The Italian Affair Read Online Free PDF Page A

He’d arrived penniless in New Zealand, leaving Italy after the Second World War and had built up Rosselini Fisheries through hard work and determination. And, as he often had told her, ‘Luck.’
    Gina reached the top apartment and entered through the back door to the kitchen. Maggie, the housekeeper, was busy frying bacon. Saying a polite ‘Good morning,’ Gina passed quickly through the steam-filled kitchen until she reached a conservatory. Her bare feet made no noise on the cool terracotta tiles. Large potted palms and fragrant flowers in terracotta tubs grew everywhere giving an exotic feel to the room. Her grandparents would be having breakfast at the table, near the far end of the conservatory, just as they had done every morning for the past fifty years.
    ‘Gina, my darling,’ said her grandmother warmly. ‘Come and have breakfast with us.’
    Gina noticed her grandmother’s face was pale and drawn as if she hadn’t slept much either.
    Gina smiled affectionately. ‘I’m not hungry, really, Nonna. Just a cup of coffee will do.’
    Her grandmother tutted. ‘You must eat more. You’ve lost too much weight already.’
    It was true, Gina thought. She had lost a few kilos. Stress had played havoc with her system over the past three years. Even so, she replied, ‘I’m fine, honestly I am. And I’m not thin. I’ve seen photos of my mother and she looked exactly the same at this age.’
    Her grandmother sighed sadly. ‘ Sí … you look more like your mother every day.’
    Gina loved hearing about her mother, but right at the moment, her mind was elsewhere. She had to sort out this business with Rick Caruso before anything else. She sat down at the table opposite Anthony. She noticed he hadn’t even greeted her, had just given her a brief smile.
    ‘You’ve arrived early,’ she said to him. ‘I thought you might have been at the hospital.’
    ‘I dropped in earlier on. And I’m going back shortly after I’ve seen your grandfather. We’ve got a few urgent things to discuss.’ He pointed his fork at her. ‘You know something? You should listen to your grandmother and eat more. She knows what’s best.’
    Gina ignored his remark, turning back to her grandmother. ‘Where’s Nonno? I thought he’d be down for breakfast.’
    ‘He will be in a minute,’ replied Rosa. ‘He had a phone call that couldn’t wait.’
    ‘In that case, I think I’ll go and find him. If you’ll excuse me—’ She rose to her feet.
    ‘Why don’t you sit down, Gina,’ interrupted Anthony. ‘We have to talk. It’s important.’
    Gina’s mouth pursed rebelliously at his tone. ‘Talk? What about?’ She flicked a worried glance at her grandmother. ‘Is it Maria? Have you heard something?’
    Rosa shook her head, her smile strained. ‘No, my dear, but there are a few things worrying us.’
    ‘OK. But let’s wait for Nonno before we discuss anything,’ suggested Gina. She sat down again.
    A few seconds later, Luigi came in, frowning. He gave a smile as his gaze met hers. ‘ Buongiorno , Gina.’
    Gina acknowledged the greeting and smiled back, thinking how much she loved her grandfather in spite of his gruff ways. He sat down at the head of the table and unfolded his napkin, then placed it on his knee. As usual he was dressed immaculately in dark trousers and a white shirt. He looked so distinguished with his dark features and grey hair. Gina waited patiently for him to speak but when hedidn’t she prompted, ‘Nonno? What is it you want to discuss?’
    To her surprise, he said, ‘Anthony will tell you, while I eat.’
    It wasn’t like her grandfather to let him take the lead. Anthony’s deep voice was arrogant and immediately put her on edge.
    ‘We’ve had a family conference and made a few decisions. We’ve decided that—’
    ‘Just a minute,’ interrupted Gina. ‘You’ve had a family conference without me?’
    Her grandfather’s voice boomed out warningly, ‘Gina….’ His smile dropped from his