Gabriel slowly stopped sobbing and softly spoke to his mother asking her all the questions he needed the answer to. Diane was patient. She told Gabriel of her new life. Of how she started as a waitress and then started working for a local newspaper, to becoming a well known writer.
Gabriel seemed to forget all about work a she didn't even once check his watch. Claire noticed a clear change in him. She expected that he would have changed.
"Eva will be so happy to see you too." Gabriel said as he looked at his mother with glassy eyes.
"I will try to see her soon." Diane nodded.
"And you need to see her too." Gabriel turned to Claire. "She might beat you up though."
"I'm surprised that Zoe didn't."
"She already unloaded herself on me." Gabriel rubbed his cheek remembering the stinging from the slap.
"Did she bully you a lot while I was away?"
"Only a little." Gabriel smiled. "I guess I ought to tell you that Alex bailed me out of prison, again."
"And so I've heard." Claire held onto his arm as if she never wanted to let go.
"You were in a prison?" Diane looked at Gabriel worriedly.
"Well, no. I was detained but technically not in prison." Gabriel turned red in embarrassment. "I've done lots of stupid stuff, mum. I really did."
"Not all was stupid." Diane smiled in a reassuring way as she gently caressed Gabriel's hand. "For one, you married Elise. Or rather Claire. She's been an absolutely amazing friend to me in the past few months. That was definitely wise. Standing up for those that your father hurt, that was brave. You did so much good, Gabriel."
His mother's encouraging words made him cry again.
As they continued talking, Claire excused herself.
She stood outside of the restaurant, wiping her tears and feeling overwhelmed. Her phone pinged and she saw a message from Pierre. It was not much more than date, time and location with a simple 'meet me'.
"There you are." Gabriel smiled at her sight and hugged her quickly. "What's the matter?"
"I just needed a moment." Claire said honestly.
"Mum messaged saying that the whole family is getting together at Adam's." Gabriel told her with a smile. Claire looked at Gabriel blankly as Diane came out of the restaurant behind him. "Oh, mum, you obviously know Claire's mum." He turned to Diane.
"Do I?"
"Well, you've met Claire before, didn't you? You worked with Leanne Thompson a couple of years ago."
Diane's eyes widened as the realisation sunk in.
"You're Leanne's daughter?"
"Yes, Diane." Claire nodded.
"How is she?"
"Well…" Claire hesitated with an answer.
"Mum, Leanne would definitely like you to join us tonight." Gabriel said to his mother with hope in his voice. He didn't want her to leave yet. He wasn't ready to let go.
As he spoke to Diane he automatically wrapped his hand around Claire's.
"Oh, dear Gabriel, you both have so much to celebrate. I'm sure Claire's family is the most happy to have her back. I won't…"
"Let me rephrase, Leanne wants you there." Gabriel corrected himself. "Besides, it was made clear that we're now the part of that family too. You're a part of it. Of course if you want to. I won't force you."
Diane hesitated. Part of her still wanted to run but her heart was breaking for Gabriel. She didn't want to let him go yet.
Diane nodded in agreement but there was uncertainty written all over her face.
Claire understood. She was over the moon to be back, but yet, there was that feeling that she didn't belong anymore. The world kept moving without her. She changed herself and everyone she knew changed too. It was painful but yet euphoric.
"Where have you been staying?" Claire asked as Gabriel got them in a car.
"Since I've burnt down the villa, I have been occupying the second room at Mum's and Dad's." Claire looked up at him again. Gabriel noticed her gaze and smiled. "Leanne and Joseph. I have been around them quite a bit in the last few weeks. I guess I have to rethink the whole Mum and Dad thing."
"I don't think I expected you to get along with them so well." Claire admitted.
"Your dad had a slight apprehension to me but he warmed up to me over time. Nonna went straight to treating me like one of her grandkids. More so than your cousin from Leanne's side."
"Alex?"
"Yeah. He gets telling off for both of us."
"Poor Alex." Claire mumbled. Gabriel's hand was still around hers. He squeezed it once in a while as if he tried to make sure that she is still there.
Arriving at Best's house was another turmoil. Joseph came out straight away, before they even got to the door.
"Come on in, both of you!" He urged them. "And who did you want to bring over, Ragazzo?"
"Well, Joseph, this is my mum." Gabriel helped Diane out of the car.
"Diane!" Joseph exclaimed. Leanne appeared in the doorway and smiled brightly at them.
"Joseph. Leanne!" Diane was welcomed by them with same level of warmth as if she were indeed now a part of this family.
Gabriel tugged on Claire's hand making her stay a few steps behind everyone else.
