Later that evening, Francesca sat down at the table with the rest of her family. They ate clams and some fish along with pasta and a Romaine salad. 

Just as the dishes were being cleared, the phone rang and she answered it. <"Hello?">

<"Francesca, this is Grandfather Alvaro. How are you?"> Damian Alvaro asked.

<"Hello, Grandfather. I'm well. I have a project that's going really slow, but I found out about some possible help I could get from our relatives in the US,"> she replied.

<"This project. What is it?"> he inquired.

<"Dante. Dr. Mezzoli told me that David Dubois is working on this too in Arizona. Is that Sarah's son?"> she queried.

<"Yes, he's your cousin. Why don't you call your Aunt Beatrice and ask her about him? But talk in English with them,"> he advised.

<"Okay, I will,"> she agreed. <"Thanks.">

<"Give them our best, Francesca. Thank you,"> he concluded. 

<It's 10:00 here. That would make it about 1:00 back there. I might as well try.> Going through the family's phone book, she found the number with the international codes and dialed them on the phone.


****

[Amherst, MA]

After a long morning of shopping, Sarah Dubois helped her mother into the latter's apartment. They had been to Northampton and all the way to Springfield looking for just the right food and spices for dinner. After lunch at their favorite restaurant in Westfield, they came back there.

"Want some water for tea, Mom?" Sarah offered.

"Yes. Thank you," Beatrice agreed. Hearing the phone ring, she answered, "Hello?"

"Hello, is this Beatrice Alvaro?" Francesca asked.

"Yes. May I ask who's calling?" Beatrice wondered.

"Aunt Beatrice, this is Francesca Alvaro, Damian's granddaughter. It's been a while, but I hoped you would know me," Francesca introduced herself.

"Oh yes! How are you?" her aunt asked.

"I'm fine. I'm a college professor now and I specialize in Dante. Right now, I need assistance on a project," Francesca explained.

"Dante? That would be David's area. My oldest grandson is doing well out in Arizona with his job and research," Beatrice noted.

"Yes. I read about him and his wife, Angela. They are quite the researchers," Francesca complimented.

"They also have two little girls, Lauren and Karen who are so cute! Anyhow, I'll let you talk to Sarah since she was out there about two months ago. Good to hear from you, Francesca," Beatrice concluded before handing the phone to her daughter. "It's your cousin, Francesca, from Italy."

"Hello, Francesca. How's everything?" Sarah asked.

"Good for the most part. I just need to get a Dante manuscript online and my department head and the head of documents here in Florence wants back up. I was hoping to get in touch with David on this situation," Francesca replied.

"For that, he's your expert, all right. But if you want to meet with him, you'll have to go to Tucson, Arizona," Sarah pointed out.

"Due to Angela and his children, I presume? And how are your other children?" 

Sarah smiled. "Randy's married with a little girl, Miranda. Cybelle has a new son, Jonathan. As for Dave, he has twin daughters and they are so beautiful. I was there when they were born. He dotes on them."

"I'll be heading there tomorrow. His dean made an appointment for me to see him. I just wanted everyone to know that I was coming and that, I am who I say am. Believe me, it'll be good to meet a family member who shares my interests. Well, my flight leaves early in the morning so I'll let you go. It was nice talking with you again, Sarah."

"Yes. Thanks for calling, Francesca. Ask Dave to call you when you arrive there. Safe journey to you," Sarah concluded and hung up.

<Okay, that's settled. Now, I hope the flight goes smoothly,> Francesca hoped as she hung up and headed for her room. There, she packed her clothes before falling into bed.


Chapter 2 [Tucson]

The next day, Dave sat in his office, trying to keep his various projects straight and meet deadlines. He shuffled papers, crunched numbers, and double-checked scanned images for most of the day. 

Caitlin knocked on his door. "Excuse me, Dave? Isn't it getting close to the time you leave for the airport?"

He thought on that for a minute. Then he remembered that he needed to pick up a guest scholar at the airport. "Dang it!" He jumped out of his chair and threw his coat on. "Sorry, Caitlin, it slipped my mind. I'm on the way! Thanks for the reminder."

"No problem. Just take it easy. You're in the midst of a difficult transition. Let it happen and everything will work out. Now go on, Dr. Alvaro's waiting for you." Caitlin advised.

