36 #4
There was a slight lull in work between each of the sittings for Christmas lunch and it was at this time that the Ferretti family sat down for theirs.
Gia fussed around her grandchildren, as Liz took her place around the table reserved for them.
Jerome seemed to be on edge, torn between ensuring his wife was happy and that the customers, who’d honoured La Casa d’Italia with their presence on such an important day, were well taken care of.
Jerome looked at his watch; it was just past two.
Peter had everything under control, there wasn’t a table waiting any longer than necessary and by the time the next sitting came in an hour later, Jerome knew all the tables would be cleared, set up and ready.
He really needed to relax, he thought to himself.
His eyes moved from the restaurant back to his table.
Liz smiled at him stiffly. He knew she didn’t want to be here but she was putting on a decent show for his sake.
He sighed to himself; at least the revelation of his surprise family trip to Italy had made her gaunt face light up this morning.
Cosimo drove his Ferrari into a parking space of La Casa, then killed the engine. He was relieved to see Arsenio’s black Lamborghini. At least he’d already met James.
“So, this is the infamous La Casa d’Italia?” James smirked. “Are you nervous?”
“What do you think?” Cosimo asked dryly.
He still couldn’t believe he was actually bringing James to the family’s Christmas lunch.
When Jerome called yesterday, to tell him the news that their mother wanted James to come too, he’d been stunned into silence.
James on the other hand was giddy with excitement.
It meant he got to finally meet all of Cosimo’s family and eat at La Casa d’Italia too.
“It’ll be fine. I’m quite charming you know?” James nudged him playfully.
“I know.” Cosimo pursed his lips together and grinned. “But my family is very… Italian. They’re very territorial and a little difficult, set in their ways.”
“Really? I’d never have guessed that?” James said with mock sarcasm. “Because you’re so not like that!”
Cosimo chuckled, “Yeah, I suppose if you’ve put up with me for the last nine months you can certainly manage a couple of hours with the rest of the Ferrettis.”
“You bet I can. Come on. I’m starving.”
Cosimo lead the way and entered the restaurant holding a large bag of presents for his beloved niece and nephew. James walked up behind him carrying an arrangement of orchids he’d put together for Gia.
The children were first over to them. Cosimo introduced James as a friend to them both and both children shook his hand and immediately ran off with their presents.
Cosimo greeted Peter wishing him a happy Christmas again introducing James.
The restaurant was still quite full so Cosimo nodded his greetings to the staff as his eyes caught each of them, not wanting to disrupt their work.
Jerome immediately rose from the table and strode over, meeting them a few metres from the table.
“Buon Natale!“ Jerome hugged and kissed Cosimo warmly, then turned to James. “You must be James. Welcome.” He held out his hand for James to shake.
“Buon Natale. You must be Jerome, I’m so happy to finally meet you, thank you for inviting me today.“ James smiled widely, shaking his hand firmly. “This place is amazing!” James looked around the restaurant clearly impressed.
“Come over and meet the rest of the family.” Jerome stood back allowing James to walk over to where the rest of the Ferrettis were sitting.
Cosimo took a deep breath and followed, still uneasy but pleased to see that James was totally unfazed or daunted at the thought of sitting around a table with his family.
Liz glanced up as they approached. “This is my wife, Liz. Liz this is James.” James stretched out his hand and she greeted him with a weak smile and a barely audible Merry Christmas. “You’ve met Kara and Alessandro” – Jerome grinned at his two children – “and this is our mother, Gia.”
Gia was already standing, having picked up the discarded wrapping paper from the children’s presents. She turned to greet James with a bright smile she reserved for business, and stepped closer to where he was standing.
“Buon Natale, Mrs Ferretti. Thank you so much for inviting me today. I brought these for you.“ James held out the large arrangement of orchids.
“Oh, they’re beautiful! Grazie, you’re very welcome James. I love orchids.“ Gia took the arrangement and placed it on the table, but not before she smelled their sweet scent. She then extended her hand and James shook it gently.
Cosimo visibly relaxed his tense stance and Jerome patted his back softly in support.
“They’re Zygopetalum orchids, one of the fragrant breeds,” explained James. Gia’s eyes widened, clearly impressed with his knowledge. She looked at the beautiful dark violet flowers of the orchid.
“They smell wonderful. I’ve never seen this type before.
Please, come and sit down.” Gia indicated to a chair next to her.
James flashed Cosimo a grin, then shook Arsenio’s hand, exchanging seasonal greetings and settled into the seat Gia had indicated to.
Gia kissed and hugged Cosimo warmly speaking softly in Italian, then she lowered herself into the seat next to James.
“Your restaurant is beautifully decorated. I love the lemon tree.” James directed his comments to Gia.
“Thank you. It’s ornamental only. It doesn’t flower or fruit, but I rub the leaves and they smell lovely.”
“You need to have another tree close by, so they can pollinate, though it’s quite hard to grow lemons here in England, even indoors, too cold and not enough sunlight.”
Gia’s listened intently as James explained. “You know a lot about plants.”
James shrugged. “It’s my job, I’m a landscaper.”
“How interesting, maybe you’d like to see my plants upstairs later.”
“I’d love to Mrs Ferretti.” James beamed at her.