Someone to Love by Lucy Scala Read Free Book Online Page B

that so?” she asked, placing her fork on the table.
    I stared at her in disbelief and blood rushed to my face. Alberto didn’t seem troubled by the personal question and I wondered if it was the result of calmness derived from his job or the construction of a barrier to hide something. “Yes, ma’am, it seems strange but I’m an old-fashioned man. I’m still looking for my other half.”
    A grin surfaced on my mother’s lips. “Unfortunately, if she doesn’t hurry, my daughter won’t find anyone. She has never been able to find a husband, but I’m sure you have many things in common.”
    I couldn’t believe my ears. My mother, the woman who had given birth to me, was talking about me like that? “Sorry, what did you say?” I said, blinking repeatedly.
    I was about to get up, when I felt Alberto’s hand stop my leg under the table. I glanced in his direction.
    â€œHave you ever thought that your daughter may not be to blame?” asked Alberto.
    A sudden silence fell around the room. I wanted to jump up and skip victoriously around the evil witch. Beatrice wrinkled her nose in a contemptuous grimace and exclaimed: “Let’s not worry about these things! Here comes the dessert”. Once again, she carried on as if nothing had happened.
    At nearly thirty years old, I had lost all hope of ever hearing one nice word said about me. I was the daughter that had never been good enough for her.
    I finished the sweet, delicious as usual, and walked away from the table with Alberto.
    â€œI’m going,” I said.
    â€œSo soon? Aren’t you stopping for coffee?” asked my father.
    I looked at him ruefully, hoping he wouldn’t ask.
    â€œThanks, Dad, but I’m very tired. I’ll speak to you during the week,” I cut him off sharply, and then kissed him on the cheek.
    â€œThanks for the hospitality. I’ll accompany your daughter to her car,” said Alberto, brushing my side to invite me to come out.
    â€œAlberto, it really was a pleasure. Come back and visit us whenever you want,” my mother flirted with a broad smile.
    I retrieved my bag and turned around one last time. Another evening spent in the total absence of affection. I really missed my grandparents. Everything was different with them. They were my mother’s parents and their death had amplified the gap in our family. I couldn’t swear to it, but I perceived a trace of dejection in my mother’s soul.
    Maybe she had realized too late the terrible emptiness they had left.
    Alberto opened the door and held it open for me to leave.
    From the window, I saw my mother’s silhouette watching me from behind the curtains. Maybe she thought she was invisible. Unfortunately, she couldn’t count that amongst her powers.
    â€œI think it’s better to get away from here. Shall we take a walk?” I asked Alberto.
    He looked at the watch on his wrist and I sensed some hesitation. “Why not?”
    We took the smaller road that followed the avenue, it had old and wrinkled tree trunks that stretched skywards. The wind made the leaves dance, lifting them from the ground. Surrounded by the light of a fine moon, I heard the sound of our steps.
    â€œYour mother’s certainly quite a character,” he said, smiling.
    â€œThat was nothing. I could spend hours telling you about thousands of other scenes. I’ve seen worse. Take it or leave it, that’s my mother,” I said bitterly. I could have told him many things about myself and my childhood, but I preferred not to.
    â€œI appreciate that you put the record straight, despite my presence. I’m sorry, you didn’t deserve it. From what little I’ve seen, you’re a very smart woman. Not everyone has your determination.”
    I shrugged. “You’re very kind, but not everyone has the same opinion.”
    â€œI don’t think so,” he went on, looking into