"Thanks." He nodded and shut off his computer before heading out the door and rushing to the Subaru. Come on, Bessie, let's roll.

Watching him drive off, Caitlin shook her head and chuckled. Typical Dave.

****

About two hours later, Dave sat in the American Airlines gates, waiting for the plane. Finally, the announcement came over the loud speaker for the scholar's flight. Here we go. As soon as the people started walking into the terminal, he held up a sign.

Aw chill out. She ain't gonna judge ya, the Child declared. Ya'll are okay.

I hope not. It's her first trip to America from what we heard.

So? Let 'er deal with it.

Dave sighed and watched the crowd for her. About midway through the throng, he spotted a woman with dark Italian features who looked around nervously. I'll bet that's her. 

Francesca looked around the area. <Okay, I'm here. Now, let's see... Where is he?> Then she saw the sign. <Ah, ask a silly question.> She walked over to Dave and asked, "Are you from the University?"

"Yes, I'm David Dubois, and you are Dr. Francesca Alvaro, correct?" he responded. Seeing her nod, he continued, < "Welcome to America.">

<"You speak Italian! Marvelous! But please, since we are cousins, can we be less formal?"> she requested.

< "You're my cousin?"> he asked, trying to recall her name.

< "Yes, Uncle Lorenzo taught me a little as well, but he mentioned you frequently while he was there. If you want, you can call your mother and check. I just called them last night,"> she explained.

He grinned as he realized who she was and gave her a hug. < "You're that Francesca! That's okay. I can't believe that you're here! Gram always speaks about your part of the family. Aunt Louisa's your...mother, right?">

< "Yes. That's correct. Very good!"> she laughed warmly. < "So, when do I get to meet your family?">

< "As soon as we leave here. Angie invited you to dinner, but wait until she hears this! I do have one request though. Can you speak English when you're there? Sorry, she doesn't understand Italian,"> he asked.

< "Certainly,"> she agreed. <"I can't wait to meet them.">

<"Let's get your bags and get you home. You have some cousins to meet,"> he told her as they picked her bags up. He led her out to the Subaru. After they were settled, he started the motor and drove them toward the East Side.



Chapter 3 

About thirty minutes later, Angie set the table and looked around to make sure everything was in order. She smoothed her beige skirt and white blouse. It feels good to wear these clothes again. She smiled and walked into the girls' room where the twins lay in their crib dressed in their best outfits and bonnets. "Hi, ladies. Don't you look nice? Mama thinks so. Lauren, what are ya thinking about? Karen, you're curious, aren't you? I love you both."

Then Dave and Francesca walked into the apartment. "Angie?" he called.

"Yes, Dave! How was your day?" Angie asked, giving him a kiss. 

"Great! And yours?" he queried.

"Hectic, but that's okay. This must be our guest from Florence! Welcome, Dr. Alvaro, I'm Dr. Angela Dubois," Angie greeted. "Please call me Angie though."

"Thank you, Angie. It's always nice to meet family," Francesca replied pleasantly.

"Family?" Angie asked.

"She's my cousin, Angie. Surprise, surprise. The Legendary Francesca. Family literature scholar," he noted. "Grandpa's other student."

"I'm hardly the legend. Uncle Lorenzo talked of you as the great historian all of those years ago. It's nice to finally meet you," Francesca retorted. "So, when do I get to meet my other cousins?"

"Right now," Dave agreed, leading them into the twins' room.

The visitor peered into the crib and saw the two little faces staring up at her. "Oh, precious!"

"The one on the left is Karen. She's the spunky one. Her sister is Lauren, Grandpa's namesake," he pointed out.

"Uncle would be so proud," Francesca agreed. "Your mother said that they were beautiful but words don't do these two justice."

Just then, Lauren gurgled and smiled at the new cousin.

"Why, it seems Lauren likes you," Angie indicated.

Francesca picked Lauren up and cradled her securely. "Oh, belissima, you family loves you. And now, for your sister." Exchanging babies, she asked, "And who are you named after, Karen?"

"She's names after a very good friend of ours," Angie told her. Pointing at the wall, she picked out a picture of Karen, Mike, D. J, and Mika. "Here she is."

"She's very attractive as are her children," Francesca complimented.

"Thank you. Those are our godkids, Michelle and David," he accepted.

"And she's the twins' godmother?"