"I'm sorry, Claire." Gabriel said quickly, glancing over his mother who was now in deep hug with Leanne.
"Why?" Claire looked at him in surprise.
"I've told everyone I could. I couldn't stay silent anymore."
"What did you tell them?"
"About our marriage, Claire. I've told everyone that you're my wife."
"Your other scandals probably caused more havoc than our marriage. I don't think I care." Claire smiled reassuringly.
"Our company has plummeted in stocks. Villa is turned to ashes. I've lost almost everything." Gabriel turned pale. His hands were shaking, one more than another. He was loosing control over his emotions. Claire put her hands on his cheeks, making sure that he looked at her.
"That's okay, Gabriel." Claire said softly. "Besides, I came back. I'll help you bring the company back up." She said with a hint of tease. "And if we can't, we can start a new company. We'll make it work."
"I've promised you so much. I've promised you financial security, world's riches, social status…"
"Gabriel, I've stayed with you because I love you. I don't care for any of these. At least not anymore. We're all safe now." Claire gently planted a kiss on his forehead. "We'll make it work."
"I've lost almost everything."
"And I thought I'm your everything." Claire said jokingly. Gabriel tightened his grip around her and buried his face in her neck.
"You are my everything." Gabriel whispered.
"I think that calls for some ravioli." Joseph's voice carried towards them even if it was directed at no one in particular.
"Let's go." Claire urged Gabriel. "I am desperate for the ravioli."
"I get why. It's absolutely delicious."
"Are you telling me that you had a chance to try it?"
"Well, yes. Not only that, your dad was keen to teach me how to make it, so now, as previously planned, I can cook it for you as per your whim."
"What?!" Claire widened her eyes. "Dad!!!" Claire raised her voice as she stepped into the house.
"Yes, Claire?"
"Is it true that you taught Gabriel how to make ravioli?"
"Yes, it is. My boy is learning very quickly."
"So, I barely disappear for a few months and you get the next person over to share your recipe with?"
"He's your husband, isn't he?" Joseph furrowed his brows.
"I have been begging you to get it for years!"
"And I've regretted not sharing it once…" Joseph frowned, unwilling to finish the sentence.
"Ragazza Clara!" Nonna came out with the dishcloth, quickly hitting Claire with it in her fit of anger. It wasn't vicious, or hurtful, beyond the pride. "Porca miseria! Dove sei stata?! Madonna Santa!!"
"Nonna!" Claire tried to get a word in between her Nonna's swearing. Nonna was too angry to even attempt speaking in English.
"Dove cazzo sei stato?! Hai spezzato il mio cuore!" Nonna started sobbing as she stopped throwing the dishcloth around.
"Mi dispiace, Nonna." Claire said quickly. Apologising to her Italian grandmother. Nonna pulled Claire into the hug.
"Bad Ragazza!"
"I'm so sorry, Nonna." Claire continued.
"And you hid the pretty boy away! You awful child!" Nonna looked over at Gabriel. "She's truly awful, ain't she? Breaking everyone's hearts like that! You are getting no ravioli no more!"
"Nonna, you can't! That's just cruel! Cuore mio, help me out here." Claire turned to Gabriel.
"Not a chance." Gabriel shook his head.
"I thought that you were meant to be on my side?"
"I am but I am not getting between Nonna and anyone. I know my place."
"Bravo ragazzo!" Nonna smiled cheerfully at Gabriel.
"Is that some lucid dream?" Claire asked with a huff.
"You bitch!" Alex came up to the door next.
"Watch your language!" Gabriel said straight away, ready to defend Claire.
"Cattivo Ragazzo." Nonna threw the dishcloth at Alex. "Watch what you say!"
Claire smiled, barely hiding the laugh.
Alex grumbled something. But before he moved, Claire hugged him first.
"Thank you, Alex."
"What for?"
"For being there when I needed you and going all in into that stupid battle, and for not leaving my silly husband alone."
"I bailed him out, again. I think someone owes me something."
"And so I've heard." Claire took a step away and looked at Alex whose face started easing off.
"Did Gabriel tell you?"
"Actually, I knew just after it happened." Claire admitted.
"How?"
"I was worried about everyone. I kept tabs on you all."
"How?" Alex repeated.
"I-…" Claire stumbled on her words.
"Not now, Alex." Gabriel grumbled. "Ease her in before you start interrogating her."
"Okay." Alex agreed.
"I'm going to the kitchen, Claire dear. I'm sure Nonna and Joseph could use some help."
Claire looked at him in surprise and let him leave her side as Alex still gave her a cold shoulder.