Chapter 28Surprise!
Chapter Twenty-Eight
SURPRISE!
With one visit, Emmanuel obtained a Nonna. Agnella Bianchi opened her home, as well as her heart, without hesitation to him, Leonardo, Frank, and Doc. The older woman had immediately endeared herself to him when she had comforted Ivy. As he looked around the table, his Nonna’s account of her daughter’s life affected everyone.
It was difficult to listen to what Concetta endured. His heart broke all over again for the mother he never knew he had. Concetta was young and full of so much promise. All she wanted was to get an education. Why couldn’t her father have supported her? Instead, her father, his grandfather, put her in a position that left her vulnerable to a predator. In the end, she lost her dream, parents, and one of her children.
His Nonna apologised for not doing a better job of standing up for Concetta. “I never went against your nonno. I was raised to be a good obedient Catholic wife. Truthfully, before then, I never questioned Reginaldo’s decisions. On this, we couldn’t see eye to eye and the cost of my silence hurt my only child.”
At that moment, Emmanuel appreciated his strong-willed wife. If she felt he was making the wrong decision, especially where their children were concerned, she would pull him to the side and tell him how she felt.
Nonna spent much of their visit, telling them stories of their mother, showing pictures, and feeding them. Emmanuel was never a huge fan of Italian food, but his Nonna’s tasted different. Maybe it was his acceptance of his heritage. The flavours danced on his tongue. He knew even if he didn’t enjoy the food, he would have eaten to make her happy.
They hadn’t intended their visit to be so long because they needed to head back to town.
“Our little girl has a debate tonight. We have to head back,” he explained to his Nonna.
“You have a daughter? Just one?” Her smile was hopeful.
“No, we have three children. Oliver, Benjamin, and Sage is our baby.”
“How old are they? Tell me about them,” Nonna pleaded.
As Emmanuel pulled out his phone, he shared photos of his children, their ages, and told her little antidotes about each child. “The boys are so handsome, and your daughter is a beautiful angel. Ahh, you are a good papa. You sound very involved.” She praised him.
“How about you?” Nonna asked Leonardo, and he had the decency to look uncomfortable.
“Yes, I have one son, Tommaso.”
God ahead, tell Nonna all about him.
Nonna clapped and smiled. “Well, isn’t that clever? Naming your boy twin.”
She became distracted as she packed up containers with food for them to take home. As she was about to hand Leonardo his package, she asked, “what about you? Why didn’t you bring your wife to meet me?”
“I’m not married.” Leonardo mumbled.
Whose fault is that asshole?
Nonna tilted her head. “Ahh, but you have someone special?”
Leonardo shrugged. Nonna patted his cheek.
“You are a sweet boy. Don’t worry, whatever you did, you will be able to make it up to her. Don’t give up.”
After Emmanuel and Leonardo both promised to visit their Nonna soon, she walked them to the car. “I’m happy you two boys have found each other. My two big, strong grandsons. Your Mamma must be looking down, smiling that you are together.”
Emmanuel didn’t have the heart to tell his Nonna what Leonardo had done. Or that in his estimation, his brother was far from off the hook for the pain he caused. Instead, his focus was on the man who caused his mother so much distress.
They were a mile away from the house when Leonardo broke the silence.
“Larson can’t get away with what he did to her!”
Emmanuel didn’t have to ask his brother what he meant. He shared the same sentiment. Concetta was a girl trying to make money to go to school. Instead, she ended up spending most of her life as an addict.
“Absolutely fucking not.” It was a promise. Emmanuel was already working on a plan to hit Larson where it would hurt him the most. He would need Leonardo to pull it off.
They were five minutes away from Frank’s home when his friend received a message. “Emmanuel, I was tempted not to give you a heads up. But seeing how today has been very emotional for all of us. I wanted to tell you that your family is waiting at my house for our arrival.”
No, no. This couldn’t be happening. “By family, you mean?”
“Oh, you know just your Mom, Sage, Ben, and Ollie.”
This is not how I wanted Leonardo to meet everyone. The plan had been to meet at her school.
“Just great. Maybe I can drop Leonardo off at a hotel,” Emmanuel suggested.
“We really don’t have time, Manny. Not if we are going to make it to Sage’s debate on time.” Ivy squeezed his hand. Emmanuel didn’t bother to take his eyes off the road. No doubt she was sending him a look equal parts suck it up and pity.
“Well Leonardo, looks like you are about to meet the family,” Emmanuel advised.
