Chapter 14: Chapter 14 - He Must Come Here
"Say what now?" I was astounded. Floored even. I never in a million years would have thought about my grandparents matchmaking for me. My parents did not even do that for me, when I got engaged to Felix the only requirement for their blessings was that I was not coerced into it and wanted it.
"Dad." My dads voice cut into the air and his eyes narrowed. He placed his palms on the table and slowly started to rise from his seat. He kept his cool but I could see based on the vein sticking out from his neck the anger he was holding in.
He would not be disrespectful to his parents, but this was a sore subject for him. His patience was running thin.
"Son please, I would never pimp out my precious granddaughter like that. Let me explain." He left the dining table and came back from the other side of the room with a folder. Inside I presume with information of my potential marriage prospect.
I looked into my Mama Ines's eyes. She looked at me very seriously and nodded her head slowly. I could almost hear the words hidden in her head. 'Just listen.' I sighed and sank into my chair. I pulled my dads sleeve and he too sat back down. Though he was still on guard.
"So prior to me hearing about what happened, your mama and I were coming back from church and resting in a cafe when another older fellow came up and made conversation. He mentioned he was there looking for someone and when we asked who, we were surprised when he mentioned us. He did not seem to know what we looked like just that he wanted our address to send an invitation for a meal."
He paused to get a sip of water. "Its not unusual for someone to want to meet us but I asked for his card incase I happen to 'hear' anything. And we investigated him. It was then we found out that he worked the de' Medici family."
At this point my dad audibly sucked in his breath upon learning who the other family was. "Dad, your not pulling our legs right, THE de' Medici family was looking for you." My mom who was silent the whole time had a confused look on her face. 'You and me both mom.'
"Honey, who are they?" She shook my dads shoulder. "They are also another wealthy family in Milan but their family has noble roots running back generations. They are a large fashion house. At least based on what little information is available about them. They are pretty elusive the only thing that speaks loudly about them is their annual profits."
My mama spoke up. "Yes, exactly so. After some thought we decided to see what they wanted. One because we figured that man would not just make random conversation just to find another wealthy family just off the streets, he must have known who we were." She paused and nodded her head. "The other because we were interested in what they wanted."
"We waited a week to call them back. The old fellow turned out to be their secretary who came to fetch us and we had dinner. The ones who looked for us was the old masters of the house. The previous head of the household was Armani and Isabella de' Medici. Unlike us where you, my son, runs the company, their grandson was already running everything."
She continued and smiled to herself at the memory. "Admittedly we got along quite well with Armani and Isabella. Similar tastes and interests. They apparently were curious about us due to our familial history. They admired how we built an empire despite our initial status. As you know we have been away from home for quite some time, so they never got a chance to meet with us."
I thought back the the photos they shared a few months back and quite frankly every photo they have sent since returning to Milan. It always featured this other old couple. The woman always wore a sunhat while the man sported sunglasses no matter the weather in the photo.
"Were they the ones with the hat and sunglasses?" I interjected.
"Yes!" My papa exclaimed. "We became good friends over the years, and were a great support system having not lived in Milan for many years after having your dad. Anyways, when we found out about your engagement being dissolved they kept us from running back and ripping a new one into that boy. "
"To be honest," he sighed and rested his hand over his heart. "We were disappointed in not being in the loop, but they gave us a good perspective. 'Children have their own secrets, let her come to you when she is ready. Our grandson for example, is not the easiest to read but he always finds his way to us when he is ready for help. She will too.' So we waited. They got very curious about you and we got very curious about him."
Finally, we reached the point of the story that led to this suggestion. My mama took over the storytelling. "They showed us his picture and we met him by chance when he stopped by the household to pick up some documents. He is was so polite and respectful, and it didn't hurt that he was also quite handsome."
I felt my ears flush as I heard her compliment. Even before my engagement ended, she never once complimented Felix in that way. There was only one other person she complimented and he was someone kinda forbidden in the family.
"We did not get a chance to show him your face nor tell him about who you are. However, after discussing with his grandparents we decided we wanted you to come with us to Milan and meet him. And if you both are ok with it, we would help draft a marriage agreement. One that would protect you. My angel, please look at this file and let us know your thoughts. If you say no consider that we never mentioned it."
They paused and looked at my parents, their faces hopeful. It was silent until my dad spoke up. "Dad I appreciate the story, and it is nice you became good friends with the de' Medici family. But, I only ever had one rule with Celeste. She must be happy. Whatever choice she makes flies as I only want what's best for her. I know you mean well but this... feels odd."
My mom immediately went to my dads defense. "Papa Benito and Mama Ines, I appreciate the sentiments and I am sure the young man is nice," My mom pushed the folder slightly back towards them. "I would prefer a more organic meeting. Many of her peers get married for social or economic benefits, basically an arranged marriage without the title. She needs to be above that."
At that point I decided to grab the folder though and flipped through it quickly. Honestly, I was not that upset at a marriage agreement. I wasn't pressed about marriage but I can't lie, I always fantasized about what having someone be at your side that is not related to you. Not be obligated by blood to be on my side.
I was also not young anymore, if I could settle down on terms that benefit me, why not. Besides who says that this guy will like me. I was no Sol Banks and I definitely did not fit the same beauty standard seen in the Milan girls. Meeting him would not hurt.
"Ok, I will consider it. BUT." I paused as my parents looked at me like I grew a second head. "He must come here. I won't agree to it if he is not willing to come see me." I set down the folder and folded hands together gauging their reaction.
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