"Right." Angie smiled. "Karen and her husband, Mike Montoya, are old friends and good role models for the girls. They brought us together in the first place."

"That's great," Francesca approved. 

"Well, we're ready for dinner. Please take a seat, Francesca," Angie told her, picking up a twin. "Dave, do you have the other one?"

"Right here," he agreed, taking Karen out of the crib. 

After securing the twins in their high chairs, the three cousins sat down to a lasagna, Greek salad, and ziti. 

Opening a bottle of white wine, he asked, "Can I offer you some wine?"

"Please. It was a long trip," she accepted, handing him her glass.

He poured their glasses and dished out servings of food. "So what brings you here, Francesca? Caitlin mentioned some project you needed help on."

"Ah yes. I was hoping to get the Convivio online and wanted your assistance," the Literature professor reported.

"I figured as much after talking with Dwight Stewart from Charlottesville. There's a Dr. Mezzoli blocking it, I believe?"

"Exactly. He won't agree to letting us do it over in Florence," Francesca told him.

"Sorry, but what is the Convivio? Some of us aren't into medieval lit," Angie wondered.

"It's one of Dante's philosophical writings. Unfortunately, I can't show it to you because my copy's in my office.  Itis also called the Banquet.," Francesca explained.

"That's okay," he assured her. "Give me a minute." He walked into the study and began looking at his shelves.

"The infamous library," Francesca assumed, remembering what her Aunt Beatrice had said in her letters to her part of the family.

"It's like the Ninth Wonder of the World," Angie remarked. "I can't believe the stuff he has in there."

Then he reappeared with a green, hard covered book. "This is it," he indicated, handing the book to his wife.

"Nice edition, David. We're trying to get the Pescini 140XIV MS, however," Francesca noted.

"Boccachio's copy," he commented. Turning to Angie, he explained, "Giovanni Boccachio wrote about twenty years after Dante died. He's mainly known for The Decameron."

"So he was writing about the time of the Black Death?" the oncologist asked.

"That's right. But the department head, Dr. Mezzoli, who's also the owner's spokesperson, won't let us do it," Francesca fretted.

"Let me try a few contacts starting with Dwight after dinner. Meantime, enjoy," he told them both.

****

While Dave and Francesca worked their professional magic, Angie called her mother-in-law about Francesca.

"Hello?" Sarah asked.

"Hi, Mama Dubois, it's Angie. How are you?" she asked.

"Okay. How's everything? Did Francesca get there all right?" Sarah inquired.

"We're fine. Yes, she's here. We just had dinner. I can't believe she's your cousin, though!" Angie assured her.

"Yes, she is. It's about time that they met. Before he died, Dad was going to take Dave and me over there to meet her side of the family, but we never made it. They corresponded a bit while he was in high school, but the contact broke off after a while. How are they doing?" Sarah explained.

"They're like two peas in a pod," Angie chuckled. "They're already working on her project and at dinner, they talked shop for the most part."

"His grandfather thought it would be like that if they met," Sarah laughed. "Well, I'll let my mother know that she's okay. How are my granddaughters?"

"They're fine. I'm getting ready to put them to bed," Angie replied.

"Kiss them for me," Sarah requested as she signed off.

"Sure," Angie agreed. "Take care."

****

Meantime, Dave and Francesca sat in his study as he worked on an email to his colleague in Virginia. After twenty minutes of writing and revising, he sent it.

< "So, will he be able to help?"> she asked.

<"If anyone can, Dwight's the one. I trust him to come through."> Looking at the screen, he noticed another email. <"There's a message from Greg Guest. I have to guest lecture on Dante tomorrow for his class. In fact, I have an idea."> He picked up the phone and dialed it. "Hi, Dr. Guest, this is Dave Dubois. I just got your email. I'm set for tomorrow and I may have a treat for the kids if she doesn't mind sharing the podium."

Francesca whispered, <"That's fine.">

"Who did you pull up on such short notice?" his former advisor asked.

"Does the name 'Francesca Alvaro' sound familiar?" Dave inquired.

"Sure. She just presented at a conference I was at over in Rome. How do you know her?" 

Dave chuckled, "She's my cousin and the other product of Grandpa Alvaro's academy."

"And she's here? Can you put her on?" 

She took the receiver and asked, "Professor, it's good to talk with you again."

