Page 23 of The Pretender

“Yeah, they are.”

We both turn at the sound of knocking, then the door swings open and a short, petite woman with silver hair barges in, looking around. When her eyes land on Deo, her smile grows.

“Nipote. You’re home.”

Deo pops up, hurrying over to the woman and throwing his arms around her. “Hi, Nonna.”

She kisses his cheeks rapidly several times as he laughs. My heart flutters in my chest watching the scene. She reminds me so much of my own nonna, may she rest in peace.

“Who is this handsome fella?” she asks, turning her warm gaze to me. Her eyes still sparkle with youth and happiness.

“This is my guy, Nonna. Balt.”

“Balt,” she repeats. “Is that your real name?”

“Nonna,” Deo complains, but I smile.

“Balthazar.”

“Hmm. I thought your parents were unique. Balt it is. How old are you?”

“Geez, Nonna. Interrogate the guy, why don’t ya?”

“Forty-one, ma’am.”

“Call me Nonna.” She looks me up and down with discerning eyes. “Less than ten years age gap is okay. You’re Italian?”

“Yes. First generation.”

“Where are your people from?”

“Florence and the Bologna area.”

“Northerners. Hmm. Well don’t think that holds any value here. We’re good folks too.”

Oh yes, she definitely reminds me of my own nonna.

“Nonna, come on. He’s not like that,” Deo says.

“As far as I’m concerned, we’re all family. North or south doesn’t matter,” I tell her.

She wrinkles her nose, but a big grin spreads across her face. Her youthful beauty is still present in her features, and she’s got that spitfire Italian blood in her veins.

“I’m teasing ya. Come here.”

I step forward and the small woman wraps her arms around me in a much stronger than anticipated hug.

“Welcome to the family.”

Guilt fills my chest, but I nod and smile, briefly glancing at Deo, who’s chewing on his bottom lip, likely processing the same thoughts and feelings I am.

“Thank you, Nonna.”

“I’ll get out of your hair.” She heads towards the door. “We’ll walk in the garden tomorrow morning, and you can tell me everything.”

I’m sure that comment was directed at Deo—at least, I hope it was. The less I get to know his family, the easier it’ll be when I have to leave. On her way out, she pinches Deo’s cheek.

“Your cousin is mad you didn’t call. They’ll be at dinner.”