Lost in Carmel by Terri Lee

Author:Terri Lee [Lee, Terri]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Norwegian Press
Published: 2019-10-09T16:00:00+00:00

In an exchange of daughters across the ocean, Tess was sent to America and Caterina returned home.

Natalie's somber mood was juxtaposed with Nico's enthusiasm to have his baby girl back where she belonged. Even if only for a couple of weeks. Nico talked endlessly about having Natalie meet the kids and though she was eager she had a bit of apprehension. She and Nico had been living in their own little world for a while, now they were about to open the door and invite others in. It was bound to change the dynamics of their situation, for better or worse.

Like Christmas all over the world, the day was for families. In Italy, friends and relatives gathered for a large lunch that could last all day. Though Nico tried his best to cajole Natalie into joining his family festivities, she declined. An outsider's instinct told her Christmas Day was not the day to meet the kids for the first time. She would spend the day quietly with Nora and call Tess just to hear her voice.

Nico planned the meet and greet for a couple of days later. Natalie fretted over what to wear to the audition, tossing rejects on the bed in exasperation. She settled on a pair of black pants and a royal blue silk blouse and hoped she made a good first impression.

Nico came to the door with a big smile and an oven mitt on one hand. “Here she is.” He kissed her on the cheek and ushered her into the room. Music was playing softly in the background and something smelled delicious.

The kitchen was small by American standards. Natalie could never understand how the typical Italian feasts could be produced in such tiny quarters. But the dining area was large enough for a big table and plenty of chairs crowded around it.

She felt suddenly shy as Nico stood with his arm around her introducing her to his children. Claudia's children. Marius was his father's son, the same eyes and thick lashes, the same smile as he extended his hand then pulled her in for a kiss on both cheeks.

“It's so nice to meet you.” His accent was thicker than Nico's, but the twenty-year old was every inch his father's son. “Papa has told us all about you. May I call you Natalie?”

“Certainly. May I call you Marius?”

Everyone laughed at her little joke, eager to break the ice and settle in. Caterina hung back, and Natalie wasn't sure if it was bashfulness or something else at play, but when she extended her hand the girl's smile was perfect. She was all straight white teeth and a waterfall of hair, with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. Unlike Marius, she didn't lean in for a kiss, but her greeting was perfectly polite. If not well rehearsed.

“It's so nice to finally meet you.”

Natalie felt the temperature drop, but Nico seemed oblivious. Natalie decided to shake it off, hoping Caterina was just nervous.

“Can I help with dinner?” Natalie asked, looking for an exit.

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