Sofia’s pov
We’re currently on our way to my parents’ house.
It’s been three days since I brought up the topic of visiting home to Luca, and even though he had vehemently refused, he ended up agreeing when I refused to drop it, proving to me that Kayla is brilliant once again for explaining to me just how to get my way with my husband.
When I had brought the topic to Luca, I had done that thinking he’d approve for me to go by myself. I hadn’t even considered that he’d come with me, but now that he was doing just that, I was super glad he was coming with me because I’m currently feeling extremely nervous.
“You look very worked up.” Luca pointed out after some time and I let out a long breath while trying to force myself into relaxing.
I glanced into Luca’s face and noticed the slight worry in his eyes, which made my heart flutter and fill up with warmth.
“We can turn back around if you’re not feeling up to it, you know? You don’t have to pay them a visit just yet. You don’t have to pay them a visit at all.” Luca reminded me, voice sift as he spoke and I nodded my head slowly.
“Yeah, you’re right. I really don’t have to go, but I really want to, I guess?” I responded with a small shrug.
“Why do you want to? Do you miss anyone there? I believe you’re keeping in touch with your brother just fine, isn’t that right?”
“It’s not about my brother at all, and you’re right, i don’t really miss anyone.” I breath out, and then I sat up straighter, thankful that the car ride had been smooth so far, because if it hadn’t, it would have contributed into the unease I’m currently feeling.
“But, I guess I miss my mother in a weird way.” I finally admitted in a small voice, and then I glanced up at Luca who was still looking at me closely. Even though we’ve had this conversation before, I refused to disclose any actual reason as to why I suddenly wanted to visit home.
“I know it’s dumb and -” I began to speak but Luca cut me off.
“No, it’s not. It’s really not.”
“It isn’t?” I asked with a small, curious tilt of my head: Luca shook his head before continuing to speak.
“It’s not. I believe it’s only natural. You both never had the best relationship, but in a way, she’s still your mother, so it’s normal for you to miss her.” Luca explained and I let out a long exhale, feeling floored over how he had been able to pick out my exact feeling from only the little thing which I had disclosed moments ago.
As the car pulled into the familiar route of the street leading to the house, I felt my anxiety begin to creep over me once again. It was as if it was obvious on my face because Luca’s hand held mine in a tight grip and he gave me a warm smile when I glanced at him, prompting me to lean sideways and press my lips against his for a few seconds while feeling my heart soar.
~~~
First of all, it was awkward.
Father was obviously very nervous, even though he tried to hide it, because he couldn’t even properly meet Luca’s eyes, but Luca, who towered him, didn’t have a problem with that.
“It’s good to see you once again.” Luca murmured, hand clasping Father’s own in a handshake. Father cleared his throat awkwardly before nodding his head jerkily, looking quite older than I remembered, although the interior and exterior of the house still looked the same, down to how the furniture was positioned.
“You too, Mr. Ricci. To what do I owe this pleasant but unexpected visit?” Father responded and as I stood beside Luca who still held his arm around my waist, I wondered if father would ever acknowledge my presence.
It was like he was still yet to start regarding women. His entire life was about bringing women down. Why did I even considered that he’d have changed?
“My wife wanted to pay her childhood home a visit, I only accompanied her here, that’s all.” Luca responded, and that was when Father’s eyes moved towards me. As our eyes locked, I felt a little feeling of terror crawl over my skin, due to the amount of terror that particular look on his face had brought me while growing up.
“Hello, Sofia, you look healthy.” He muttered, and then he looked me up and down before continuing.
“But, you’re without a child yet.” As soon as the words left his mouth, I bristled and stiffened instantly. Luca’s hand tightened around my waist as if signaling for me to relax, right before he began to speak after a few seconds.
“I think that’s a pretty rude thing to point out, seeing as we aren’t even sitting yet, no?” Luca’s voice was calm as he spoke and I watered as Father’s eyes darted to my face a few times, and I knew he didn’t miss the way I didn’t bother to hide the angry look on his face.
“I apologize for being insensitive, Mr. Ricci. Please have your seats. Although, the issue about no sign of pregnancy yet has begun to move through the mafia, and it has been pointed out around me on purpose countless times since Sofia is my daughter, that’s why I thought to mention it.” He explained and this time, I rolled my eyes while scoffing beneath my breath.
I was barely five minutes in here and I couldn’t wait to leave.
“I believe that’s a topic for another day.” Came Luca’s response, and this time, it left no room for questions.
I excused myself, climbing up the stairs, where I came across my mother.
She looked the same, barely aged up. Her hug was brisk and detached, and then she pronounced my curls ugly, demanding why I ruined my straight hair by choosing to curl it, which made me bristle because she went on to criticize the dress I had on.
“Did you even miss me for a second?” I demanded in irritation, hands folded around my middle. She had her hands clasped against her front as she shrugged a little.
“Yes, child. I did. Your brother was a mess when you left, you were the only one who kept him sane.” She responded and I scoffed in disbelief.
“That’s it?! That’s the only reason why you missed me?”