Page 4 of The Man with a Treasure

Smiling ear to ear—and not taking his eyes from a young boy’s dream come true—he whispered, “Am I your best friend now?” Speechless, having never seen anything so incredible, I could only nod, temporarily forgetting about being sad to have left my uncle’s house.

Maybe this won’t be so bad, after all.

A year had flown by before I knew it. Most of my time was spent outside with Sal, doing our chores and jobs on the land, but there was also plenty of hours of homeschooling by Mrs. Rossi. I still had not learned what business deals were taking place with the Giordanos, but that was truly a blessing. I was able to enjoy the innocent time with my best friend and learn more about the mystifying female gender.

Early one evening, we spied on the girls who had grown and become even more beautiful. Getting a little too confident in our stealth abilities, now that we were thirteen and thought we knew everything, we were spotted. The dark-haired beauty that I admired and spied on from a distance, who I was sure belonged to the cool refreshing water caressing her flawless full breasts, called out, “Sal Rossi! Is that you again?”

He peered over his shoulder at me. “Did I happen to mention I was caught before you came to live with us? And was warned not to return?”

“No.” I smacked him on the back of the head.

Fearing we would get into serious trouble, I went to run, but Sal told me, “There is always an opportunity for a happy ending.” He stepped out from our bush, which was a terrible hiding spot. “Yes, it is I, beauties of the water. Did you miss me?”

The girls all laughed, obviously finding Sal as ridiculous as I did. The sad part? They covered their titties. I exhaled my disappointment as I stood, sure that was my last chance to ever witness such a miracle.

Standing in the water—hands cupping her breasts—the dark-haired river mermaid eyed me. “Who is your friend, Rossi?”

Sal made an “o” shape with his lips as if he noticed something I hadn’t. He slapped me on my back, almost shoving me forward. “Ladies, may I introduce you to the up-and-coming Team Member of the Giordanos.” He did a slight and embarrassing bow. “Angelo Bianchi.”

Yes, over the past year, Sal and I were being taught certain skills by Mr. Rossi, but I was hardly climbing the ladder at a rapid pace, knocking all competition out of my way. Yet, who was I to disrespect such a fine introduction? So, I set my shoulders back and stuck out my poor excuse for a chest. “Ladies.”

The rest of the girls giggled, but not the dark-haired one. She sized me up. She was slightly older than me and gorgeous. “Angelo? Like the Angel of the Night?”

I lifted a brow. “Me?” I was already learning how to wield a gun. I assumed that made me far from angelic. “No.”

“No?” With no inhibition, she walked out of the water. Our eyes shamelessly followed her every move. “My mother used to put me to sleep with the tale of the Angel of the Night.” Her breasts were once again exposed as she picked up a towel and wrapped it around her body, placing it loosely under her arms. “An old legend of the guardian and how he would swoop down from the sky and save the maiden in need.”

I opened my mouth to explain how wrong she was but couldn’t talk when a bony elbow poked my ribs and Sal spewed, “Why, yes, he is!” He eyed me as if I was too humble. “Angelo, do not be shy.”

Rubbing my side, I silently questioned his words.

Sal just kept smiling, telling the young woman, “And his payment for such bravery is only a kiss.”

My jaw dislocated.

Observing my reaction, the dark-haired beauty questioned, “You do not wish to kiss me, Angelo?” When I was still too stunned to answer, she stepped right in front of me, about to teach me a valuable lesson. She turned to face Sal. She was so close to me, her damp towel brushed my front while asking, “Rossi, would you like a kiss?”

His arms went wide as he leaned back. “Who am I to say no to such a gift?” He took a confident step forward. “Just teach me how and it shall be done.”

From over her head, I ogled him in disbelief.

He shrugged. “What?”

The wise young woman chuckled, gaining his attention by grasping his face. “Never mind the one behind me who will never refuse me again.” She pressed her lips to his. After she pulled back, she teased, “You are a wonderful kisser, Sal Rossi.”

The girls in the water started giggling, so he turned to face them. “Ladies! Don’t be sad. There is plenty of Sal Rossi for all.” He walked into the water, fully clothed, chasing squealing girls.

The dark-haired beauty turned to face me and peered up with round, chocolate eyes. “Understood?”

I stared at her mouth, jealous Sal got to touch such lips that were so magical they made my brain stop properly working. “No.”

A little pink tongue licked those lips, entrancing me even more. “Let me explain. You are not the only one who has been spying.” My eyes raced to all the spots I had been hiding, wondering who dared to occupy them, but her hand brought my face back to see her. “I am not judging your sin. I have been watching you, too.” She stared at my mouth. “At church.”

Every Sunday, Sal and I attended services with the farm families. Had I known this stunning creature was in a nearby pew, I would have stayed awake more often and avoided many pinches by Mrs. Rossi.

A smile crept across my face. I may have been quieter and more reserved compared to Sal Rossi, but that sure didn’t stop me from kissing the fiery Zeta.

If it wasn’t winter or raining, not even Jesus could keep these Italians inside their homes at lunchtime. It was always a celebration to come together after some hard work to break bread. Coming back from yet another kiss from Zeta, I could hear all the voices as they prepared to serve our biggest meal of the day.