Days in Genova, Nights in Portorosso

Chapter 12

My cousin pulls me aside.

"What?" I say. "I just did what I thought was right. I did what you obviously can't do. You really think standing up to him the way you do would make him stop messing with you? Giulia, you've gotta learn to stand your ground better."

Giulia sighs. "But fighitng is not the way!"

"Then why does he still have the nerve to mess with you?" I shout.

Giulia is silent.

"See? Can't have brains wihtout brawn," I say. I sigh. "Cousin, you have a lot to learn."

"No! You have a lot to learn!" Giulia shouts.

She sighs. "I'm sorry Ireaised my voice at you. It doesn't make what I did right and you know you're not exempt either."

She hugs me. "I love you, Max," she says. "I just want you to know that."

I smile, hugging Giulia back. "I love you too," I say.

Rosa stands there impatiently.

"Don't worry, innamorata," I say. "I didn't forget about you."

We kiss. Alberto and Luca do as well. I decide we just call it a day and head home to Zio Massimo's.

Until next week that is.