Vincenzo POV
In my family, weekend dinners are not optional. They're compulsory, with no room for excuses.
An impromptu dinner had been called because, My nonna Paula Moretti, was finally back from her vacation in Puerto Rico.
The dining hall was louder than usual. My father, Ares moretti, sat at the head of the table with my mother beside him. The ever elegant l Marianne moretti.
Nonna sat comfortably, owning the room.
"You should have seen me," she said. "trying different types of food, some of which I couldn't pronounce their names. And... I learned some new recipes too. Can't wait to try it.
Leonardo leaned back in his chair. "Last time you experimented, Marco had a running stomach for two days."
Marco raised an eyebrow. "It was worth it."
Antonio laughed loudly. "No, it wasn't."
Isabella shook her head with a smile. "Please Nonna, warn us before you try something new. I have Sofia to think about."
At the mention of her name, little Sofia giggled from her seat beside her mother.
Dinner continued, with the sound of glassware clinking, Antonio and Marco arguing over football, and Isabella telling Sofia to eat properly. It was a little bit chaotic.
Then Nonna cleared her throat.
"And speaking of which," she said, eyes shining, "let's talk about love."
Leonardo smirked. "Things are about to get interesting."
I leaned back on my chair. Here we go again...
"I met so many lovebirds during my vacation," Nonna continued. "Young couples holding hands, smiling, planning their future. It reminded me of my younger self when your grandfather and I were courting."
My mother gave her a knowing look. "Mother…"
But Nonna wasn't done.
"And today, when I flew in, something interesting happened."
The table was quite now.
"I had a sweet tooth and wanted to get pastries from a store I saw on a billboard sign." she began. "But I was given the wrong direction. And I was standing by the roadside looking completely lost."
Antonio chuckled. "You? Lost?"
"Yes me." she replied sharply.
Then her voice softened again.
"And just then two girls approached me. One of them asked so gently, 'Ma'am, are you looking for someone?'"
My mother's expression changed with means she was more attentive now.
"They walked me across the street themselves to the pastry shop and stayed until the waiter came to attend to me . When I invited them for coffee, they refused because they were late for school."
"School?" Isabella repeated softly.
"Yes. They were school girls," Nonna said proudly. "One name was Val, while the other was Elsie."
Leonardo leaned forward slightly. "And you remember their names?"
"Yeah, because they were kind to me." Nonna replied.
Antonio shrugged. "Maybe they wanted something."
My father's voice cut in. "Not everyone moves with an agenda."
Nonna smiled at my father before she continued.
"They even asked if I knew my way back. Making sure I was safe before leaving." She paused. "I kind of liked the val girl more."
My mother folded her hands neatly. "Kind people are a rare gem these days."
"Oh! That reminds me," Nonna said."I have a scholarship fundraiser event to attend at Lexington High School next week friday. And I want this family present."
Antonio groaned. "A school event?"
"Yes."
Then she turned her attention to me and Leonardo.
"You two must attend."
Leonardo pointed to himself. "Why are we being volunteered?"
"Because," Nonna said firmly, "if two young girls can show that much kindness, the least my grandsons could do is show up and support students like them."
My father looked at me. I knew this wasn't a request.
"You'll go," He said.
I nodded. "What day?"
"Next week Friday," Nonna replied.
"I'll clear my schedule," I said.
Leonardo smirked. "Fine. But if Nonna starts matchmaking at a high school event, I'm leaving."
Sofia giggled again, like she understood what was going on.