Page 27 of The Consequence of You (Heathley Academy #2)

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CALLIE

At twenty-three, he’s four years older than me. We were close growing up, but we’ve barely spoken since he moved to Sicily. We’re practically strangers. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve seen him since he left, and we’ve never discussed the past.

It was always the plan that once he finished his degree, and then his master’s in business studies, he’d move back here to manage some of our father’s bars and restaurants. However, it’s come around quicker than I thought it would, and the actual reality is finally sinking in.

I’m nervous .

I tell myself we won’t see that much of each other now, even though he’s home.

My university course is full-on in terms of contact time, and I presume Luca will keep later hours, spending most evenings in one of our family establishments.

But there is no doubt we’ll see more of each other than we have done for a long time.

Despite my nerves, and the fact our relationship is virtually non-existent now, it felt wrong to not be here to welcome him home.

Luca lifts his suitcase up the steps effortlessly, as his driver takes the car around to our underground garage, where he’ll unload the rest of the luggage.

My brother’s skin is more olive toned than mine, clearly from the time spent near the Med. He puts down his case on the top step and leans down to greet me.

“Ciao, sorellina. Look at you. So grown up.” He kisses me softly on each cheek. “I’ve been gone too long.” He shakes his head, a sad look on his face. His Italian accent is much more pronounced than mine, having lived in our home country far longer than I ever did.

We head into the hallway where Rossi greets him with a handshake.

“Good afternoon, Signore Messina.”

“Good to see you again, Rossi. And please, you know I’d prefer you to call me Luca.” Rossi nods.

“Of course. I hope your journey was pleasant?”

“Yes, all on time, no delays.” I stand to the side, watching them interact, glad Rossi is here, too .

“Signore Luca, I took the liberty of ordering in a light supper for you. Are you ready for it now?”

“Thank you. That’s very thoughtful. Callie, will you join me in the conservatory to eat? You too, Rossi. It’d be good to catch up with you both.”

I nod numbly and follow him through to what was our Mama’s favourite room in the house.

We’re deep into autumn now, but the sun has been shining all afternoon, so the conservatory is warm.

It’s south facing, and I’m struck by how the garden is still lush and green.

It was modelled to look like the outdoor space back in our Sicilian home.

I’m ashamed to admit, I rarely sit in here to appreciate it anymore.

Luca takes one of the large sofas and I sit opposite him. We sit quietly as Rossi brings out some olives and dips, and some fresh bread and uncorks a bottle of red wine. My brother and Rossi pour themselves a glass, but I opt for a glass of water instead.

The tension in the room is palpable. Unsurprisingly, the few conversations we’ve had over the last few years have been stilted. Why would they be anything else, when the entire reason Luca moved out to Sicily was down to me? I can still remember the night Papa told him.

CALLIE - AGE 16

The door to Papa’s study slams shut, but his raised voice can still be heard.

Luca came home drunk again tonight. Since our mother’s death, his behaviour has got progressively worse.

He’s nineteen, so legally he’s allowed to drink, but he’s binge drinking to the point of not knowing what he’s doing.

He brings a different woman home every weekend, showing no respect to Papa, and it sounds as though Papa is refusing to stand for it any longer.

The door swings open again and Luca staggers past me.

“Fuck this,” he growls before slamming his fist into the mirror hanging on the wall outside Papa’s study.

It smashes, shards of glass falling onto the floor.

He reeks of whiskey, and blood drips down his fist. I reach out as he passes, hoping he’ll let me help him, but he just shrugs me off as I fight back tears.

Papa exits the room. He can barely make eye contact with me.

“Luca is going to Sicily. He’ll live with Uncle Santos. He’ll finish university there and learn the family business. I won’t have this disrespect any longer.”

“Papa, please, this isn’t his fault. Don’t send him away. He’s grieving.”

“My decision is made. I don’t want to hear anything else about it.”

He stalks down the hallway in the opposite direction, and I’m left standing alone.

This is all my fault.

