Chapter 113

When we get to the table Gino spots us from further into the garden where he is kicking about a ball with some very small humans. It takes only minutes to be enveloped by the group and introductions are quickly made from people with a severe obsession with cheek kissing and bear hugs. I'm introduced rather proudly as Alexi's new wife, and, of course, a lot of mock shock and outrage at missing the wedding ensues. It's a flurry of people for a solid ten minutes as the news spreads that yes, the commitment-phobic, womanising cousin has, in fact, got himself hitched. I must be some sort of goddess, angel, a saint with patience, yadda yadda. I endure a lot of jokes at his expense but it's all in good form, and it's obvious these people are truly happy for their black sheep of the family cousin. Alexi takes it all in his stride with a smile, and his mood from his mother's behaviour flitters away on the breeze as quickly as mine does. They have infectious happiness that sucks you in an