Page 28 of Ciao Bella
“Technically, it is my parents’ home,” he smiled. “The head chef, Aldo, is my uncle. The villa is very expensive to maintain, and I could no longer afford the upkeep by myself. Uncle Aldo said we could perhaps make money while letting others enjoy the vineyards and this home.”
“So, you live here?” asked Baptiste.
“I live in the guest house,” he said, smiling. “It’s nice because I still get to see the villa every day, and I get to enjoy the grape season. I also get to cook for people like you who truly enjoy my cooking. Some more than others.” The room laughed as he smiled at Tailor and Alec.
“My man, you can come and cook for me any day of the week. I’ll build a house for you,” said Alec. Enzo laughed, shaking his head.
“You aren’t in danger of losing the villa, are you?” asked Jean.
“No,” he said, shaking his head. “Not any longer. Father Nicholas was able to find a benefactor for us who donated the money to keep the villa going for another fifty years. It was a remarkable turn of events. We are able to allow others to experience this amazing home and not worry about finances. Our wines are incredibly successful, and we are booked out for the next two years.”
“A benefactor?” frowned Angel. “May I ask this benefactor’s name?”
“Ah, one moment,” he said, walking to the door of the kitchens. “Uncle Aldo? Could you come out here, please?” A few moments later, a short, stout man came out, smiling at the group.
“Good evening,” he said, nodding at the group.
“Good evening, and thank you for such amazing food,” said Ghost. “We were wondering if you could tell us the name of your benefactor.”
“Of course. It is no secret to all of you,” he smiled. Jean looked at his brothers and grinned.
“Let me guess, was it Robicheaux Gas and Oil?” said Jean.
“This is it,” nodded Aldo with a smile. “You did not know?”
“No. We did not know, but it isn’t all that surprising. Our last name, the nine of us,” he said, waving toward his biological brothers, “is Robicheaux. But all these men are my brothers in other ways.”
“Remarkable,” smiled Aldo. “We are so very happy to have you here. Father Nicholas must have known.”
“He knew,” smiled Jean. “A relative of his works with us.”
“It is a small world, indeed,” smiled Aldo. “Well, I will get back to the kitchen and finish your meal.”
“Oh, wait!” said Sara. “I’m a chef. Would it be alright if I just watch you? I won’t interfere, I promise.”
“Bella, you may come into my kitchen whenever you wish. Just do not bring the grumpy-faced man,” he smiled, pointing at Wilson. The others just laughed as Sara followed Aldo into the kitchens.
“Señor, my uncle is happily married for more than forty years. He appreciates the beauty of your wife, that’s all,” said Enzo.
“I know, I know,” said Wilson. Enzo left them, preparing the massive dining table for the group.
“Well, so far, Mama and Pops have somehow connected us to the pope, supported and saved this villa, got us into this place even though they’re obviously booked for months in advance,” said Luc. “I wonder what awaits us tomorrow?”
“I’m not sure I want to know,” said Sly. “I like the surprises. They’re good surprises, not the kind that go boom or scare us. I’m learning the difference.”
The men chuckled, the conversation turning light-hearted and uplifting. They spoke of the amazing things they saw that day and what was yet to come. When the meal was done, and they were enjoying the night sky, Enzo came out to check on them.
“Is there anything else I can get for you?” he asked.
“Enzo, we know our way to the kitchen. You’ve worked hard today. Please, go enjoy your evening and get some rest. We’ll be leaving very early in the morning to head to Tuscany for a few days. We won’t wake you,” said Gaspar.
“What about your breakfast? Will you want us to fix you something?”
“There’s no need,” said Sara. “I’m going to make some breakfast sandwiches tonight and wrap them so they’ll be ready to take with us in the morning. We’ll be just fine. You’ve been wonderful but enjoy the next few days without all of this chaos.”
“Chaos? You are not chaos, bella. You are a joy and delight to be around. To see men who love their wives so dearly, wives who are beautiful, dedicated, smart, and compassionate is a great honor.” The women just looked at him, eyeing him suspiciously.
“Did you think no one saw you?” he smiled. The men turned to their wives. “The children in the piazza the other day. You gave them sweets and money. You had no clue if they were beggars or thieves, but you allowed your hearts to guide you. Then, today in Pompeii, you gave Giovanni much-needed money to finish his book and education. You tipped the restaurant far more than anyone before you.”