Hi everyone!
Thank you readers and thank you to those
sharing your comments. xx
This is the penultimate chapter...
hopefully I will be able to finish shortly and
you will soon find Elvis and Georgie continuing
their adventure ...:)
Chapter 45
Around the Table of Love
2000 – Peterborough, UK
Elvis had been called away to meet cousin Lorenzo's latest girlfriend. Lorenzo notoriously showed up late for family meet ups and always with a different woman latched to his arm. It was the same old and became a running joke amongst the cousins. Georgie was the only woman Elvis ever introduced to the family, because the relationship was real.
He saw his wife sprawled on the sofa next to Nonna. She had wanted to help with preparations but Nonna wanted to spend some time with her. This introduction would not take long and dinner was soon approaching.
Georgie's body was slack, head resting against the cushioned back rest and she was rubbing her face vigorously. Sofia scrutinized her actions. This young woman was troubled and that was just not right. This was to be a happy occasion in the Harte home this evening. Why was Elvis' lovely bride seemingly unhappy? Her grandson clearly loved her. He had absolutely no inhibitions about displaying his affection for her and the starlight in Georgie's eyes indicated she felt the very same. So why the sadness, or despair, or…perhaps fatigue?
Georgie was reeling from Elena's revelation and simply was too exhausted emotionally to sort it. This was so unexpected after all Elvis had gone through. Her heart ached for him.
"Georgeeaa." Sofia called out softly, her voice a gentle rasp. Georgie rolled her head to the side.
"Nonna?"
"I can feel your pain all the way over here beautiful one. Tell me before Elvis returns."
Georgie stared at her for a moment. This tiny woman had the warmest of smiles on her wrinkled face. Georgie slowly moved her position closer and leaned in so that their conversation could remain private. All around them there was chattering and music and laughter. It was almost surreal to find this moment of peace. Georgie picked at her fingernails as she began.
"Did you hear what Elena told me?"
"Si. Si, I know about it. So does his mamma."
Georgie's head dropped and she smiled. This family stuck together like glue, especially the women.
"What troubles you?" Sofia asked, reaching out for Georgie's hands.
"What should I do Nonna?" Georgie asked, searching the eyes of the elder. "Should I tell him?"
Sofia shook her head. "Noh. Noh you say nothing. It is not for you to say. The little one's mother must tell him. Georgieeaa…one day this mother will wed and everything will be different."
Georgie blinked, absorbing what was being said.
"Elvis knows this deep in his heart. It was a choice he made a long time ago. One cannot have everything, non e vero?"
Georgie looked deeper into the eyes of this wise woman. It was true, Elvis had made hard choices, but he meant well.
"Elvis loves you il mio bambina."
"I know he does Nonna." Georgie said gripping the warm, gnarled hands.
"He will give you child. Perhaps many children and little Laura will always be a part of your family." Sofia said patting Georgie's hands. "Family has always held us together. We are all we have. I knew when I first met you Georgieeaa, that you were the one for my Elvis. You are strong and you are beautiful." Sofia paused and looked around the room quickly. "And you take no shit from him!"
Georgie laughed. This dear woman completely stole her heart. "He doesn't think so."
"You let him think what he likes…..we know better!" Sofia said with a wink, squeezing Georgie's hands and laughing robustly….causing a coughing spasm.
Elvis slowly approached the seemingly private exchange between his two special women. They both looked up and smiled broadly at each other when they saw him. Elvis raised his head high and looked down at them.
"Why do I get the feelin I'm the brunt of somethin?"
Both women tried to be serious but laughed instead.
"Alright." Elvis grumbled and laughed as well. He pointed a finger at Nonna and she blew him an exaggerated kiss.
Further conversation was abruptly halted as Guilia Harte bellowed, "La cena e pronta! Dinner is ready!"
"Finally! I'm starvin!" Elvis said, reaching down to take Georgie's hand as she stood, then he helped Nonna. She began to cough again and he looked to Georgie with concern. She touched his arm, knowing he could sense something was not right.
