Diana spent all day getting her dinner party together. She decided to go with French cuisine, as she knew her attempts at Italian dishes would not meet Filomena's standards just yet. She questioned if they ever would. Filomena wasn't going to admit if something Diana made was just as good as her own. Enzo had told her that and she accepted it.
But this time, Diana wanted there to be no comparison. She had the dinner catered and as she got rid of the evidence, she heard a knock. She asked Liza and Charles to come early, to help her prepare. Enzo was in the kitchen, continuing to put together their menu for the dinner and working on where everyone would sit. "Do you want me to get that," he asked.
"No, I'll get it. You keep doing what you're doing," Diana said. Enzo grabbed her hand, pulling her toward him, and gave her a quick kiss and a squeeze around the waist. She perked up, needing that. Her nerves were already bothered by the idea of everything that could go wrong tonight.
"I'm so glad you two are here," Diana said, taking the bottle of wine from Charles when she finally reached the door.
"It's good to see you. I love how you have transformed the place," Liza said, looking around. Most of their furniture was moved so that a very large table took up most of the living room space. It wasn't that their apartment was small, it was rather spacious for the city. But it was more suited for a small gathering. Liza wondered how many guests they were expecting, counting the place settings.
"Do you need some help moving anything else?" Charles asked.
"No, I'm good. Enzo rounded up some more tables in case we needed them. My guest list has grown more than I expected. This isn't a place for a family that size. I should have been firm on my 'no children' request but he made me cave in," Diana said. "But maybe they will leave them with the babysitter. I hinted strongly when I confirmed."
"Let me put our coats somewhere," Charles offered, taking Liza's jacket, removing his and placing them in the hallway closet.
"I've never seen her so wound up," Liza commented in a whisper as they moved away for a minute. Diana had returned to the kitchen with Enzo. Liza assumed that they were supposed to follow.
"I have seen Diana this anxious, but only one time in her life," Charles said back. "She used to date a famous violinist. Any time she went out with him, she was a nervous wreck like this. This was about ten years ago." Liza laughed, thinking of what Diana must have been like before she knew her. She always liked to name drop who she used to date.
They helped her set up all of the place settings and then had a seat. The guests started arriving. Liza was pleased to greet her friends, Michelle and Tom.
"Wow, what a beautiful apartment," Michelle observed. "Although, it's smaller than my basement in New Jersey." Liza shot her a look.
"You're supposed to be on your best behavior, remember," Liza reminded Michelle, squeezing her hand a little too tight.
"Right. I'm sorry. I had a few glasses of wine before I left home. I was a little nervous to be around your new entourage. You have changed your ways so much. By the way, hello there Charles," Michelle said, extending her hand to Charles, then pulling him into an awkward hug. He hadn't expected that, and stumbled on his feet before clearing his throat and stepping back.
"You remember Michelle, right?" Liza asked him.
"Of course. And?" Charles asked, suddenly embarrassed as he forgot her husband's name.
"Tom, her husband, and driver," he said with a slight laugh. "I think we met before, but Michelle did most of the talking."
The men walked over to the window together, discussing their work. Michelle took the time to pull Liza aside.
"We need to have some girl talk later. You can update me on how things are going with your man," she winked and put her arm around her waist. "I need to know all the juicy details. Have a glass of wine and let it all flow."
"I'm here for Diana. Enzo has a big family. So I need you to help me keep the conversation interesting, can you do that if we get stuck?"
"Of course, girl. I have a lot to tell you anyway about our old crew. They all want to know about you two, and expect details from me when I get back," Michelle confessed. Liza was starting to feel like her life was the only interesting gossip anymore. It crossed her mind that maybe inviting Michelle was a bad plan. She loved her dearly, but she could get too personal too fast.
More guests were arriving and Diana continued to answer the door and invite them in. The apartment was getting crowded fast. The extended family was used to the Staten Island home, and Liza could tell they felt corralled in. She began to see panic on Diana's face.
"Why don't we all sit down. I think dinner is going to be ready soon," Liza offered, looking at Diana for confirmation. She nodded.
Diana hadn't expected Enzo's siblings to come with their extended families, and she realized there weren't enough chairs and tables. Enzo was by her side quickly. "I think I have to set up the other tables after all. I'll make a kids table over on this side of the room." He quickly moved more of their furniture into the bedroom to make some more room for foldout tables. Charles offered to help, sensing the distress. Diana was holding her breath deeply, and only let it out when Liza stood next to her side, offering to help with anything.
"Yes, please bring out the appetizers for the adults, let the guys get the kids' tables and chairs ready," Diana said.
Liza wondered if this was the first time Diana ever hosted Enzo's whole family. She brought out the appetizers and was pleased that everyone was finding a seat. Filomena had just arrived with Antonio's family. Diana tried to make small talk with her.
"Welcome to our home. We've saved you a seat," Diana said.
"Hello, Ma!" Enzo exclaimed.
Filomena wrapped him in a tight embrace. "My baby!" she said, pinching his cheeks.
Then she turned to Diana. "You shouldn't have sat the family down without me. It's poor manners," Filomena complained.
"Oh, that was my idea. Too many kids running around. It seemed like the best way to get some order in here," Liza explained. Anything to take the pressure off of Diana and take the blame.
"Oh yes, I remember you. From the wedding. You are the one who used to work for Diana as the assistant. I hear you are doing well, getting ahead quickly. Good for you," Filomena announced, patting Liza's face.
"That's right, we met during the wedding. Well, sometimes I get ahead of myself organizing."
"It's certainly okay," Filomena said agreeably. Diana wondered if it was her doing these things, whether Filomena might have continued giving her a hard time. But Liza, her sweet and cheery friend, could talk herself out of anything, Diana was discovering.
