night in each other’s arms, holding tight to each other like it was the last time we’d ever be together. When Fielder finally fell asleep and I knew I wouldn’t, I slipped out and called Sienna. Packed my bags. I couldn’t face him in the morning.
“You didn’t even say goodbye to him?”