"Sto bene. It is just a tickle." Sofia said, dismissively waving a hand. Elvis lifted her up and she half-heartedly swatted him away, then grabbed onto his arm to steady herself.
The dining room table was huge, owing to the multiple extensions so that everyone could gather round. Elvis' father was seated at the head on one end and Elvis escorted Nonna to the seat of honor at the other end. Georgie went straight away to the kitchen to help bring in the serving dishes. She was amazed by the amount of food that had been prepared. Guiseppe made certain everyone's wine glasses were full and eventually the family was seated and settled at table. Elvis and Georgie were sat side by side next to Guiseppe. Elena and her husband were next to Nonna. Laura was next to Georgie.
Guiseppe stood and the room quickly became quiet. "Siamo grati." He began….."We are grateful for the safe return of Elvis and Georgie. We are grateful for family and this food, so lovingly prepared for us. Amen."
"Amen!" The varied voices responded.
"A toast to my son. Thank you for your service and to Georgie, his wife, who serves as well. Salute!"
"Salute !" "Cin cin!" The glasses were raised and everyone took a generous swallow. Elvis looked at Georgie, leaned over and kissed her. Everyone cheered and glasses were raised high once again. The serving dishes loaded with pasta began their journey around the table. Georgie knew to pace herself. This meal would evolve as the evening progressed. She looked at Elvis. He was beaming. He laughed at Laura as she drew a long strand of pasta into her mouth and splashed sauce on her cheek.
Xxxxx
"Thank you for helping Georgie. I know you've had a long day." Guilia said as the last clean plate was stacked away.
"Aw thank you! The meal was amazing as always. I don't know how you do it."
Guilia smiled. "Many hands help."
"Even still, you had to have worked on this for some time."
"It's not every day our son and daughter in law are here." Guilia said hugging Georgie.
"Elvis is thrilled to be with family."
"I know. Tell me Georgie, how is he really doing? Is he OK? I mean, he will say he is but….."
"He is OK Guilia. He's still mending mind, but all of the examinations he had were good. He's looking forward to getting back to work."
"I heard him say he still has headaches." Guilia said finally taking her apron off.
"He does. But that is to be expected. Please don't worry. He's under my watch."
Guilia smiled, trying to appear placated but the doubt was evident in her eyes. "Elena told me she told you about Debbie's plans."
"She did." Georgie said, eyes narrowing. What does his mum think about all of this? "What do you make of it?" She asked as Guilia poured them each a glass of wine. As she set the bottle down, her gaze met Georgie's head on.
"What I think is that my son is going to have a bloody fit!"
Georgie's brow shot up. "Now there's an understatement!"
"Do not get me wrong." Guilia said as she pulled a kitchen chair out and sat down. "I understand that Debbie has a life and that's fine, it's just not good timing. It's never good timing with her!"
Georgie gulped. No argument there. She could almost hear Elvis' explosion already. "Laura doesn't know yet."
"No! That's right. She may fuss and not want to go…..but she has been around Debbie's boyfriend for a year now and he has influenced the child. I know Elvis has a mad job. When he was active duty and before you married, he spent as much time as possible with Laura, but of course he was in London then."
"He's never neglected her since our marriage." Georgie said defensively. His assignment in Hereford was to have kept him out of active duty. It obviously had not and he worked around the distance issues with Laura.
"I know that Georgie. I also know that Debbie and Reginald's relationship has grown serious."
"Go on."
"I would not be surprised if she received a proposal over their holiday."
"I see." Georgie said, thinking to herself this was great news for Debbie, but Nonna was spot on. It would change everything. "Are you going to tell Elvis?"
"Absolutely not! That's Debbie's responsibility."
"Does she know what happened to Elvis?" Georgie asked.
"Indeed she does. That's why Laura is here. We never told the child the details of course."
"Having her here certainly brightened his day…" Georgie's voice trailed off as she stood at the kitchen doorway. Meters away Elvis and Laura were petting Manny, who appeared to be seeking refuge under the dining room table. Elvis was telling Laura to let him be. The dog was tired now. Laura was pouting but Elvis was firm and gentle at the same time.
