#cantrells3

After everyone finished eating, Maria took Kaitlynn's hand and tugged her to the living room area. Everyone was still having an in-depth discussion about what wall color is the most inviting, and Kaitlynn didn't really feel like she could bring any helpful input into that conversation, so she followed the toddler.

Maria: Who are you?

Kaitlynn: I'm Kaitlynn, your mommy Sienna's and your uncle Enzo's friend.

Maria: If you're friends, then how come I have never seen you before?

Kaitlynn: That's because I was friends with them a looong time ago, but I just met with them again.

Maria: You're not one of those friends that uncle Enzo brings over once and then we don't see him again for a few months, right? You won't steal him away from me, right?

Kaitlynn: No! Of course not! He loves you so much, I just couldn't imagine ever taking him away from you.

Maria looked at the ground in front of her, shifting her feet ever so slightly toward her.

Kaitlynn: Maria, I promise that your uncle will be okay. I promise.

Maria: How can I trust you?

Kaitlynn: Hmmmm, how about me you, and your uncle go to the park next weekend? Sound good to you?

Maria: Ok, that's cool with me.

She smiled up at Kaitlynn, and reached her arms up. Kaitlynn picked up the toddler, and Maria squeezed Kaitlynn.

Maria: By the way, you can just call me Mia. That's what everyone does.

Kaitlynn: Alright Mia. That's such a pretty name.

Kaitlynn: Hey, Sienna! How has the parental life been serving you?

Sienna: It's been rough. I mean, can't you see by my premature wrinkles?

Kaitlynn: Pffffff... WHERE?

Lorenzo: You're too nice. I can point them out for you if you want. See? There's one right there, another one to the left of her eye, and-

Sienna: Oh my God, you're so annoying. Anyway, how have things with you been so far? Have you met anyone special yet?

And there she goes. Back to the nervous place. She got used to this feeling all of those months ago, all before she met Lorenzo again. But she sat up and smiled.

Kaitlynn: No, not yet. But I won't give up, not now, not ever.

Sienna: That's the spirit! I mean, if I can do it, than you definitely can too.

Lorenzo: Haha, yeah. My poor man Romeo is barely surviving, so maybe not your best example.

Kaitlynn: Wait, Romeo? As in Caballero? Romeo Caballero?

Sienna: Yes, as in the ultimate highschool heartbreaker Romeo.

Kaitlynn: HE'S YOUR HuSbAnD?

Sienna: Yep, and the baby daddy to my two children, Vince and Maria.

Kaitlynn: Wow...

Sienna: I know...

Mr. Moretti: Alright everyone, dinnertime!

Lorenzo: I would actually say I'm more of a dog, but I guess you just can't agree to everything.

Sienna: You're so extra Enzo. Anyway, Kaitlynn, come over here so I can get a good look at ya!

Suddenly, Kaitlynn's attention is turned to one of the doors swinging open. Out of it came a woman who seemed to be in her early thirties. She had that look of an exhausted parent, but she somehow managed to pull it off.

Kaitlynn nervously approached the woman who has always expelled warm and kind energy towards her. So why was she so nervous? She had no clue. But what she knew was that now she was making eye contact with the very woman who she's been dreading to speak to.

Mrs. Moretti: Is that who I think it is?

Kaitlynn: Yeah, it's me, Kaitlynn.

Mrs. Moretti: Kaitlynn! Look at you! Una così bella ragazza! You've grown so much! What brings you here?

Kaitlynn: Enzo invited me over here, so I thought that I'd say hello. You are basically my second mother after all!

The two of them both laughed, and Kaitlynn became a lot more relaxed. She really did have nothing to be afraid of...

Mrs. Moretti: So, are you and Enzo dating?

Except for that. Kaitlynn became nervous again. Is that what everyone there is going to think? That's so awkward. Mrs. Moretti saw the embarrasment in Kaitlynn's eyes, and quickly gasped.

Mrs. Moretti: Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry dolcezza! I didn't mean to push-

Kaitlynn: No, no, no, that's okay Mrs. Moretti. Don't worry. But no, me and him aren't dating.

Mrs. Moretti: Oh, I see. I just though that maybe you were. Lorenzo has been, how do you say, lighter? More happier, if that makes any sense. He's been talking about you a lot.

Kaitlynn: Really? I guess it is pretty exciting to see your childhood best friend after years.

Mrs. Moretti: Yes... sure.

Unknown: Nonna!!!! Maria is stealing all of my toys again!!

Mrs. Moretti: Oh no, what now? I'm so sorry, dolcezza, I have to go resolve... that. I will talk to you later!

Lorenzo: You should go say hi. It's the polite thing to do.

Kaitlynn: Thank you, Lorenzo. You know, you should really teach a manners class. It would benefit soooo many people. I mean, I was NEVER going to just WALK over there and say HELLO. Who do you think I AM?!?

Lorenzo: Your sarcasm is killing me. Now stop talking to me and GO!

Lorenzo gently grabbed her shoulders and turned her towards the kitchen. He patted her on the back, smiled, and walked away.

Kaitlynn: You know, for a big guy like him, he's actually fairly gentle. Anyway, what am I waiting for?