Enzo retrieved the first course, offering it around the tables to the guests. Diana gave him a look of relief. Her hands were shaky, despite usually being in control, and she probably would have dropped the food. There was something about this woman that made her nervous. She was able to answer any questions or engage in conversation with any of Enzo's siblings. It was just Filomena who caused her distress.
The children, Enzo's nieces and nephews, were on their phones and seemed upset with the culinary options. They usually had Italian food at family get-togethers. Anything different was unexpected, and most of them being teenagers, they were either quiet or moody.
Liza decided to remedy this. Diana was already under so much pressure to impress Enzo's mother. Liza could feel the tension in the air.
"These kids," Filomena siad, "They don't know how to show respect at the family table anymore." The children sat at two small tables, but still were expected to be a part of the dinner, without distractions.
The kids' phones beeped and played loud videos and were generally a nuisance. Their parents weren't doing anything, just engaging in their own conversations with each other at the main table. "Antonio, how's work?" and "Valentina, your daughter has really grown. She'll be fighting off so many boys soon," was all they heard. Liza glanced at Charles, and he shrugged, then gave Diana a pitying look.
Filomena was looking at Diana as well, hoping she would intervene. Diana wasn't good with children, and had no idea how to get them to stop. She cleared her throat several times, but they continued with their texting and games.
Liza slipped into mother mode, clapping her hands. "Okay, electronic devices here. We need to have everyone present. Every dinner party I've attended requires polite behavior. You'll get them back later." She found a basket to collect everyone's phone and tablet. The children collectively sighed. Diana shot her a grateful look. She knew Liza didn't want her to be the bad guy, and admired her friend for taking charge.
Michelle noted the sudden silence and started into conversation. "Ooh, I have to tell you about my neighbors, the Moretti's. Remember how I noticed they were up all night with their garage lights on? Well now they have about five new town cars. There has gotta be something nefarious going on."
Liza kicked Michelle under the table, hoping she would change the subject. Liza noticed Charles was holding back a laugh. She gave him a death stare which only made him cover his face with his napkin to mask his laughter. Although he liked Michelle, in just a few interactions Charles knew she often transitioned to the most inappropriate of topics.
"Wait, just because they are Italian, you think they're up to no good?" Filomena shook her fist.
"No, not at all. They've been like this for years," Michelle waved her hand dismissively and continued. "Liza knows. It doesn't have to do with that, they just are super shady, always have been." Michelle laughed. "We have to know about all of our neighbors, you know. It keeps the cul-de-sac safe."
"Chiudi il becco!" Filomena exclaimed. "Maybe you are just too nosy and need to stay out of their business."
A silence elapsed. Diana wasn't happy, giving Liza a look of needing to be rescued from this topic. Her mother in law was fuming, thinking the worst. But Liza knew that this was just how Michelle was. She was the neighborhood gossip, having to know everyone's business. Liza looked at Charles, hoping he could jump in with anything.
He picked up on the cue. "So how about those Yankees? I can't believe we needed extra innings last night."
"I know," Tom interjected. "I hope we can get it together pretty soon. I was up way too late watching the game. Made for a sleepy Friday at work."
"We were up too late too," Liza said. "Although I lost interest and read a book."
"Hey, that reminds me," Tom said, "I was thinking of you when I talked to one of the retired base coaches. He was at the golf course and mentioned he was writing some kind of tell-all memoir. Is that something you'd be interested in?"
"It might be," Liza said, while at the same time Charles said "We definitely want that." They laughed at their similar tenacity for new business.
They worked out the details and Charles took the coach's contact information. Although Charles was no longer the boss, Liza knew in a short time they would acquire that book. When he set his mind to a new project, he often could get what he wanted. She laughed and made a note on her schedule to see where he was with that author in a week.
They continued their chatter, with Enzo's siblings joining in. Side conversations started back up and Diana felt relieved. After discussing the future of the Yankees, one of Enzo's brothers offered up some season tickets they weren't using that week. Enzo agreed and smiled at Diana. "I hope you want to go to a game sometime soon."
After the party, Diana thanked her guests and everyone started to leave. "Thank you for that quick thinking, '' she said as she pulled Charles and Liza aside. "Although I'm going to have to hear about Filomena's feelings about Michelle for some time, at least it isn't me in trouble."
"Right, and if you know Michelle, she didn't care and already moved on from it. Nothing embarrasses her," Liza explained.
The remaining guests left and Diana noticed Filomena was still there. She cleaned up the napkins and place settings as Enzo put the card tables back to their storage closet.
"I'll clean up leftovers," Enzo offered.
"Thank you dear," Diana said, kissing him gently. He was a great husband, always thinking ahead to what might make her more comfortable. What she wanted was a glass of wine. But then she remembered Filomena was still here. "Wasn't your mother supposed to leave with Antonio?"
"She asked if I would drive her home. It's okay, I won't be long," he promised.
"I need to speak with you both," came Filomena's firm voice.
They sat at the table. Filomena got right to the point. "I'm getting old. I have trouble getting around. You will come live with me, I want that. The others have children and families. It has to be you. I wanted to ask earlier, but I was too upset with what that woman said."
Diana was caught completely off guard. She wanted to yell, "No!" She started to select more tactful words, when she saw the soft expression on Enzo's face.
"Ma, let us talk about this. We are exhausted from hosting this dinner," he said.
"You can think about it. But I would hate to sell our family home and move somewhere where they treat their elders like dogs."
Filomena got up, gathered her purse and coat from the closet and turned to Enzo. "Now, I'm going to let Diana clean and you can take me home, son."
Diana murmured a "Ciao" and returned to the kitchen. She was grateful that everyone left, and she didn't have to go on the car ride with them. At this point, Diana didn't even mind cleaning.