Looking in his rearview, he caught Leonardo’s look of discomfort. Well, every cloud had a silver lining.
The car was barely in park when Frank’s front door burst open.
“Surprise!” Sage sang as she struggled to put on her coat. She probably wouldn’t have if her mom wasn’t in the car. Emmanuel was the first out of the vehicle, followed by Frank.
“Hey Daddy, Uncle Frank.” As Emmanuel walked around to open the door for Ivy. Sage and Frank chatted.
Just as Emmanuel closed the door behind Ivy, he heard a low whistle. “Holy Shit.”
“Are you kidding me, young lady?” her mother admonished.
“Sorry Momma. I know they were twins, but it’s another thing to see them together,” Sage said, pointing to Leonardo.
Emmanuel hadn’t noticed his brother exit the car. Sage walked away from her Uncle Frank and stopped short of Leonardo. She gave him the once over with pursed lips.
Under Sage’s scrutiny, Leonardo finally responded. “Hello, Sage, is it?”
She nodded. Her pretty features contorted into one that resembled an avenging angel.
“I’m Leonardo Baldi,” he said, reaching out his hand.
Sage took it and gave it a brief shake. “Ah huh.” Placing her hand on her hips. “You got some explaining to do.”
“Sage.” Her Mom called.
Her mother’s tone should have been enough to stop his youngest, but she was on a mission. “But?—”
“Sage Ariella Scott!” Ivy interrupted.
Of course, Ivy wouldn’t allow one of her children to speak to an adult with that tone. Emmanuel didn’t have a problem with Leonardo squirming under Sage’s ire, but his wife was right. This wasn’t Sage’s battle to fight.
“Sorry Mr. Baldi,” she murmured.
“It’s alright, Sweetheart, and you are right. I have some explanations to give. For that matter, some making up to do as well.”
Sage nodded at him. It wasn’t exactly a smile, but her features softened. As she spoke, she turned her attention to her parents. “I’m going inside to find something to eat.”
The moment she disappeared into the house. Ivy remembered Nonna’s containers. Frank agreed to allow them to store it in his fridge while they were at the debate. Well, better head inside and get the rest of the introductions out of the way.
“Alright Leonardo, come in and meet the rest of the gang.” Emmanuel instructed.
Frank led them into his foyer, followed by Ivy and Emmanuel. While Leonardo trailed behind. They had barely gotten their coats off when his mom appeared. The greetings were brief but included her signature hug.
“I couldn’t resist tagging along when Sage wanted to meet you here.” That was as close to an apology as his mom would issue for popping up this way.
Leonardo remained quiet throughout the entire exchange. Once his mom finished greeting them, she set her sight on his brother. As she walked over to him.
“Well, hello Leonardo dear.”
“Mrs. Scott,” Leonardo greeted his mom.
His mom had been through a lot the last few days, but her sunny disposition was back. She gave Leonardo a huge smile. “Let’s go with that name for now.”
His brother returned the smile with an incline of his head.
“I see the two of you share more than looks. What a charming, well-mannered man.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Scott.” Leonardo sounded uncertain, as if something about his mother’s tone alerted him that there was a ‘but’ coming.
“I know you have been through a lot, and it must have been a terrible shock to find out that you weren’t all alone the way you did. However, that doesn’t excuse the horrible thing you did to your brother, your sister-in-law, and the mother of your child. Hell to all of us.”
“I wasn’t in the best place. I have extended my apologies. In time, I hope you can see how sincere I am.”
“Of course, dear. Like I said, you and my Emmanuel don’t only have your looks in common. You two carry so much in your eyes.”
Turning to Emmanuel, his mother commented. “I miss you wearing your hair like this. We all know why you cut all your beautiful hair. Screw him. Long or short hair, your profits last quarter are better than he or his old man ever achieved.”
“Um, thank you Mom. Tell me how you really feel.”
“You can be sure I will. I have so many surprises up my sleeves. Which reminds me, I spoke with Anna Harkness. Isn’t she a gem? Oh, I spoke to your father. We are meeting in two days. I want Ivy, Leonardo, and you to join me.”
“Are you sure?”
“Oh, I’m positive. We are going on a fact-finding mission. I’m off to find Sage. That child always comes up with the best snacks. The boys are waiting in the den, pretending not to be overeager to meet their uncle.”
Wow! It was nice to see a spring back in his mother’s step. Well, it was nice for him. While his mother was a pleasant woman, she was not one to be crossed. He had seen it time and time again. When people took his mother for a fool, she’d retreat. Only to reemerge with the most chipper of dispositions. Right before she struck. If Larson wasn’t such a bastard, he might feel sorry for him.
