I turned to Chef, my eyes softening as I met his concerned gaze. "Chef, we'll join you and Riley in a few minutes. Why don't you get started on those drinks?"
Chef nodded, a gentle smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Of course, bella. Take your time." He ushered Riley inside, leaving Giovanni and me alone in the golden light of the setting sun.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. The scent of jasmine from the nearby garden mingled with the salty sea air, a stark contrast to the tension coiling in my gut.
"Are you ready to meet our new friends, mio leone?" I asked Giovanni, my voice barely above a whisper. I watched his face carefully, noting the slight tightening around his eyes, the almost imperceptible clench of his jaw.
He nodded, his dark eyes never le
