Angela and Gael plopped onto the sofa after washing everything they used for breakfast. It was now nearly ten in the morning, and they were watching an episode of Friends. She had already finished the T.V. series and even rewatched it a few times over the years, while Gael had only watched a couple of seasons. They decided to start at the very first episode. 

She sat on one end of the sofa, and he took advantage of it, using her lap as a pillow with his long legs stretched to the other end and had his arms folded across his chest. 

"Are you sure it's okay that I ask Alice?" she wondered. She'd ask him for his cousin's phone number earlier, wanting to reconnect and possibly have Alice teach her some simple dishes.

"Of course. Why wouldn't it be? She likes you, so I'm sure she won't mind."

Biting her bottom lip, she thought about it for a second before grabbing her phone. "Okay. I'll send her a text first just to say hi… And maybe I can ask her when she's not busy. I think I need a video call, or I'll make a huge mess again."

He chuckled. "You don't want me teaching you?"

"I feel like you're going to be a strict teacher. I don't want to cry yet."

Gael poked her side, making her jump and giggle. "Oh, I'll definitely make sure you won't burn anything."

The intercom chimed, indicating that someone was in the lobby, asking to give them access to go up to her floor. She wasn't expecting anything or anyone today, so she wondered who it could be. He got to his feet and went to check at the screen. A UPS delivery man stood in front of the camera, carrying what looked like a heavy box. "Did you order something?" asked Gael.

"Yes, but not that big. Just some books, and I'm not expecting them until tomorrow." Angela pressed a button on the panel. "Yes?"

"Delivery for Ms. Angela Su," answered the delivery man.

"Who is it from?"

He looked at the package and read, "It's an online purchase from Breville, but it says it's from Susan Rivera."

Gael's brows drew together just as Angela snapped her head towards him. He shook his head, not knowing what to tell her as he wasn't aware of what his grandmother did. Still unsure, she rang the delivery guy up anyway.

Once they received the package and the delivery man left, Gael set it on top of the kitchen island counter while she went to grab a box cutter knife.

"This is a huge box. What is this?" Angela probed as the brown box didn't give away any clue as to what it was. The thing was heavy. "Did you know about this?"

"No. She didn't tell me anything. When she asked your address a couple of days ago, I thought she just wanted to send a Christmas card or something…"

They opened the box and took out another box inside it. She was surprised to see an image of an expensive-looking espresso machine on it—her mouth hung open. "She didn't…"

Contrary to her reaction, Gael pulled the corners of his mouth into a broad smile. Although he didn't know what his grandmother was up to, this was definitely a nice surprise for Angela, and he liked it.

Amid her shock, she quickly googled the machine and was stunned to see it was over $650. That's an expensive gift from someone she only met once—not to mention, she was Gael's grandmother! "I can't accept this. This is too much…"

"I'm sure this didn't break her bank. Grandma has deep pockets." He grinned. He'd know because he always deposited money into her account regularly for years, and she rarely spent a dime. "Let me call her." 

He retrieved his phone from the coffee table in the living room and tried calling his grandmother, but she wasn't picking up. "She's probably busy. I'll just send you her number, and you can thank her later."

"I don't know if I should accept this, Gael…" she worried. "Oh?" She picked up a card in the brown box and realized that it was a printed message.

[ Dear Angela,

I can't express how happy I was when my grandson brought you to New York to meet me. He's a tough nugget, but he's really very sweet. I saw how much he adores you, and seeing that makes me feel at ease that he's no more lonely. I know you love a cup of cappuccino as much as I do, so here's a little something I thought you'd enjoy. Merry Christmas, dear.

With lots of love,

Susan ]

Angela pouted, tears threatening to spill out of her eyes. "This isn't a little something. It's a friggin' espresso machine! Gosh. How could I have the heart to return it if she's this sweet?" She sniffed and leaned against his chest.

"Then don't." Gael stroked her back, a smile forming on his face when he saw the message his grandmother included in the gift. He knew what his grandmother was doing—she was reeling in Angela and locking her in—and honestly, he didn't want to stop her.

"I don't even know how to use this thing."

"It takes practice, but I'm sure you'll get the hang of it." He took the machine out of the box and placed it next to her Keurig. "She must really like you."

Angela couldn't deny that she loved how the espresso machine looked on her counter. It was so high-end that it felt like her kitchen was a small cafe. "Does she give out gifts like this to everyone she likes?"

'Like your exes?' she thought.

"You're the first one."

"Then I better learn tutorials online. I can't disappoint your grandma! Oooh. I feel like a barista already. I want to learn all the latte arts!" She retrieved her iPad from the bedroom and began searching whatever she could find online.

"You know—Samantha's friend, Hannah, is an expert. She owns The Busy Bean cafe, after all. Why don't you ask her?"

A sudden lightbulb appeared in her head. She and Nina often visited that cafe and forgot that Hannah owned it. "You're right. I guess learning from her would be better than videos. I'll be calling Samantha later anyway, so I'll try to slide that in."

After watching a few videos online and learning what she could as a newbie, Gael left her apartment and went home. 

***

Later...

Gael's heart raced as he looked at himself in the mirror. He wore a black tux and had his hair neatly styled, but he wished he was going to see Angela instead of meeting the Morellis.

Someone knocked on the door, and he turned to see Giovanni strolling towards him with his hands in his pockets. Just like him, his uncle was also dressed to the nines. "You ready?"

Gael glanced at his watch. It was already five minutes to six in the evening. "Nope. But let's get this over with. The faster we do this, the faster I can get back to Angela."

Giovanni cocked a brow. "Does she even know what you're doing tonight?"

"She doesn't need to."

"Whatever. It's your funeral." Giovanni shrugged and left his room.

Gael rolled his neck from side to side. Angela didn't need to know about this. It was a family matter. If he had to tell her, perhaps it would be best to do so after.

Reaching for the gun he stashed in his closet, he secured it in the holster on his hip and then buttoned his coat. He didn't think he'd need the gun tonight, but one could never be too prepared.

Just as he was headed out, his phone beeped, receiving a message from Angela.

[ Angel: On my way to the party. How do I look? ]

She sent an image of her in a grey and purple evening dress.

He quickly tapped his response, a smirk dancing on his lips. 

[ Gael: Jaw dropping. You think I can swing by later if I finish early? ]

[ Angel: Not my party, but I'll ask Nina. I'm sure it'll be okay. ]

He thought about it for a second, and then he snapped a picture of him and sent it to her.

[ Gael: I think the gatekeeper will let me pass. ???? ]

[ Angel: You're so full of yourself. ???? If not, I'll just leave early. ]

"Let's go," Giovanni yelled from the front door. Gael huffed and shoved his phone in his pocket before reluctantly heading downstairs.