Chapter 7

David, the Mancini family’s chauffeur, led Leo to a black luxury car parked on the airport’s one-lane, one-way loop. Leo felt good to be back home. And the drive to Napa Valley–the view of the landscape was made stunning by the Mediterranean climate. It reminded him of childhood, grapes, and how his family was always treated with reverence. Most of all, it reminded him of Emma.

Five nights ago, in his small condo in San Marco, Florence, he’d called his father to tell him about his decision to return to Napa for good.

“How are you, Dad?” he began. He was standing by the window, thinking of how he would miss the open-air drinking and art festivals in Florence.

“I’m alright, and you?” his father’s voice sounded thin, more shaky than usual.

“I’m well. I hope everyone at home is well?”

His father said yes. He figured his father expected him to pass on vital information or messages. They’d only spoken three times since he left America for Italy. The first tim