"Yes sir daddy." Georgie could hear her say. Anthony attempted to crawl under the table after the dog. Elvis pulled him back out by his waist band.
"No ya don't pal." He said. The captain had spoken.
"Daddy worked with soldier dogs!" Laura said as the lad emerged a bit disgruntled.
"Did ya really uncle Elvis?
"Yeah. They need down time as well Tony."
Georgie leaned against the doorframe. For as much as son and daughter were apart, every time they were together it appeared natural and as though there had been no vacant period between them. There were changes in Laura's behavior but there was no denying the bond she had with Elvis. How will he react to Debbie's unilateral decision?
"Anthony! Come on, time to get ready for bed. You too Laura." Elena said as she walked into the dining room. Elvis stood up to greet her. Brother and sister shared a heartfelt hug. "Soooo good to see you bro!"
"Same 'ere. Thanks for bringin my little girl."
Elena kissed his cheek. "Love you. Come on kiddies, let's go. Your pappa can tuck you in Laura."
"Awwwww daddy do I have to?"
"Yes honey, go with aunt Elena. I will see ya later."
"Alright. I'll wait for you."
"You bet angel."
Laura looked past Elvis to Georgie standing in the doorway. "G'night Georgie."
"Goodnight sweet heart." Georgie waved.
Elvis turned and saw that his wife had taken it all in. His mum came to stand next to her.
"How are you feeling?" She asked her son.
"Yeah. Good."
She stared at him as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Fancy a wine?"
"With you two ladies? Absolutely"
As the three gathered around the kitchen table Elvis leaned in to kiss his mum on the cheek as she handed him a glass. "Ma….pasto fantastico!" He said raising his glass to her. It was a fantastic meal and a day he would always remember.
"Indeed it was." Georgie said as they clinked their glasses together.
"I have your room ready. The kiddies are having a sleep over in the spare room and hopefully will be winding down."
Georgie saw the hint of mischief play across Elvis' face. This would be the first time the couple shared a bed together in months.
"There you are!" Guiseppe boldly announced as he came into the kitchen.
"Everyone gone?" Guilia asked pouring her husband a glass of wine.
"Si andata." Guiseppe said, kissing his wife.
"Elena has taken Nonna and the children to bed." Guilia said.
"I think it's time we do the same. It's been a very long day." Georgie said, putting an arm around Elvis. She looked up at him. "Let's go."
Two by two they retired to their rooms. Elvis paused outside of the spare bedroom and heard children's laughter that seemed to be dying down. He knocked softly on the door and he and Georgie smiled at each other when they heard a very loud sssshhhhhhhh! coming from inside and more giggles. Elvis knocked again and opened the door.
"Daddy!" Laura chirped.
"Came to wish ya good night angel."
"I was waiting." Laura said scooting herself into a sitting position. Elvis sat down on the bed and hugged her.
"Love ya Laura."
"Love you daddy!"
He kissed her forehead.
"Daddy! I almost forgot!" She shrieked.
"Wha' honey?"
"I'm gonna learn how to ski!"
That took Elvis completely off guard. "Ski?"
"Yes!" Laura said enthusiastically nodding her head. "Reginald is going to teach me!"
Georgie was certain her stomach hit the floor, followed by palpitations.
"Has it been snowing in London?" Elvis could not help himself saying.
Laura giggled. "No daddy! We'll have to go up a mountain!"
Oh Elvis' mental wheels were turning…churning to be sure.
"He showed mummy and now it's my turn. Do you ski daddy?"
Georgie could feel it. The pain that was stabbing her dear Elvis' heart.
"Nah." He answered simply.
"You've been on mountains though huh uncle Elvis?!" Anthony said, not being one to miss out on a conversation.
"At's right Tony." In his mind Elvis could see that mountain range in Afghanistan…..
"Mummy said I will need a special outfit to wear."
"I reckon ya will honey. It will be cold." Elvis said mustering everything he had to remain neutral. Georgie startled when Elena appeared at the doorway.
