Conversations at Lunch

(SERGIO)

"This must be the lovely Ivanna," my cousin Matteo exclaims, walking forward. He kisses both of Ivanna's cheeks "You are every bit as beautiful as I've heard."

"Thank you," she says, then looks to me for an explanation. We have just arrived at one of the restaurants I own in Tyva after the obstetrician appointment.

I don't like how thin she is, and the doctor had expressed concern over the amount of weight Ivanna has lost. Though the baby is perfectly fine, the doctor had encouraged Ivanna to eat more, whatever she can hold down.

So I decided to bring her to lunch, also inviting Matteo to discuss business. He'd been pestering me for an in person meeting for months. Two birds, one stone.

"Meet Matteo, my cousin," I say. "He handles many of my businesses for me."

"Call me Teo," my cousin says.

I pull a chair out for her, and she sits.