The Don and His Mafia Princess

CHAPTER 9

An hour later, I am back in my hotel room, exhausted to my core. All I want is to collapse into bed and sleep for days, but of course, that’s when my phone starts ringing incessantly. I groan and check the caller ID, surprised to see it’s Mama.

“Hello, Mama,” I say, trying to inject some energy into my voice.

“Hello Dear, how are you doing?” Her warm, familiar voice wraps around me.

“Not so good, to be honest. How about you?” I sink onto the bed.

“I am fine, but what’s wrong, sweetheart?” Concern laces her words.

“I’ve been having awful cramps all day, and Stefano has been an absolute nightmare to work with.”

“Oh honey, I’m so sorry. Why don’t you tell me all about it at lunch.”

I laugh humorlessly. “Mama, how? You’re in Miami, and I’m stuck here in California.”

“You’ll see,” she says mysteriously. A knock sounds at the door. “Hold on a minute, Mama, someone’s here.”

I open the door, and my jaw drops. Mama is standing there, smiling at me with love shining in her eyes.

“Mama! What - how - what are you doing here?” I stammer, shock and joy warring inside me.

“I wanted to surprise you! I’ll explain everything over lunch. Now go get your purse so we can catch up properly.” She squeezes my hands.

Still reeling, I grab my purse with shaking hands. Mama links her arm with mine as we head to the hotel restaurant. The familiar scent of her perfume calms my frayed nerves. We settle at a table, and I fidget with my napkin, impatient for answers.

“So, really, Mama, what brings you to California? Not that I’m complaining.”

Her expression turns somber. “I wanted to see you before I leave. Your grandma had a mild stroke yesterday. I’m flying to Mexico to check on her.”

Ice slides down my spine. “Oh my God! Is she going to be okay?” Worry claws at my throat.

“The doctors think so, but I need to see for myself, you know?” Mama reaches over to clasp my hand. “Thank the Lord it wasn’t worse. And once you’re done working, you can fly out to see her, too.”

“Of course, of course, I will.” I take a shuddering breath, trying to process this news. “I’m so glad you’re here, Mama. You have no idea how much I need you right now.”

“I’m always here for you, baby. Now, tell me more about what’s going on with Stefano. I’m so sorry he’s giving you a hard time.”

“Ugh, Mama, you won’t believe how he embarrassed me today! I wanted to smack him.” Frustration simmers in my veins again as I recount the disastrous meeting.

Mama listens intently, her brow furrowed. “Hmm. It sounds to me like there may be more to this than meets the eye. Is it possible something happened between you two in the past that he hasn’t forgiven?”

I blink at her, nonplussed. “What? No, I don’t think so... I mean, I can’t remember doing anything to upset him. I barely interacted with him whenever I was in Sicily.”

A knowing smile plays at the corners of her mouth. “Barely interacted, or barely managed to string two words together around him? He was your first big crush! I remember how you used to get so flustered in his presence.”

Heat floods my cheeks. “Mama! Why are you smiling about that? It was mortifying!” I bury my burning face in my hands.

“Oh, honey. Even if he didn’t return your feelings, watching you navigate your first taste of love was sweet. I’m just surprised you two are at such odds now.”

“You shouldn’t, actually, because Stefano has always shown his detest for me since we were younger. And it’s not like I can’t stand him,” I mumble into my palms. “He just gets under my skin and pushes all my buttons.” I peek at her through my fingers. “But I don’t know if I’d call it love. I was so young then.”

“First love leaves an impression, trust me. But I’m sure you’ll work it out. I hardly believe he actually hates you. Just don’t let him get the best of you. Rise above it and keep doing your best work.”

I nod, resolving, straightening my spine. Mama always knows the right thing to say. Her steadfast faith in me rekindles my own confidence and determination.

“Thanks, Mama. I’m really glad you’re here. I feel so much better already.” I squeeze her hand, pouring all my love and gratitude into the gesture.

“Me too, sweetheart. Me too. Now, let’s dig into this lunch, and you can fill me in on the rest of your California adventures!”

As we eat and chat, the tight knot in my chest loosens. Worries about work and anger about Stefano’s attitude earlier today fade into the background. Her surprise visit was exactly the boost I needed to keep powering through this challenging trip.