Benedetta helped me clean up. I asked Evalena to take the peaches out of the fridge and bring them to the table where only the wine and glasses remained. I handed her fruit plates and knives. We sat back and I refilled our glasses. Then, using the dull side of the knife blade, I took a peach and began to loosen the skin, making it easier to peel. Benedetta and Evalena watched me in silence while I sliced my peach and dropped a juicy sliver into my wine glass with a splash.

"My ...