Unexpected but Not Unwelcome

Alessandro and Giovanni talked to Val in private and gave her instructions as she would be going to Chicago with the Morellis. Mariano kept a safe distance and waited at the lounge while Gael spoke to Gabriella.

His sister had been sniffling since she spoke to their father, and he gave her his handkerchief, then she wiped her cheeks with it. "Are you crying because you're regretting what you did?" he asked. 

"Che?" What? Gabriella knitted her brows at him. "No. I mean, it sucks, but that's not why." She let out a sigh. "I just really miss all of you. I knew what I was getting into, but it doesn't change the fact that I'll be alone in a different place. I don't know anyone there besides him," she glanced at Mariano, "and we're not even friends, not really," she said.

"Does he… Is he nice to you?"

She swallowed. "He can be an asshole, but he's not purposely mean to me. I barely see him, actually. He's always going somewhere."