A Home for the Holidays by Joe Cosentino

Author:Joe Cosentino [Cosentino, Joe]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gay romance
ISBN: 978-1-63476-536-7
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2015-12-02T05:00:00+00:00

CHRISTMAS DAY brought a flurry of activity to the villa as we all hurried to get ready for mass. When I walked down the stairs, I nearly salivated at the sight of Paolo in his pinstriped dark blue three-piece suit, and his face lit up when he saw me in my gray suit and light green shirt. The other family members were equally dressed up, the men and Francesca in designer suits and the other women in fine dresses. As always, Nonno and Nonna wore black.

Mama and Papa herded us all into Papa’s luxury black car, and we drove off.

Upon entering the domed church of Santo Stefano in the Piazzetta, I marveled at the baroque architecture, vaulted ceilings, and white marble interior. After we took our seats in a front pew, I listened to the choir sing their melodious hymns, accompanied by a grand pipe organ, while I scanned the beautiful stained glass windows in the church. Then the priest took the pulpit and spoke about the birth of a baby long ago and far away who brought new hope to his occupied land and to the entire world. I thought about that man, traveling with twelve other men, preaching against the judgmental religious and political leaders of his time, eating and socializing with those deemed outcasts as he dared people to love their neighbor as themselves. I couldn’t help but wonder how that miraculous message had been transformed by some into a weapon of hate used to persecute so many people, including Paolo and me.

When we returned to the villa, Nonna and Mama went to the kitchen to help Lucia cook Christmas dinner. Nonno took a nap in his bedroom. Papa and Francesca talked business in Papa’s study. Paolo went to his bedroom to gather more sketches for our trip to Philly.

Alone in the upstairs hallway, I phoned my family in Philadelphia. With my father ensconced in front of the television watching football and my sisters chasing after their children, I wasn’t surprised when my mother answered the phone out of breath.

“Bobby! How’s my favorite son?”

“I’m your only son, Mom.”

“Are you taking a break from studying?”

I remembered my closed law books. “I’m afraid so.”

“Good. How is Italy?”

“Like a dream come true.” I meant it. “How are you, Mom?”

“Exhausted! Since nobody helps, I’m doing all the cooking, as usual.”

I stifled a laugh.

“Your nieces and nephews will miss you at the kiddy table this year, Bobby.”

I was happy not to be dodging food grenades.

“How are my Italian cousins?”

“They’re really nice, Mom. Guiseppe’s son, Paolo, has been taking me sightseeing all over this beautiful island.”

“Are you and Paolo getting along well?”

I smiled. “Very well, Mom. Dad invited Paolo for a visit with us and to meet a couple of Dad’s clients at work.”

“So I heard. I’m anxious to meet him.”

“You’ll love Paolo, Mom.”

I heard my sisters scream after their kids, “Don’t climb up on that!” and “Don’t put that fork there!”

Then I heard my father shout, “Touchdown!” He called out to me, “Bobby, I’m looking forward to meeting Paolo.

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