Page 52 of My Big Fat Italian Break-Up

‘I can’t leave them – they’ll be terrified!’ Julian yelled in dismay, and my heart went out to him. He’d built a strong bond with those lovely creatures.

‘Terrified, yes. But also safe. They’re all inside. I’d already closed them in for the night.’

We all fell silent and listened to the deafening sound against the windows and shutters as the locusts tried to get in, beating themselves against the shutters. Never had I experienced anything so horrifying in my whole life, bar Ira wielding a baseball bat over my head.

In my arms, Maddy trembled. ‘Are we going to die, Mommy?’

I looked down into her green eyes, wide with fear, and I hugged her, ruffling her hair as I smothered my own fear and desperation. ‘Oh, no, sweetheart – of course not! It’s like… the rain. Tomorrow, it’ll be sunny again, you’ll see.’

Julian, who was by the window, fists rolled up in anger, turned to us, his eyes softening.

‘Come here, sweetie.’

He beckoned and Maddy left my lap to go sit on his. When she nestled up against him, he stroked her head.

‘Listen to me, Maddy,’ he whispered, and she looked up at him solemnly. ‘It’s only nature playing a little joke on us. The… uhm, storm is loud but really, it’s nothing. You mustn’t be afraid. This is a solid house. You’ll always be safe here. OK?’

She nodded and wrapped her arms around him.

‘What about the crops?’ Warren asked, and Julian shook his head.

‘The harvest is going to be ruined,’ Martino said. ‘The grapes, the olives, the fruit – everything.’

‘Are we poor now?’ Warren asked.

‘Of course not, lad,’ Julian answered, but in his eyes I could see dismay.

The amount of damage and recoup work were already incalculable, even without considering the loss of the guests’ income. This was an absolute disaster!

My cellphone started ringing on the counter. It was Renata.

‘Are you guys OK?’ I heard her shout over the loud rumble.

‘Just made it inside,’ I answered. ‘Does this happen often?’

I knew about flooding, strong winds, droughts, but all the months I’d spent on researching Tuscany, nothing had ever mentioned this kind of phenomena.

‘I’ve never seen anything like it before,’ she answered. ‘I’m afraid to see the damage tomorrow morning. Marco’s practically in tears.’

‘Yes, Julian, too,’ I whispered for Maddy’s benefit. ‘He’s worried about the horses, especially his foal, Gracie.’

‘They’re safe, Erica,’ Renata reassured. ‘The stalls are sturdy.’

‘You’re not scared?’ I asked under my breath.

‘Nah, it’ll be OK. Just stay shut up for the night and you’ll be fine.’

‘OK,’ I said. ‘Thanks, Renata. Call me if you need anything.’

‘You too, sweetie. Stay safe.’ She hung up.

Paulie. I had to call Paulie.

‘Hey! Where are you?’ I yelled down the phone.

‘I’m at a friend’s house. I was just about to call you. Everything OK?’

‘We’re coping. Stay put and don’t go out until morning. Can your friend put you up for the night?’