< "Thank you. And I feel the same way. Did you hear David's offer?"> Dr. Guest inquired.

< "I would be glad to do it."> She looked at her cousin for a minute before continuing, < "Our family always wanted to hear us talk at the same time on this topic. To us, well, David's a legend. You want a little of everything, right? I figure that he can give the background and I can jump in for the literary parts. Is that okay?">

<"That will be fine with me. I'll see you both tomorrow. Welcome to the US, Dr. Alvaro,"> Dr. Guest concluded, hanging up.

< "So, David, we are talking for your old professor. It must be tough for you to do that," > she presumed.

< "Not really. He's a close friend too,"> Dave informed her.

At that moment, Angie knocked on the door. "Excuse me, everyone. Coffee's on!"

"Thanks, Princess," he approved. 

Francesca smiled as they walked back into the living room. There, they enjoyed their coffee and talked the night away.



Chapter 4

Early the next morning, Dave lay in bed and stared anxiously at the ceiling. Even though Caitlin wants to avoid trouble with the Center, Francesca's family. I can't leave her hanging without support. But what do I do if Mezzoli won't back down?

Angie stirred and glanced at him. Look at him. So worried about Francesca and the project. Then she shook him. "Hey, Sweetums."

"Huh? Oh, Princess." He hugged her.

"It's okay. You're worried about Francesca, aren't you?" she asked.

"Yes. I know I shouldn't get involved in such a heavy international situation, but..."

Angie rubbed his shoulder. "But you're you and she's family. That's what I love about you. You never compromise your principles. Do what you have to do and remember that the girls and I are behind you one hundred percent."

He smiled and his eyes watered. "I know that but the reminders are always appreciated. Thank you." He kissed her quickly. 

As luck would have it, two cries penetrated the darkness.

"Speaking of our angels," he laughed.

"Wait for me," she cracked.

They walked across the hall to the nursery where the twins voiced their displeasure over something.

"Hi, ladies," he greeted and picked Karen up. The diaper drooped and it obviously needed changing. "Whew! C'mon, Squirt, you need to get cleaned up."

"Hi, Lauren, I see you're all wet and stinky too. Don't worry. Let's join Papa and your sister in the bathroom," Angie assured her baby.

In the bathroom, the parents cleaned and powdered them as well as fitting them with a new diaper, a hug, and a kiss apiece.

"Why don't we let Papa get ready for work? Besides, I know a couple of girls who are getting hungry," she presumed, carrying them out to the kitchen.

He smiled and got into the shower, eager to get the day underway.


****

Francesca met up with him in front of the library. She seemed relaxed and ready to go as well. 

< "Good morning, David. How are you?" > she asked.

<"Okay. Have you had breakfast?" > he responded.

< "No. I was waiting for you actually. Are you ready to teach?" > she wondered as they headed for the Student Union.

< "Not until after I eat. Angie had her hands full this morning, so I gave her a break," > he declared as he opened the door of the Faculty Club for her. <"Is this okay?">

<"Yes. Thank you," > she agreed, following him in. Inside, they were seated and she continued, < "Angie's a really nice person. I enjoyed last night very much. Congratulations on the happiness, David. I know that things weren't so good for a long time." >

<"Thanks. Angie turned my life around. As much as she enjoys being with the girls, I know she'll be relieved to be back at work in a few weeks. I guess the UMC has excellent daycare. I wouldn't even think of asking her to stay home. It's who she is,"> he noted.

< "It's nice to hear you say that,"> she complimented as they dug into their breakfast.


****

The class lecture went well as they split the duties and gave the students the whole picture. Everyone asked great questions. Most importantly, the cousins' respect for each other grew as a result. Afterwards, he took her over to the Center where a message from Dwight waited for them:

"Dave,

I've spoken to Dr. Mezzoli and he should change his mind shortly. Please tell Dr. Alvaro about this and advise her to be careful. Mezzoli's not too happy that she got us involved.

Best to Angie and the twins.

Dwight"

<"That's great! What does 'be careful' mean?"> she asked.

<"More than likely, you antagonized your chair. Dwight has a real sense about these things. Hopefully, this project won't cost you your job, Francesca,"> he explained.

< "Oh, I hope not! Still, my work isn't accepted there. I'm considered a rebel," > she worried.