The reaction Benjamin had when he met Leonardo is what his father would expect from him. What surprised him was Oliver’s reaction. It was exactly the same as his brother’s. They both greeted him with a mixture of wariness and detached politeness. Unlike with their sister, their mother didn’t need to intervene.
Ivy looked at Emmanuel for an explanation. All he could do was shrug in response. They didn’t have long to dwell on their sons’ greetings of, “Good evening, Mr. Baldi.”
Before it was time to leave for Sage’s debate. She made the announcement as she entered the den with her Grandma and Darren.
“Okay folks, it is time to go. I have an opponent to crush. Navel will not know what hit her.”
“Junior, are you still calling Callie’s sister Navel?” Oliver questioned.
Sage’s annoyance was immediate. His little girl always struck back hard when someone irritated her.
“Sure am. She started it and I’m going to finish it. Besides, I’m not the one who wants to get into Callie’s pants.”
“I’m not trying to get into Callie’s pants,” Oliver answered, although now his complexion looked a bit flushed.
“Don’t care. It is time to leave for my debate. Let’s go people.” Their little tyrant announced. As the family all piled out of the room, Leonardo remained seated. “You’re not coming Mr. Baldi?”
Everyone froze at Sage’s question. It was unclear who was more shocked by her question, her father or Leonardo. Who looked towards his brother, as if to ask what am I supposed to do here? Before, Emmanuel could figure out what to do.
His mother interjected. “Are you sure you’re alright with Mr. Baldi coming with us?”
“Yes. Of course. I haven’t figured out how I feel about him yet, but Momma is right. I was raised with manners. We can’t just leave him here. Plus, if I don’t know him, how can I find out if I like him?”
“Junior, some of that could have been internal thoughts,” Benjamin advised.
“Probably.” Sage shrugged. “So, Mr. Baldi, are you coming?”
Leonardo stood and walked over to Sage. His tone was gentle as he told her. “I’d love to, Sage, but I think showing up on your big night before anyone knows anything about me would be distracting. I understand you have a Navel to defeat.”
Sage tilted her head to one side and then the other, before breaking into a huge grin. “Points. We usually go out to dinner after my debates,” she informed Leonardo.
The way she turned to her Uncle Frank was a clear sign she really wanted her way on whatever she was about to ask. “Can we grab takeout instead and bring it back here?”
Without looking at her parents, Frank agreed to indulge Sage’s request. After her debate, which was a much closer call than she would have liked. Everyone reconvened at Frank’s for dinner.
It was so odd to see Oliver and Benjamin’s reaction so closely mirror each other. Emmanuel observed his boys. They interacted with everyone else the way they normally would, but didn’t speak to Leonardo. He didn’t blame his sons for their reaction. Even though his long-lost twin seemed to be welcomed into his family, albeit with various levels of hospitality, Emmanuel’s memory of what had happened remained raw. It was satisfying to him that his sons felt the same.
The boys were the first to leave for the night and requested a moment with their father to walk them out. Now that security was a part of their everyday lives, they travelled together if they were heading to the same location.
“Dad, are we just welcoming this Baldi guy into our family after everything he did?”
Emmanuel fully expected the question but was surprised the heated query came from his middle child. He looked at his eldest son.
“You look surprised. For once I had to reel in Benny. I’m the one who had to remind him to play it cool, so Mom wouldn’t get on us for being aggressive.” Oliver shrugged as he continued. “Seriously, Dad, I know you must have a reason for him to be so close. Right?”
Emmanuel had to look inside for an answer. He didn’t make a habit of lying to his boys. This matter was complicated because his feelings were… Complex. There were so many things to consider. He gave the boys the unvarnished truth… telling them things he would only share with their mother.
“All my cards on the table. Leonardo didn’t come into our lives on good terms. Part of me still wants to rip his life apart. I have my reasons for having him around. We have a common interest… Larson has hurt both of our mothers. Whatever I feel towards Leonardo will be squashed until we deal with him.”
“Then?” Oliver prompted.
“Leonardo is my twin. He says he wants to make things right?—”
“And you think he is being honest?” Benjamin asked.
This was the same question he had been battling with since he met his brother. No, not just his brother, his twin. Despite never acknowledging it, he felt a connection towards Leonardo. If they had met under different circumstances, they would probably be as close as his own sons. They hadn’t, and he battled with if he could accept him into his life.