"I though you said she didn't know." Georgie said quietly through gritted teeth. Elena blanched.
"Debbie said she did not tell her."
"When are you going Laura?" Georgie asked, moving towards the bed. Laura stared at her, then at her dad.
"I dunno. He just said it would be a special time."
Fuck! Georgie thought as she saw Elvis' eyes narrow to slits.
"You climb mountains huh uncle Elvis!" Anthony said wanting to get one up on Laura. Elvis saw the cliff he had to climb after the beating.
"I'm 'appy for ya honey." He said. Laura burst into a smile, she so wanted her daddy to approve. She was five years old now and growing…Elvis knew he could not control everything in her life and he looked down at his hands. Something just did not feel right.
This Reginald was close to her now. He opened and closed his hands to maintain focus.
"Maybe Reginald will teach you daddy." Laura offered innocently. Elvis reached up and brushed her hair back.
"Maybe. We'll see."
"You could teach him how to shoot!" Anthony said, pretending his hand was a pistol. "Phew! Phew!"
"Alright. That's enough young man!" Elena said.
Elvis looked up at her. "Yeah. Time to bunk down you two." He said, leaning in to kiss Laura good night. "Buona notte honey."
"Buono notte papa!" Laura responded with a sweet giggle.
"Good night sweetie." Georgie said as Laura reached up to kiss her.
Xxxxx
Georgie latched onto Elvis' arm as they made their way to their bedroom. She braced herself for what he would end up saying. His body was tense and she watched him wearily drag a hand down his face. He literally grabbed the door knob and curtly twisted, entering ahead of her and holding the door open as she passed by. She felt as though he would slam it shut. But he did not. He closed it. Locked it and turned to face her.
"Well….I reckon if 'ol Rrrrrrginald takes 'er to Italy he'll need an interpreter." He said waving a hand in the air.
"What if it's not Italy?"
Oh the snarky expression on his face.
"I'm multilingual."
"Ahhha! Back of the net!" Georgie said stuffing her hands into her pockets. She did not want to rile him up any more than he already was.
"Everytime!" Elvis said beginning to unbutton his shirt. She could see he was raging inside. For as much as Reginald had been infiltrating Laura's life over the past year, it had not gotten any easier for Elvis to accept. Her husband was a competitive man and he had a mean jealous streak. He never made excuses for fathering Laura and he supported her handsomely.
He swiped his hair back with such agitation that Georgie wondered if any came out roots and all.
"Elvis." She said calmly, hoping it would have an effect on him. He just looked at her.
"I wonder when the fuck this trip is planned?" He said angrily undoing the last button.
Georgie found herself shrugging and pretending to have no insight. His eyes narrowed.
Shit! Had he picked up on something? It appeared he was about to speak when his mobile began to vibrate in his back pocket. He reached for it and his jaw was clenching as he swiped open the text message. Georgie held her breath, wondering who would be contacting him at this hour? His expression softened as he rapidly responded. When he pressed send he looked up at her.
"Spanner. He's gettin released tomorrow back to Hereford."
"Oh that's great news Elvis!" She said moving closer to him.
"Yeah. It is." He said exhaling forcefully.
"You need to relax." Georgie said almost pleading.
"Yeah. I'm workin on it."
"Come on. Let me give you a back rub. You like that."
He looked at her from beneath a fringe of dark hair that had fallen down onto his face again. Elvis was just about to give in when his mobile lit up again. "Hold that thought." He said, looking at the incoming message. He looked surprised, then his brow knitted. It felt like seconds ticked by…..
"Spanner?" Georgie ventured to ask.
"Nah. Debbie."
Georgie felt like she needed something to hold on to. She found herself saying. "What did she say?" As she watched Elvis proceed to make a call.
"She wants me to call her."
"Elvis. It's late."
He tapped his foot as the call was processing. "It's never too late." He said trying to slow down his breathing. Georgie plopped down on the side of the bed. This agitation was not good. She chewed on her lower lip.
"Alright Deb. What's on yer mind?"