Chapter 37
TIFFANY
Iadore Sophia Ravera. She is everything I would want in a mother. When Joseph leaves, she leans forward, and the concern in her smile is unnerving.
“Tell me what’s wrong.”
“I–”
She holds up her hand.
“I’ve had four children, five if you count my husband, and I know when someone is holding back from me.”
She shakes her head. “Is it Joseph? Because if anyone is aware how difficult he can be, it’s me.”
“It’s been a lot to deal with, I’m guessing, and Joseph, well, he doesn’t really let me in.”
Sophia sighs, and I note the pain clouding her eyes.
“He hasn’t told you then.”
She shakes her head, the bitterness in her smile spearing my heart.
“Joseph suffered a great trauma as a teenager and lost his best friend, almost brother, in terrifying circumstances. He has always blamed himself, and nobody can change his mind on that.”
“What happened?”
I’m horrified, and yet Sophia shakes her head sadly. “If he hasn’t told you, then he doesn’t want you to know. I must respect his privacy, Tiffany. I am his mother, after all.”
I’m surprised when she reaches for my hand and leans forward, whispering, “I have every faith in you to get him to open up. None of us have managed it so far, and I’m worried about him.”
Tears well in her eyes as she sniffs, “He is lost, broken inside and full of rage. He is emotionally redundant, and nothing anyone can do or say will change that. He won’t accept it and fights against it, and so I’m sorry to ask, but I was really hoping you could help.”
“He already has a woman for that.”
I can’t disguise the bitterness in my voice, and she raises her eyes.
“A woman?”
“Not in that way, at least I don’t think it is.”
“Then what?”
Sophia appears confused.
“I believe she is his therapist.”
Her relief is instantaneous. “Oh, thank God for that. He has always refused professional help before, and I’m encouraged to learn he has some now.”
I nod, but I’m still uneasy about Su Yin’s involvement in Joseph’s life. Jealousy rears its ugly head again, and I taste bitterness as I shrug.
“I hope it works.”
Sophia nods, and as Joseph returns, her brilliant smile welcomes him before turning back to me.
“Tell me about your mom, Tiffany. I met her once, many years ago, before she met your father, of course.”
Joseph appears interested and leans forward. “You never said.”
“I don’t tell you everything, Joseph.”
Sophia rolls her eyes.
“No, she came with her parents to a party my parents were hosting. I spoke with her there, and she struck me as a remarkable woman.”
“Did she?” I shrug. “I wouldn’t know. We’ve never met.”
“So I hear.” Sophia’s smile falters. “Perhaps she had a valid reason for that. Life with Enrico, by all accounts, was extremely challenging.”
“Did my sisters tell you that?”
“Yes.”
She nods, but my question appears to unnerve her a little.
Joseph interrupts.
“Do you remember your other friend from Canton House, Mom, the one that roomed with you and Sister Agatha?”
I wonder why the blood has drained from Sophia’s face, and Joseph’s tense smile tells me he sees it too.
“Serena. Of course.”
“It appears that she visited Sister Agatha not long ago. I wondered why you weren’t also invited.”
“Why would I be? We lost touch years ago.”
Sophia shrugs, and I hold my breath as the atmosphere changes.
Joseph leans forward.
“It appears that she took something from the convent. Something that didn’t belong to her.”
I swear you could hear a feather drop as Sophia frowns.
“Serena is no thief, Joseph. What on earth are you talking about?”
“I didn’t say she stole anything, Mom. She was merely the messenger.”
“I’m not sure what you’ve had to drink, but whatever it is, it’s muddled your brain. Why are you telling me this?”
“You tell me, Mom.”
I swear I may pass out because the ferocious glare Joseph is giving his mother right now would cause a heart attack in an Olympic sprinter.
“Joseph.”
Sophia is angry, evident by the fierce glare she directs his way.
“Whatever you want to say, spit it out because I am not here to solve a quiz. But before you do, please tell me why you never informed me that you engaged the services of a therapist? Do I not deserve to be informed of that? Your mother, the one who loves you above all others and prays to God every night for peace for you.”
I can’t believe she told him, and I shrivel in my seat as he slams his fist on the table and says with a fierce tone.
“I wonder how you extracted that piece of information, but just so we’re clear, that is my personal business and no longer any of yours because if it hasn’t escaped your attention, I became an adult when I turned twenty-one.
So, if you’ll excuse us, Mom, we must leave you to it because I have a lot to do before we head off on business. ”
“I see.”
Sophia shakes her head, and I’m upset for her because the expression in her eyes is a hard one to witness. Above it all, she is his mom and obviously cares deeply, and my heart breaks for her as her son stands, pulling me to my feet before approaching her and kissing her on both cheeks.
He whispers something in her ear this time that causes the tears to appear, and she nods, hanging her head as she whispers, “Remember I love you, son. I’m always here for you.”
He hugs her tightly and, despite everything, his extreme love for his mother wins through, and his face softens as she smiles.
“Take care, Mom. Have a safe trip home. Dad told me to tell you to make this visit a short one.”
She bites her lip before offering me a weak smile.
“Take care, Tiffany. You must come and visit, and I’ll throw a family party to celebrate all your marriages. In fact, I’ll arrange it the minute I return home.”
I approach her with an apologetic smile, and as I hug her, she whispers, “Remember. I am always here for you, whatever happens. You are not on your own, darling. I am your friend.”
Her words mean a lot because they are said with conviction, and I hope this disastrous ending to an otherwise pleasant dinner won’t be held against her son.