Ivy's Twisted Vine Redux by Latrivia Nelson (the beach read txt) 📗

a beat as she walked to the door. It was amazing how nervous she still was around Nicola after all that time. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door to see him with both hands full and two bags beside his feet.

“These two are a handful,” he said passing her one of the boys.

“You don’t have to tell me,” she said helping him inside.

“Until they begin to walk, everywhere you go, you’re gonna have both hands and arms full,” he said thinking towards their future.

“It’s not so bad. You just haven’t gotten used to it yet.”

“And you have.”

“You carried them in your arms for a couple of hours. I carried them in my stomach for nine months.”

“Point taken.” As usual he watched her walk in front of him admiring her long and shapely body as he tried to remind himself of his plan to stay far, far away. “I’ve already fed them, and I think their ready for a nap.”

“Okay,” Ivy said going to her bedroom. “So, how was your evening?” she asked unable to keep her curiosity to herself.

“It was nice,” he said reminded of her jealousy the night before.

“That’s good,” she said laying Madison in the baby bed.

“And yours?” he asked laying Adamo in his bed.

“Nice,” she said taking aback by his lack of interest in the their conversation. She paused for a moment and looked at him in his eyes. Had she really lost him?

“Look, I’ve gotta go. I just wanted to drop them off on time so that I wouldn’t hold you up.” He looked at his watch and then down the corridor.

“Thanks again,” she said bidding him a good evening.

“Yeah. See you later,” he said starting out of the room awkwardly.

Walking out the front door, Nicola felt the nervousness inside of him disappear. His plan was still unfolding and without error. He had discovered his mistake with Ivy and intended to fix it immediately. He had revealed himself early in their relationship and left himself vulnerable the entire pregnancy, which was why he was so uneasy around her now. He felt like she could read him like a book, because he had allowed himself to become absolutely predictable. He wasn’t a bad boy anymore. She had changed that with those children. Hell, sometimes I have to check to see if I still have balls, he thought inwardly. But all of that was about to change. It was time to live and open up to the world again. The past was finally behind him and he was ready to shed his old skin.

Chapter Thirty: Famiglia

Chapter 30

FAMIGLIA

“Welcome to Memphis,” Nicola said hugging his mother as they walked through the security checkpoint of the airport.

With an undeniable anticipation, he greeted his family with hugs and kisses. This was the first time that they had come as a family with Santo to see him the entire time that he had lived in Memphis. While it promised to be exciting, he knew that it would also be interesting considering that Ivy was getting married at the end of the week.

“Let’s get your baggage and get you guys out of this stuffy airport,” Nicola said leading his family to the baggage claim area.

“You have to show us around Memphis, this time, Nicola. Last time, we were here for only a couple of days and the most we saw was Graceland from the street in passing. This time we’re here for a couple of weeks. We want to visit Beale Street, grab some barbeque, visit some museums and the whole nine,” Adamo said following behind his son.

“Sure thing, pop. Hey, Santo, where’s the wife?”

“At home. She said she didn’t want to tag along this time.” Santo was glad that he had time to himself to enjoy the southern hospitality he had heard so much about in Memphis.

“More time for us to do the male thing.” Nicola got on the escalator in front of his family.

“Where are my grandsons?” Liz asked impatiently.

“With their other grandparents. Ivy’s gone to make some last minute changes to her wedding gown with her bridesmaids.” Nicola wanted very much to sound unconcerned with Ivy and her whereabouts but his mother could see through the facade.

“So, she’s going to marry the other gentleman?” Liz was very disappointed.

“Ma, it’s what we all want.” Nicola gripped the rail with aggravation. “Ivy and I are just friends. We have an ongoing relationship, because we have children together. Past that, she’s in love with Grey, and I’m in love with life.”

It was a harsh statement to make, but inside, Nicola needed to hear himself say it. Ivy was in love with Grey, and he was out of the equation. Reality gave him strength to push on and live on without looking back or asking what if. Plus, there was Madison and Adam to think of. Grey had given him no trouble about seeing his children as much as he wanted as long as he stayed away from Ivy. For now, that was a very good reason to stay away.

“We made reservations at the Peabody Hotel,” his father said looking at his watch. “We had better get there and check in first before we go to dinner.”

“Yeah, I was just about to remind you guys,” Santo said looking at his watch as well.

“You weren’t planning on staying at the Peabody too?” Nicola asked Santo.

“Yeah, I didn’t want to impose on you.” Santo read his brothers eyes. Could that be freedom?

“It would be no imposition. You’re more than welcomed to come and stay with me anytime.” Nicola invited happily.

“What about your company? I wouldn’t want to get in the way.” Santo knew about his brother’s promiscuous ways.

“My guests are few and far in between now and then only with an appointment. Come on, it’ll be fun.”

“Sure, why not.” Yes! Santo thought