That sounds familiar. < "It runs in the family. Remember, 'If it's in a book...'> he started.

< "'Go with it and don't listen otherwise.' Uncle Lorenzo used to say that to us too. But seriously, what about the document? Can your friend help?"> she queried nervously.

Just then, Caitlin knocked at the door. "Dave! I'm glad I caught you both! I just received word that the document's going online."

"Really? That's wonderful!" Francesca exclaimed.

He studied the Dean's face. There's something bad coming as well. Okay, Caitlin, what's the catch? "I agree, but you have something else there too."

Caitlin sighed, "There's a note which was faxed here for Dr. Alvaro." She handed the visitor a piece of paper. "For you. Only Mary Sue, my assistant, and I have seen this. I'm sorry." 

Francesca read it and her face turned white. "Is this what they think of my work and me?" she lamented and ran out of the room, dropping the paper as she did so.

Now what? Ah smell a big rat, the Child asserted.

You and me both, Dave agreed, picking the paper up and reading it. It said:

<"Dr. Alvaro,

We are allowing the Pescini MS to be put online because we have no other choice. In light of this situation, a board of inquiry has been assembled to determine what to do about your actions. Until that time, your leave has been suspended. Your cousin has no business being involved in this matter.

Roderigo Mezzoli, Ph D">

Ah wanna go there and whup 'im! That scum ass needs it!

Yeah, I agree. When the time comes, we nail him good. Meanwhile, Caitlin's here. Remember, job-need to eat. Job-need to eat.

Stupid rules! The Child spat in disgust.

"Those SOBs!" Dave snarled, clearly agreeing with His Darkness. "He's organized a damn witch hunt to get her! This is intolerable!"

"Too bad we can't do anything. She really knows her stuff," Caitlin remarked. "Or can we? I need your phone."

Huh? What the heck is she gittin' at? The Child wondered anxiously.

"What can we do?" Dave inquired. "Are there any openings?"

"Maybe. Let me see...yes! The Italian department needs a replacement professor quickly. Dialing that department chair's office number, she asked, "Antonio? This is Caitlin Sommers at the library. How are you?"

"I'm fine. I just came back from hearing Francesca Alvaro's shared guest lecture with your Humanities Librarian. It was fantastico! I wish we could offer her our position," Dr. Antonio Marioli, the department chair admired.

"That may be a possibility. She may be available. Would you be willing to make her an offer for your emergency spot?" Caitlin inquired.

"Of course! But doesn't she have family back in Italy?" he wondered.

"And she has family here in Tucson as well. Hang on, I'll let you talk to one of them," she informed him and handed the phone to Dave.

"Hi, Dr. Marioli. It's Dave Dubois. It was good to see you this morning," Dave started.

"And you, of course. Who's in her family so I can contact them?" the eager department head asked.

"You're talking to her cousin actually. Besides Angie, our kids, and me, she has other extended family back East with my mother, her Aunt Beatrice, my brother and sister in addition to their families," the librarian continued.

"Really? That's great. And could you get her to accept the position?"

"If I can get her to go over there, are you offering one?" Dave responded.

Gispouli pulled a contract out of his desk drawer and filled out a few boxes on it before faxing it off. "Hello, Dave? Yes, you should be receiving a fax with the contract over there. As soon as you get it, give it to her and have her come over here."

"Hang on, sir," Dave advised and walked down the hall. After getting the fax from Sue-Anne, he walked back and got on the phone. "It's here. Well, I'm going to talk with her. I'll do my best, sir."

"Thanks. I'll look forward to seeing her," Gispouli concluded, hanging up.

Guessing what had just happened, Caitlin told him, "Go on. I'll make sure your desk shift is covered for this afternoon."

"Thanks," he expressed, putting on his coat and heading down the stairs and out of the building. After a quick look around, he found his cousin sitting by the fountain in front of him. He walked over and sat beside her. <"Are you okay?">

<"I'm sorry. It's just that I'm disappointed that everything is falling apart like this!"> she sobbed.

He hugged her. <"Shh. Come on, it's going to be okay. You have a job and your family. You'll survive this.">

<"But Mezzoli's going to take my position! Where would I find a job so quickly?"> she sniffled.

<"An offer was just made to you. Well, you can thank Caitlin actually. We need a literature professor in the Italian department here and the chair saw you lecture with me this morning. Want to go talk to him?">

<"You're serious?"> she doubted.

