Gael knocked at the door to the room where Gabriella was staying in Nonna Flavia's house. It was left ajar, and when he heard her say "come in", he lightly pushed the door open and found her just coming out of the bathroom, patting a towel on her face. They had just finished their celebration downstairs, and it was nearly three in the morning. "Hey…"
"Hey…" she said back. "What's up?"
"Just checking up on you. How are you?"
Gabriella looked at him for a few seconds as if trying to figure out why he actually came here. She draped the towel on a hook and sat on the bed while he leaned against a dresser by the foot of the bed. She shrugged. "Thrilled for my wedding day. You think I should get a tan?"
The sarcasm in her voice was violent, causing his jaw to tick. "I'm sorry you had to find out that way."
"This is a big deal. I hate it when all of you keep things from me like I'm a baby. I'm freakin' twenty-three, for crying out loud!"
To my readers from India, I pray for you and your family. This goes out to everyone around the world. Please stay safe. Wear masks and maintain social distancing. We can get through this. <3