Chapter 11: Nonna's Date

After dessert, everyone helped clean up. Platters and plates were brought back into the kitchen. Teresa and Riley supervised the storing of leftovers – each person would get some to take home. With so many helping hands, the dishes were done in no time. Everyone made their goodbyes, making it a point to give Richie a hug or to shake his hand.

Francesca approached. “It was a great pleasure meeting you, nipotino,” she said. “You are welcome every month, whether you come with Julianna or not.” She kissed his cheeks. “Now, you will give an old woman a ride home in your fancy truck. I want to give the neighbors something to gossip about.”

Richie laughed. “Of course!” He wove her arm through his, and escorted her outside, Julianna and Gianni following. Richie helped Francesca get settled in the front seat. Julianna and Gianni were all but invisible in the back, partly due to the size of the vehicle, partly due to the tinted windows. The foursome chatted amiably as they drove through the quiet streets. Approaching the gated community where Francesca lived, Richie smiled at her. “How good an actress are you?”

“I’ll have you know I was quite the actress in my day,” Francesca replied. Remind me to show you my playbills some day.”

“I will. OK, Signora, here we go.” They slowed for the guard, and Richie rolled down his window. “Good evening,” he paused to read the young man’s name badge, and to make sure he was recognized, “James. I’m returning Mrs. Grimaldi to her home. We’ve had a long evening, and I’m exhausted.”

Francesca leaned forward. “Giacomo,” she said, “open this gate immediately.”

James’ eyebrows rose. “O-of course,” he stammered. “Go right through, Mr. Sambora.”

“Thank you, my friend,” Richie said, and rolled up the window.

Julianna and Gianni couldn’t contain their laughter anymore. “Did you see the look on his face?” Gianni said, tears streaming down his face. “Nonna, you will be the talk of the neighborhood for a month at least!”

By the time they navigated to Francesca’s house, a small crowd had assembled on the porch of the house next door. Julianna laughed. “You’re in for it now, Sambora. There’s a committee gathered to check out Nonna’s date. James is the grandson of Nonna’s next-door neighbor. He must have called ahead. The grapevine in this place is amazing.”

“Well then,” Richie grinned, “let’s do this properly.” He pulled up into the driveway, turned off the truck, and exited to walk around the front of it to the passenger side. He opened Francesca’s door, and lifted her down to the pavement, making her giggle like a schoolgirl. Richie wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and led her up the walkway to her front door. Taking from the keys from her, Richie unlocked and opened the front door. Pulling her into a hug, Richie glanced surreptitiously at the gathering next door. He chuckled. “We have a rapt audience, Signora. Are you ready for your good-night kiss?”

Francesca raised a brow. “Of course. I would expect nothing less, Riccardo,” she said, with a twinkle in her eyes.

Richie pressed a gentle kiss on the corner of Francesca’s mouth. She smiled in return, and patted Richie’s face. She turned to go into her house, with Richie following behind. Francesca put a delicate hand to his chest, shaking her head. Richie made a show of dropping his head and nodding. He took Francesca’s hand and kissed it reverently, then went back to the truck. He waved to the neighbors. “Have a good evening, folks.”

Inside the truck, Julianna and Gianni were doubled over, fists in their mouths to keep from laughing. “Get out of here, dammit,” Julianna hissed, “before we spoil it.”

“Your every wish is my command,” Richie said. He peeled out of the driveway, making some of the ladies on the porch next door jump, then shake their heads. Waving as he approached the gates, James let them out. Pulling over a couple of blocks away, Richie turned to look at the pair in the back seat. They had identical, wide grins on their faces, and tears staining their cheeks.

Julianna gathered her dress between her legs, and climbed into the front seat. She grabbed him in a quick hug. “That was perfect! Those old biddies probably have half the complex on the phones, talking about Nonna’s new suitor.” She wiped the last of the tears from her eyes. “Oh, Lord! Wait until Nicky and Sal hear about this!”

Gianni pulled his cell phone from his pocket. “I’m calling Nicky right now!” In low tones punctuated by laughter, Julianna could hear her brother retelling the story.

“You know,” Julianna said to Richie, “by the time this story makes it around to everyone in the family, you’ll have been turned into a gigolo or something. Your reputation will be shot.” She giggled.

“Francesca will protect me,” Richie said, sliding a glance her way. “Don’t worry about my reputation.”

All too soon, they arrived back at Julianna’s cottage. She leaned over to give Richie a chaste kiss. “Thank you for coming tonight, and for singing with me – with us. I had a great time.”

Richie itched to pull Julianna into his arms, but her brother made no move to get out of the truck. Sighing to himself, he smiled at Julianna, locking eyes with her. “I had a wonderful evening. Your family is fantastic. Thank you for including me.” He turned to the back seat. “Gianni, nice to have met you, man.”

“You too, Richie.” The two men shook hands. “You’ll have to come by again next time you’re out this way.”

“Will do, man, that food was the best.” He winked. “And the company wasn’t bad, either.”

Gianni got out of the truck, and opened his sister’s door. “Coming, sis?” He was grinning wickedly.

“Yeah, just a sec,” she answered. She turned to Richie. “You know, we do still have some unfinished business, you and me.” She winked and licked her lips. “See you tomorrow?”

“Most definitely,” Richie responded.

Julianna let Gianni lead her from the truck and watched as Richie left. Gianni turned to Julianna. “What’s going on here, little sister?”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t play dumb with me. I watched the two of you together tonight. He couldn’t keep his eyes off of you. I also heard you singing together – the passion and emotion was right there for everyone to hear. What’s the deal?”

Julianna smile, and laid a hand on her brother’s cheek. “Richie is a business partner. We’re working closely together, and he’s been an idol of mine forever. What you saw was probably just hero worship. I can’t speak for him or what he was thinking.”

Gianni scrutinized his sister’s face. “If you say so, Jules. But remember, he’s got me and Nicky and Sal to contend with if he does anything to hurt you.”

Julianna smiled. “Don’t worry about me,” she said. “I can take care of myself.”