Time had flown by really fast and before we knew it, my grandparents arrival was here. It had been a long time since I have seen them in person.
My family from my fathers side of the family hailed from Milan, Italy for many generations. They started by making quality furniture as carpenters which later grew to be a high commodity and now considered luxury goods.
With that wealth they immigrated to our current country and with the Cortez family helped fund and grow our country to be economically powerful and culturally relevant. To maintain our roots, us D'Angelos are all obligated to live at least for a few years in Milan. It was meant to pay homage to the ancestors before us who worked very hard to build us to what we are today.
Mama Ines and Papa Benito raised my father here in the country so when my father took over the conglomerate they felt it was time to pay their respects and upkeep our familial tradition. When my father retires and passes off the company to me. He most likely would do the same.
In order to keep touch they send detailed letters every so often, they were filled with pictures of them in the family home we have out there and any other adventures they felt like sharing. They did not send letters in the past few months so I guess in a way it was a sign that they planned to come.
'I wonder what affairs they have to settle?' From what my dad has shared with me and based off his current activity, my dad pretty much has the whole empire in his name. 'Maybe they have some stuff that not even dad know about.' Though most of my family are like open books, there had to be something not everyone was in the loop about.
All three of us got into the large SUV and began making our way to the airport. "Okay so after my parents arrive we are gonna stop by someplace to get something to eat since they would have had a long flight. Then after, straight home where they can rest. I had the crew clean and set up the south wing of the house where they will be staying."
My dad read off the itinerary for the day and my mom had her iPad out already checking things off the list and adjusting the schedule she created. She had all of my grandparents information ready including their flight among other things.
"All set honey, I have a few places I think your parents would enjoy but I would rather confirm first with them incase they would prefer to go straight back. I know your Mama gets drowsy from flights and she might just want to rest."
Listening in to their conversation, I felt very thankful that my parents had a good relationship with their parents and with each others parents. My friends often complained of their in-laws and how overbearing they can be. I hoped to have the same relationship my parents do.
Initially I was going to work when my parents planned to picked them up, but after some thought I figured a day off would be nice considering all the hectic days I had before.
We pulled into the private runway of the airport where my grandparents jet was waiting for us. Already out of the plan and waiting at the dock were my grandparents. Mama Ines looked lovely in her green loose linen pants and navy button up tank top. She had her hair tied up in a silk Hermes scarf seemingly dressed for the hot summer in Milan.
Papa Benito followed the summer theme in a loose white button up shirt with dark trousers. His hair was starting to grey though was still full on his head.
"Enzo my boy it is good to see you!" My grandfather, ever the lively person, quickly made way to my dad and gave him a firm hug. My grandmother soon followed with hellos and hugs making it down the line eventually landing on me.
"Celeste my angel it has been too long. Lets go home we have so many things to catch you up on since our last letter and I need to rest a bit." My Grandmother looped her arms into mine and we entered the car as the attendants loaded up the vehicle with luggage.
"Whoa Papa Benito how long are you guys visiting for? You have so much luggage!" They each had a few large luggages seemingly filled to the brim. "We brought some stuff we need for our affairs as well as gifts for you all. Not to sure for a timeline however, since we don't know how long our affairs we need to settle will take."
His eyes glanced over at me, staring me down for a bit, almost as if he was looking for something.
"I see then I will do my best to spend as much time as possible with you guys while you are here." I smiled endearingly at them. Though I needed to prep for the art exhibition it was rare for them to come. So I needed to spare some time. The ride home was lively as my Papa Benito spent most of it detailing his hijinks with his old buddies while my Mama Ines rested and occasionally interjected to poke fun at Papa Benito.
We arrived home and after we led them to their rooms, we didn't meet again until dinner. Where the circus I unknowingly bought a ticket for began. Dinner was served as normal though with all of our favorite Italian dishes but Papa Benito interrupted the flow to share why he was really here.
"I have something to say that both Ines and I have been struggling with. Truth be told the affairs we have to settle here include you Celeste. I may be old but I am not a fool. Despite the distance, I have been hearing things that are unpleasant." My hand which was reaching over for more bread rolls froze. I felt the blood drain from my face as I thought to myself, 'Did he somehow hear about my deal with Dean?'.
After all I sure was not the one who came up with the taboo against the Cortez family but I did break it. My Papa Benito was an old school guy who did not like things flying under his radar. "What did you hear dad?" My father bit the bullet and answered in my stead.
His next words were not at all what I was expecting. "Why am I just hearing about my beloved granddaughter having her engagement broken?" His voice broke slightly. "I was expecting an invitation back for a wedding but come to find out its broken and for a reason that I personally want to rip into shreds that boy for."
I actually felt relived that it was about Felix rather than Dean. It gave me some courage that I should have just squashed down. "I am really sorry Papa Benito, I did want to tell you but I wanted some time to recover and just let it go. I am doing much better now and again I deeply apologize for not telling you. I did not want to worry you guys."
His eyes, which were fierce, softened and my Mama Ines placed her hand over her chest. Tears rolling down her face as she imagined the pain I went through.
"Its ok my angel, I understand. I wish to give that boy and his family a piece of my mind but he is underserving of our time and especially of yours. That being said, your mama and I talked and felt it was best to introduce you to a young man we met out in Milan. His family is very wealthy out there and he is someone whom I think you will like. If you agree we would like to set up a marriage agreement for you two."
They smiled at one another whereas my parents and I looked at them wide-eyed. "Say what now?"