A few months ago, Luca was a normal teenager. Papa was firm, but never dictatorial. We were happy. Our family is unrecognisable now. Our mother’s death broke it.

I broke it.

CALLIE - PRESENT

Lifting the glass of water to my mouth, I take a small sip. I shake my head when Rossi offers me the platter of cold meat. My appetite has been non-existent today.

Luca smiles at me, and I can’t help but wonder how he can even bear to sit in the same room as me, let alone make conversation.

“How are you, sorellina?”

“I’m well. How are you and Papa?”

“I’m good. I’m looking forward to a new challenge. Papa is still working too hard and insisting on being hands on with everything. You know how he is.”

“Sounds like nothing has changed then?”

We’ve both encouraged him to let go a little over the years, as our mama did, but he’s a workaholic. Always has been. He has been talking about retiring for a couple of years, but we both fear he could burn out before then.

“No, but with me taking over the management in the UK it means when he is home, he should be able to relax a little more. Spend more quality time with you.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but you and I both know he isn’t going to just stand by and leave you to it when he’s here.”

We laugh but it’s awkward. I pick up a piece of bread and chew it, but it feels like sawdust on my tongue. Luca strums his fingers on his knee.

“How’s university life? How’s the course going?”

“It’s good. Interesting. I don’t miss high school, that’s for sure.”

Luca nods.

“I just wanted to say, nothing needs to change now I’m home. You’re still welcome to have people over or hold a party here any time you like.”

“Thank you. But parties aren’t really my scene.”

I’m not sure why I told him that. I’m sure he doesn’t really care one way or another and is only being polite. I recall his social life at my age, and it was nothing like mine. He was always hosting parties, and he was out most weekends. Another thing I spoiled for him.

“Fair enough. Are you seeing anyone special?”

My eyes flick to Rossi, and I wonder if he told Luca I had Asher here the other night. He subtly shakes his head before popping another quartered fig in his mouth.

“No. Not at the moment. Are you?” My deflection is deliberate. I’d rather talk about Luca than myself. He smiles.

“Nothing that’s worth going long distance for. The plan has always been for me to return here, so all my lady friends knew there was no permanence on offer. Plus, variety is the spice of life. You know how indecisive I can be.”

He grins, and for a few seconds, I’m reminded of the five-year-old version of him, never being able to choose which flavour of cake he wanted from the shop. It’s enough to make me relax and forget the animosity between us for a minute.

“All my lady friends.” I air quote and raise a brow. “That sounds fun?”

“There have been a few. But I’m always safe and respectful. They are clear on what I’m offering, and it works for everyone involved. No Messina bambinos running around, you don’t need to worry.”

“Er, thanks for the visual, I guess.” I smile genuinely for the first time this evening, and he grins again, like the cheeky brother I remember from my childhood.

I wonder how things can feel so easy between us, when I’d been so sure he’d come back here full of resentment.

“You seem happy?” I don’t dare to hope that he is, but that’s how he seems.

“I am happy. Really happy, Callie. ”

Hearing him say the words so convincingly feels like a huge weight has been lifted. I can almost feel one of the cracks in my heart heal a little.

We sit comfortably in silence, the warm sun low, glowing beautiful orangey pink behind the tall trees that surround our garden. Rossi stands, telling us he’s going into the kitchen for dessert. He leaves the room, and Luca turns to me with a curious glance.

“Are you?”

“Am I what?”

“Are you happy, Callie?”

His question makes me pause. I’m happy. I have no reason not to be. But for some reason the affirmation sticks in my throat. He softens his tone.

“I’ve not been the best big brother to you, Callie. But I’m here now. And if you ever want to talk to me, about anything. I’m available. You ever need me to sort out someone who hasn’t treated you right? I’m your guy.”

I smile at the thought of Luca defending my honour or putting someone right.

“Thank you, Luca. But I’m good. I’m happy.”

He smiles and nods at my words, but they feel hollow. For some reason the words taste like a lie, even though nothing I’ve said is untrue. He doesn’t look like he believes them anymore than I do, but he doesn’t push me on it, and I appreciate that.