He held the contract up. <"Does this look like I'm kidding? Come on, Francesca, at least talk to the man and get the details. Then you can call the folks back in Italy. Capesh?">

She nodded. <"Thank you. I think we can have that talk now. Can you show me where this place is?">

He agreed, <"Follow me.">


Chapter 5 

After Dave dropped her off there, Francesca walked into the Italian department's office. There she found a secretary typing away on a keyboard. 

"Can I help you?" the woman asked.

"Yes. I'd like to see Dr. Gispouli, please. I'm Dr. Francesca Alvaro," Franscesca replied pleasantly.

"Absolutely. Dr. Gispouli will see you right away. Go right in, Dr. Alvaro," the receptionist agreed.

Francesca walked over to the chair's door and knocked.

"Si?" Gispouli inquired.

"Dr. Gispouli?" 

"Si."

"I'm Francesca Alvaro. May I come in?" she asked.

<"Yes. Definitely,"> he agreed, opening the door. <"Please sit.">

"Thank you," she replied looking at the moderately decorated office with a few wall hangings and books on the shelves. 

The chair was an older Sicilian man with sharp dark eyes and black hair with streaks of white running through it. Dr. Gispouli smiled warmly. <"That was a nice lecture, Dr. Alvaro. Tell me, though, what's the reasoning for a sudden move over here? Is everything all right back at your university?">

She bit her lip and sighed. <Might as well tell him the truth.> <"I certainly didn't mean for any trouble to happen. We had a misunderstanding over a Dante manuscript being scanned. Dr. Mezzoli doesn't support Internet access. I do. I tried to work within the system, but he blocked me and everyone else who tried to get it online. So, I came here to ask my cousin, David, for help. In addition, Dr. Mezzoli doesn't agree with my research on Beatrice studies. Now, he has the opportunity to fire me.">

She's a risk all right. Still, with what Caitlin and Lydia pulled off with her cousin, I think we can do the same with her. <"I see. Tell me, would you be willing to work as part of the team here?">

<"Of course. As long as I get to do my research and teach my classes,"> she agreed.

<"That wouldn't be a problem. We need a new library liaison and you would fit the bill. I am a fan of your research, by the way,"> he informed her.

<"It sounds so tempting and to be so close to family here. Can I call you back tonight or tomorrow? I want to call my family back in Italy before I make a decision,"> she requested.

<"Certainly. Take a day or two to mull it over. Believe me, we can wait for you,"> he approved.

<"Thank you, sir,"> she concluded, smiling and shaking his hand before she left for the library.

**** 

She found Dave waiting in his office for her.

<"So, how did it go?"> he asked.

<"Hmm? Oh fine. He asked me a couple of questions and made me the offer. I do need to talk with the family,"> she sighed.

<"You can make that call from home,"> he agreed, putting his coat on and walking to the car.

****

Meanwhile, Angie was just putting the twins down for their nap. "So much going on, huh? Well, you both sleep tight because Mama's got everything set," she cooed. After her charges drifted off, she sat in the living room with a cup of French vanilla coffee. Mmm, that's nice!

Just then, Dave and Francesca came through the door. 

"Hi, Princess," he greeted.

"Afternoon, gang. What's going on? Is something happening?" she wondered as they kissed.

"We'll let you know in a minute, Honey. Francesca needs to make a really long distance call first," he replied.

"You mean Italy? What's up? Dave, come on. Tell me," she demanded.

Francesca explained, "I'm afraid I acted rashly in coming here without my chair's approval, Angie. There's a board of inquiry being convened to determine a punishment."

"Oh dear," Angie worried. "Now what do you do?"

"I have an option to discuss with the family. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to talk to him," Francesca noted before walking into the study and closing the door. She dialed her grandfather's number.

<"Hello?"> Damian answered.

<"Grandfather, this is Francesca. How are you?"> she asked.

<"Francesca? Has the university reached you? They're very angry,"> he pointed out.

<"I know. They're probably going to release me after all of my hard work,"> she moaned.

<"What will you do?"> he asked.

<"That's why I'm calling. I'm in Arizona with our cousins, David and Angela Dubois. When the university they work at heard about my situation, they offered me a position here in the Italian department! It's a great opportunity, Grandfather,"> she informed him.