“More than likely. Let’s put it this way. I have a backup plan if it turns out he isn’t on the up and up.”
Benjamin regarded him. “That is more than fair. Besides, I really would like us to find a new normal. This year has been so messed up. I’m just glad you and Mom figured everything out,” he stated, but something about his tone called for his father’s reassurance.
“Your Mom and I are stronger than ever. Our family did and will continue to get through anything.” Both his sons looked at each other and then nodded at him. The entire scene was reminiscent of when they were boys and looked to Emmanuel for assurance everything would be alright. Despite their ages, Emmanuel felt happy he could still give his sons this comfort.
When he returned inside, it was time to go home. Doc looked exhausted. Sage had negotiated apple pancakes with boar links for her breakfast, so she was spending the night at Frank’s.
On the way home, his wife drifted off to sleep. However, his Mom was also in the vehicle and kept him company.
“Today must have been a big day for you. You met a grandmother you didn’t know you had for the first time.”
“It was a unique experience.” Emmanuel gave his mother a synopsis of the information his Nonna had shared with him.
“I’m so sorry, Sweetheart. That poor girl. I’m glad you were able to meet her mother. Especially since my own parents passed away when you were so very young, and Larson’s mother, before you were born.”
Emmanuel thought about his mother’s words. Perhaps she was right. Maybe the lack of grandparents throughout his formative years was the reason he was so drawn to Nonna.
Emmanuel never considered Larson Sr. as a grandparent. Instead, he was someone who dispensed unsolicited edicts on the path Emmanuel’s life should follow. Larson Sr. passed away his first year of high school. Emmanuel had been… grateful. Otherwise, there was no way Larson would have agreed to allow him some time to follow his football career before taking the helm at Scott. Not for the first time, he wondered what his life would have been like if he was permitted to follow his own path.
Especially now that he knew the family had a spare for him all along. Leonardo also had a master’s degree in business, and his company, which he built from the ground up, did well. Maybe it should have been the youngest who took over the company. Emmanuel smiled to himself. He would be sure to float the idea to Larson. The suggestion would probably cause him to have an aneurysm.
“Emmanuel where did your mind wonder off to?” his Mom asked.
“I was wondering if I would have made the same life choices, if I knew there was someone else who could take over the helm of the company.”
“Hm. I know it wasn’t your first choice, but you have more than risen to the occasion of leading the company. Your innovative ways of advancing the business have certainly pleased the stockholders.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Emmanuel slowed his speed as he prepared to exit the highway.
“Speaking of Leonardo. I have been reading up on twins and their bond…”
His Mom paused as if waiting for him to finish her thought. It was her thought, and he had no intention of helping her. When she realised he would not add anything to the conversation. She sighed.
“From everything I’ve read, twins have a connection, whether or not they are raised together.” Again, a long pause. “Emmanuel?”
“Yes, Mom?” Emmanuel wished he could escape the direction in which he was sure this conversation was headed.
“I know you started off on the wrong foot, but you two are brothers. All I am saying is I would hate to see you two lose more time apart.”
“Okay.” Because what else could he say?
“That wasn’t an answer.”
“With all due respect, Mom, that wasn’t a question.”
She clicked her tongue at him. “Fine. Here goes. I think your brother is a good man. The act he committed was horrible. For both you and Ivy’s sake, I wish he had gone about it a different way. Nevertheless, it led to the truth finally being revealed.”
Again, she wielded her silence to let what she had said soak in. Then, as they approached the gate to his property, she got to the point of her message. “Emmanuel, you probably don’t remember this, but right until your teens. You would insist you were different from all the other children. I would shush you and tell you, you weren’t. My ignorance and guilt made me think you were picking up on being adopted. Now, I am wondering if that aching you would sometimes complain about was you sensing your separation from your twin.”
Shit! I wonder the same damn thing, but twin or not, he almost cost me Ivy.
“I know you are angry at Leonardo for the havoc he caused your marriage. You have every right to be, but you two have already lost so much time together. I believe your brother is sorry. You have been fortunate in many ways he has not been. Perhaps consider what the love you have been surrounded by can do for your brother. Under the right circumstances, you two can forge a wonderful bond. You both deserve it.”
“Okay, Mom.” Just as he stopped the vehicle in front of his home.
“Oh, and Dear?”
The way she called after him, Emmanuel was certain he would not like what she said next. He worked to keep the aggravation out of his voice. “Yes, Mom.”
“Don’t allow Larson’s actions… As Sage would say, ‘take you out of your character’.”