LITMIR.BIZ

      Gina, too, was talking about her feelings that Sunday. She went over to her uncle’s place for Sunday brunch and to tell him about Charlie.

      “Uncle Carlo, I met a guy a couple of weeks ago.” she started.

      “Nothing new about that, Gina. You got guys chasing you all over this town.”

      “But this guy is different, Uncle Carlo. He is really a nice guy. He lives over in Jersey and we met through some mutual friends a couple of weeks ago. He’s different than all those other guys I’ve met. He listens. He is nice. He doesn’t treat me like a china doll and he doesn’t try to impress me with who he knows and how important he is.”

      “Sounds to me like he did impress you, Gina. You say he is different and that you like him. That’s the first time I’ve heard that from you about a guy you met.”

      “Yeah, I even asked him to take me to dinner last night. I’d never done that before.”

      “You invited him, Gina?” Carlo laughed, “That’s a new twist. Usually you’re turning down dinner invitations.”

      “I know. We met at the trattoria that I always go to with my friends and got together there again a week later. He seemed a bit shy about asking me out, so I thought I would take the initiative. I showed up alone and dressed for an evening out. He is such a gentleman and so different that I thought it would be nice to get to know him one-on-one, you know?”

      “Well, he might be timid, but you sure aren’t Gina. You’ve always known your own mind. I’m not surprised. Tell me something about this guy.”

      Gina told her uncle everything that Charlie had told her over dinner. Her uncle listened attentively and when she was finished he said, “Mullins? Irish? Jeez Gina, you never did anything by half measures!” Carlo laughed and continued “You gonna teach him to dance the tarantella? Couldn’t find a nice Italian boy?”

      Gina laughed. “No Uncle Carlo, I couldn’t care less about that kind of stuff. You know that. He’s just a nice guy. I mean we’re not talking marriage or anything like that. It’s just so hard for me to find genuine male friends. He doesn’t seem to care about my money. In fact, he seemed to be a little bit uncomfortable when I told him that I didn’t work at a regular job.”

      “Well, that’s a good sign, I guess. If you like the guy, I don’t see any harm in going out with him. I care about you, Gina and I just want you to be happy. You are my only child, my sister’s beautiful daughter, and I have been your father as best as I know how. I trust your judgment and if someone makes you happy, what the hell! If it winds up getting serious, I’m sure you will tell me.”

      Gina kissed her uncle. “Thanks, Uncle Carlo. You know I would never disappoint you. You have been more than a father to me. You have been a friend and a counselor. You brought me up to always do the right thing and to be faithful to my principles. You can be sure I will tell you if this becomes more than friendship.”

      “I’m not worried Gina. I know your life has been lonely sometimes. You’re a beautiful young woman and a great catch for a guy. You’re the only heir of a rich uncle and you are right to be cautious about guys who approach you. You’re demanding about the kind of guy you want to meet. Not many can measure up to your standards and that is tough for you. You’ve suffered a lot of disappointments as a result. If this guy makes you feel good, then go with the flow, as your generation puts it, and see what happens. I get the impression from what you told me that he is not pushing, so if you are happy around him, enjoy! If this guy gives you a hard time, just let me know.”

      “It doesn’t bother you that his family is Irish, Uncle Carlo? He does like Italian food.” Gina said innocently.

      “Everybody likes Italian food, Gina. Besides, the Irish flag has a green stripe and a white stripe in it, just like the Italian flag so what the hell, he’s two-thirds Italian. If you get serious about this guy, bring him around.”

      “Thank you, Uncle Carlo. We’re still a long way from that. So far it’s just a nice easy relationship that makes me comfortable. But, yes, if it were to develop, I would certainly bring him around to meet you. You’re my father, right?”

      “You bet, sweetheart. Now, forget about this for a while and enjoy your meal, OK?”

      They finished their brunch while Gina told her uncle about her volunteer work and they made small talk. She felt good that she had told her uncle about Charlie and even better that he seemed to approve of their friendship. He was a doting uncle and protective of her but he always gave her the freedom she needed to be independent. He trusted her and the upbringing he had given her. She never gave him a reason to mistrust her and she did not want to hide her relationship with Charlie from him. If he found out from anyone else but her, he would have been disappointed.

      After their brunch, Gina went home, relieved and anxious to see Charlie again. She too, was confused by her feelings. The word “love” had not entered her thoughts but she had to admit to herself that Charlie was a special person and that she wanted to see him again, and soon.