Page 363 of Valentino

“What is your full name?” He asks.

“Halle Johnston.”

The waiter returns with a bottle of wine, she opens it and pours a little into a glass. He tastes it, “Va bene.”

She then fills our glasses and leaves us alone.

He raises his glass and I hold mine up to touch his, “To speed dating ….. the long way.”

I smile softly, “That sounds perfect.”

* * *

“And that’s how I intend on moving forward.” Dante tells me.

“Interesting.” I sip my wine; the last four hours have been so…. Blissfully regular.

This is what a normal date feels like.

We’ve laughed and talked about all things Italian. We talked about our friends and life in America. Dante has explained in great detail his business plans for the next five years. He’s thoughtful, calculated and has a very clear plan to where he wants to go in life.

The fact that I still find him attractive is a miracle in itself, he’s the exact opposite to the kind of man I usually gravitate toward. To be honest, the fire has dulled a little with his oversharing but perhaps that’s because I’m chasing a thrill instead of stability.

No…

I’m going to see where this goes, I know it has potential.

“Ciao.” I hear a woman’s voice.

Dante’s eyes widen, “Mama. What are you doing here?” He stands and kisses her two cheeks.

Oh crap, it’s his mother.

“I’m having dinner with Rosina.” She turns her attention to me, “Who is your lovely friend, Dante?”

“Mama, this is Halle. She is visiting from America.”

“Hello.” I smile as I shake her hand. She’s glamorous and beautiful, not at all what the average woman her age looks like.

“Hello.” She smiles warmly and turns her attention back to her son, “You didn’t tell me you had a date tonight.”

“Mama.” He laughs, “Contrary to what you believe you do not need know everything about me.”

“You are wrong, my boy.” She laughs, “Was the meal nice?” She asks me.

“Lovely.” I smile nervously, unsure what to say next.

“Do not forget Sunday.” She tells him.

“I won’t.”

“Actually,” Her eyes come back to me, “You must join us for lunch on Sunday, Halle. It’s a family tradition, the week before Christmas we always go to my favourite restaurant for their tidings feast; you will love it.”

“Oh, that’s so lovely of you to invite me.”

God, I can’t believe it’s Christmas next week. We’ve been so busy settling in that we haven’t even thought about the holiday season.

“Mama, Halle doesn’t want to come to a family dinner.” He scoffs.