“So, work. What’s your plan?”

“Early night tonight, and then I’ll do a quick unannounced visit to each of the restaurants this week, during the daytime, and the same with the bars in the evening.

I want to get a look at them all. I’m not looking to catch anyone out, but I would like to see them from an outsider’s point of view, get an initial feel on things.

” He flips through his phone. “ The following week, I’ll set up some meetings to get to know all the managers properly.

And then I’m meeting with the accountant to suggest a few things.

I’ve already looked at the books and worked out a few little tweaks to save money et cetera.

but overall, it’s all looking pretty healthy. ”

I’m impressed. Luca isn’t the carefree teenager I remember from our youth.

He’s serious about business, and I can tell from the way his eyes light up that he’s genuinely passionate about this.

Papa must be so proud of him. A pang of sadness hits me knowing Mama isn’t here to see this. She would be unbelievably proud, too.

I dig my nails into my leg to stop my eyes welling up.

I robbed them both of that. She should be here now.

Sitting in her favourite room, looking out over her beautiful gardens.

Filling her son’s glass with wine. Telling him how proud she is and sharing his excitement tonight.

She would probably have cooked him his favourite meal or planned a family BBQ for the weekend.

Instead, it’s just me and the security staff.

I plaster a wide smile on my face. The least I can do is try to make up for it.

“Sounds like a really good plan. I don’t eat there very often, but I know the restaurant in the city is popular.

And one of the bars in town is a favourite with students.

Tuesday night’s open mic night, particularly.

Maybe it’s something that could be replicated in a couple of the other bars on different nights? ”

Luca looks genuinely interested in my suggestion and nods enthusiastically.

“Great idea, thanks Callie. I’ll check that out next week. Fancy keeping me company?” he asks, his head cocked. “If you’re free?”

“I’d love to.” I genuinely mean it. Tonight’s been fun.

Far more than I’d expected it to be. The opportunity to spend more time with him is more appealing than I could ever have imagined.

Smiling like a fool, I feel my heart slowly defrosting.

I should have been better at keeping in touch.

The age gap felt huge when he left, but not so much now.

He stretches his legs and stifles a yawn. It’s only a couple of hours’ time difference, but travelling has probably left him worn out.

We stand and head into the hallway.

“It’s good to have you back, fratello.”

“It’s good to be home, sorellina.”

“It could do with a little more seasoning,” I follow my mouthful of risotto with a sip of Vermentino, “but the wine is excellent.” It’s the restaurant’s house wine, as recommended by the waiter. Luca nods and makes a note in his notebook.

“Agreed. I’ll get chef Alesso to come over to do some training with the chef here. It’s not bad, it’s just not as perfect as it could be.” He sips his wine. “You’re right about this wine, too. It really is excellent. I’ll make sure they have this across all our restaurants.”

Luca scribbles down a few more notes as I look around the restaurant. It’s one of our smaller eateries, and the décor is lovely. It’s quiet for lunchtime in this busy location.

“What about having a fixed price lunch menu, aimed at local office workers? Keep it simple, just dishes that can be cooked and served quickly with a coffee to go afterwards. I know we don’t do that anywhere else, but it might work here.”

Luca looks up, his eyes sparkling.

“Great idea. I’ll ask Alesso to help them come up with a few ideas while he’s here.

We can get some leaflets printed to promote it.

It won’t cost much to give it a trial run.

” He scribbles away for a few seconds, and then sits back in his chair.

“I’m impressed, mia sorellina. Are you interested in coming to work for the family business with me? ”

“Luca, you are far better qualified in this area than me, but I am happy to come and eat lunch with you frequently, if that helps.” I reach over and snaffle the last piece of tortellini off his plate and shove it in my mouth as he shakes his head in mock disapproval.

The waiter brings over a dessert menu and we argue animatedly over which one to split, eventually deciding to get three between us, using the reasoning that it’s necessary for work purposes.