<"What about your mother? You know she'll miss you terribly,"> he reminded her.

She paused and took a deep breath before continuing, <"I know, but I'm thirty two years old. I need a job and I'll have one here. And I have family here too who will stand by me. David did so today without hesitation. As for Mama, I know she'll miss me, but this is a golden opportunity.">

<"Can I talk to David?"> he requested.

<"Hang on,"> she agreed and headed out into the living room. "David, Grandfather wants to speak with you."

He stared at her. Now what?

Here it comes, Bro. The wheepie crap.

Let's see if we can talk them through it, all right?

Fine. Ah'm ready to take over.

That won't be needed, Dave pointed out.

Says ya'll. Ah'm ready if needed, the Child concluded, going silent.

<"Hello, Damian? This is David. How are you?"> Dave indicated.

<"I've been better. This isn't the best thing for her, you know. Being so far away from her family,"> her grandfather informed him.

<"That's the way the world works. Besides, she could be in a much worse situation than this one. Her post in Florence sounded just like that,"> he argued.

<"But to be so far away,"> he lamented.

<"I know. You sound like your Aunt Beatrice. Believe me, it's for the best and I promise that we'll stand by her. She's family,"> the librarian vowed. <"Grandpa Alvaro would want me to do so. Wouldn't you agree?">

<"Yes, he would. Well, that's what I wanted to hear. Can you put her back on, please? And, David, thank you,"> Damian concluded.

<"My pleasure,"> Dave concluded, signaling for Francesca and giving the phone back to her.

<"Hi, Grandfather. You see?"> she asked.

<"Yes, I do. You're lucky he and his wife are there. Take the job, but stay in touch, all right?"> he urged.

She grinned. <"You bet! Thank you! Kiss Mama for me when you see her! Bye!"> She hung up and came out into the living room. "Guys, he agreed that I should take the job. Wow. It feels funny and a little scary to be living in America."

"If you prefer Mexico, the border's only forty-five minutes away," Dave teased.

"No, I think this is fine. Now, I know why Uncle Lorenzo guided you out here," Francesca replied.

"Right. Well, don't you have another call to make?" he asked, handing her the receiver.

She nodded and dialed the Italian department's number. 

"Antonio Gispouli," the chair answered.

<"Dr. Gispouli, it's Francesca Alvaro. I would like to accept your offer as we discussed. Of course, I'll still need to move all of my books and materials here from Florence. When can we talk about the full terms and sign the official contract?"> she wondered.

<"Tomorrow at noon over at the Faculty Club. Oh, I spoke to Dr. Mezzoli. He's willing to dissolve that board of inquiry pending your resignation. Despite your differences, he recommended you highly. Anyhow, come to lunch. Tell David and his wife to come too. After that, we'll go to my office and chat, okay?"> he explained.

<"Sounds good to me. Thank you, sir,"> she concluded. <"See you then.">

After getting off the line, she turned to her cousins. "I have the job. Tomorrow, we all are supposed to meet him for lunch. After that, he and I will go do business."

"Great. We have a group liaison meeting scheduled for 2:30. I would like to introduce you to the others if that's all right. It should only take about twenty minutes or so," he reported.

"Let's keep it to that length. Remember, we'll have the twins with us, but they deserve an outing," Angie pointed out. 

"Okay. Well, I have to find an apartment here in Tucson. Any suggestions?" Francesca asked.

"There's an opening right across the complex here if that's okay," Angie informed her.

"That would be great! If you don't mind," Francesca accepted.

"Not at all," he assured her. "You're a pleasure to have around. Now, let's go to the office and talk with them."

With that, he led his cousin on the first steps of getting her new life started.



Conclusion

Their lunch with Dr. Gispouli went great. Except for the twins who slept through the entire event, the four faculty members enjoyed themselves immensely as they got to know each other and further establish ties between their respective departments.

After Francesca went back to the office to finalize the details with her new chair, Dave sat on the terrace with his family and looked around at the inner courtyard of the Union. So many years before, he had traveled there in search of his dreams. Now, he had found them, but not as expected. I'm in the perfect place with my family and friends. What more could anyone want? Turning to Angie, he asked, "Kind of nice, isn't it?"

"What is, Sweetie?" she inquired, checking on their daughters.

