“As do I,” Sofia broke in. “After all, I’m his godmother and his aunt.”
Her passionate defense made me bold. “Gregorio doesn’t want to go to Harvard.” Might as well lay it right out there.
“He doesn’t?” Her jaw slackened in amazement. “But I thought he was eager to go to America.”
I lifted a shoulder. “Maybe so. But not as a business student working to take over his father’s vineyards. He wants to be a chef, Sofia.”
To my surprise, her lips slowly tilted into a Cheshire smile. “I always knew there was something. Something I wasn’t seeing but feeling.” She patted her ample bosom.
Now this was news to me. “You did?”
“Ah, yes.” She sat back with satisfaction, crossing her legs and bobbing the toe of one bowed shoe. “The care he takes with sauces, not too thick or too thin. And always the freshest vegetables. One time he sent my salad back to Constanza because he said the lettuce was not fresh.”
I chuckled. “Oh, you must love Gregorio if you noticed those details.”
“Of course, I do,” she huffed. “I want what is best for him.” She nipped her lower lip between her teeth. “But I can see the problem. Marco has always had hopes for his son and they include a degree from Harvard to better manage those family vineyards.”
Oh, this was so exasperating. “But can’t he have different hopes? Can’t he see that Gregorio could win world renown as a chef?” That might be a stretch but what was life if not to follow your dreams?
Sofia grew thoughtful. “Gregorio has told you that this is what he wants?”
“Oh yes, no question about that.” I paused thinking about the sadness in his face recently. “I’m afraid sending that young man off to Harvard would be a big mistake. And he might not even be accepted, Sofia. Only a small percentage of the applicants make it. Gregorio’s aspiration is much more reachable.”
“I see.” Rising, Sofia smoothed her summer sundress. Studded with sprigs of lavender, it did not come from a catalogue. “Then I must speak with Marco at once.”
I followed her to the door. “Do you think Gregorio has a chance?”
Wearing a smug expression, Sofia turned. “Marco loves his son very much. Like most parents, he wants what is best. Granted, this will be a difficult decision. There’s a lot at stake, but I think he will see reason.”
“I understand that.” Thinking back to this crazy summer which had started as a way to save Lexi from herself and ended with me scheming to protect my pupil, I nodded. “Yes, parents will do anything to save their children.”
“And what about you?” When she turned, her full skirt rustled.
I opened the door. “What do you mean?”
Sofia leaned closer, although no one appeared to be in the hall. “What about you and Marco?”
I stepped back. “Sofia, I don’t know what you’ve heard but there is no ‘me and Marco.’ ” The very idea was preposterous.
“Heard?” The pearl drops hanging from her ears quivered when she gave her head an impatient shake. “Don’t be silly. I have eyes. I watched you two dancing at the party.”
Oh, for heaven sakes. What was she talking about? My heart was beating wildly.
Twirling around with a cute little giggle, she skipped out into the hall. “Why don’t you come with me?”
“Oh, no. This should be your personal conversation.” Seeing Marco again? I couldn’t imagine it. All I wanted was to leave and go home.
“No, no.” She waved me on. “Come. You will save me the worry of telling you everything we say.”
She had a point. I did want to hear this in person. But the thought of facing Marco sent my heart into spasms.
* * *
Bolstered by Sofia’s energy,I tried to be hopeful as she rapped on Marco’s door.
“Come in!” he called out.
The tone of his voice made me turn to Sofia. “He sounds a little surly.”
