Chapter 11: “It’s not a threat, it’s a pillock!”
“Up!”
Luca groaned when sunlight burst into the room. The curtains rattled; a hand swatted at his head, ruffling his hair before he could pull the duvet up to protect himself. “Mamma!” he wailed in protest.
“Up, both of you!” she insisted. “Breakfast is on the table! Lots to do!”
“But Mamma, it’s too early!”
“It’s Christmas Eve!” she insisted. “Up! If you’re not down in ten minutes, I’m sending your father up!”
Then she was gone, clomping down the attic stairs. Luca faintly heard her barging into Angelo and Tomas’ room and start chivvying them, too.
“I’m dead,” Paolo’s hoarse voice announced from the other side of their shared room. “Tell her I died. You can even have my share of Christmas dinner tomorrow.”
“f**k you,” Luca said. “If