"Having you beside me again in an official capacity, Dr. Dubois, and having our little angels behaving so well to boot. It just feels right."

She smiled warmly as she picked Lauren up and rocked her. "It's great to hear you say that, Honey. We're still a team, then?"

"You don't have to ask that, Princess. Always," he assured her.

"Thanks," she flushed. "What did Dwight say about your project?"

"The text will go online after Francesca gets back from Florence. She'll scan the MS there and bring the file back here. Then, I'll put the coding in and stick it up on the site. Dwight will proof it before it's released for public consumption," he explained, a smile spreading on his face. "Now, why don't we head over to my office? It's about 1:45 and I want to get set for the meeting."

"Okay. Take a carrier and let's go," she agreed happily as she picked up another of the plastic baby transports.

****

By 2:20, Dave, Angie, and the twins sat in the Dean's Conference Room waiting for the others to arrive. The nerves over Francesca's situation precluded everything else. 

However, their cousin walked in right ahead of the other faculty members, sitting next to them.

"Well?" Dave asked.

< "We're all set," > Francesca assured him.

He nodded and grinned. Everything worked out. I know Gram will be relieved.

At 2:30, Caitlin walked in and started the meeting. "Good afternoon, everyone. Well, before we get going, I want to turn the meeting over to David in order to introduce our group's newest member. David?"

"Thank you, Caitlin. Everyone, this is Dr. Francesca Alvaro who recently joined us from the National University of Florence. Her specialty is Dante and Beatrice studies and she will be in the French and Italian department," he introduced her.

"An Alvaro from Florence who specializes in Dante? There wouldn't happen to be any connection there?" Lydia supposed.

She shrugged. "We're related, if that's what you mean. We're third cousins because my Great Uncle Lorenzo was David's grandfather."

Nancy Bradley, the English department representative, chuckled, "So, we get another member of the famous Alvaro bloodline. Welcome, Francesca. If you are anything like your cousin, you should be just fine here."

"And I'm sure you are," Dr. Lynn Davis from Sociology concurred.

"And I agree," Caitlin chimed in. "Now down to business, let's start with the reports...."

**** 

About a half-hour later, the meeting wound down. After the business at hand was complete, everyone stopped to congratulate Francesca and to look at the twins.

"It's about time you brought them in for a visit," Caitlin joked. "I was wondering if you were going to make them into nuns."

"No chance of that," Angie chuckled, casting a teasing look in her husband's direction. "Of course, there's always the overprotective Papa over here."

"And I love every minute of it," he expressed, beaming with joy as he picked up Karen and looked into her eyes. 

She gooed at him and smiled.

"And hello to you too! Big girl wants a hug, huh?" he greeted and rocked her. After a couple of minutes, he put her back in her carrier and said, "Now, it's your sister's turn."

"How old are they?" Nancy asked.

"About 2 1/2 months old and Dave's going on eleven from the way he's playing with them," Angie teased.

Ya should tell 'er to shuddup, the Child growled.

She's joking. Lighten up, Dave told the Other. "And you're any better?"

"No, I can't say I am, but it's fun to bust your chops about it," his wife cracked.

"So which is which?" Lydia wanted to know.

"This is Karen," the oncologist said. "She's the livelier of the two."

"And this quiet one is Lauren," Dave added, giving his daughter an added bounce.

"And how does Karen like having a little namesake?" Lydia asked.

"She loves it. Her little boy is named after me and we've exchanged godparent duties," he continued.

"That's nice. Well, Dave, I think it's time we went home. The girls are going to need changing and feeding pretty soon," his wife reminded him.

"Okay. Caitlin, I'll be back to work the night shift on the desk," he told his boss. "I need to get my ladies home and then, help Francesca get a few things into her apartment."

"Sounds great," the Dean agreed as she left the room.

"Thanks again, everyone. I'll look forward to seeing you all again when I come back from Florence with my things," Francesca expressed before leaving with her cousins.

Once outside, he turned to the newly-minted faculty member and asked, <"How does it feel?">

<"This is great. Thanks,"> she replied. "Thank you both." <"This new start is going to work out just fine.">

With that, they piled into Angie's Mazda and pulled away. Having another family member around would be a great benefit to all. And for Francesca, it meant the start of a whole new life. Still, having family there would make things easier in several regards. In fact, it would make all the difference in the world.

THE END (for now)


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