“That’s because this place is not for everybody,” explained Giancarlo, wagging a finger. “America is a beautiful country, and I have come to love it dearly, but we live in a tough, competitive, demanding society here. This holds true in virtually every aspect of our lives. For all the abundance we enjoy, these things exact a toll, one that many people in other countries would just as soon not pay. So they stay right where they are and err on the side of caution, because that’s the safe way through life.”

“I never thought of things that way,” said Carter when Giancarlo had finished. “I mean, life here doesn’t seem all that tough to me.”

“That’s because you were born and raised here,” said Giancarlo. “It makes a difference.” He paused, and let out a breath. “But in any case, enough of my hot air. Now that you’ve had a little to eat, ti senti meglio? Do you feel better? Got a little bit of your strength back?”

“Si,” said Carter with a smile. “Grazie.”

“Bravo,” said Giancarlo. “So in that case, we can get back to business.”

With that he picked up his pencil and tapped it against the table, bringing the class to order.

“Va bene,” he said, reacquiring his taskmaster’s voice. “Adesso parliamo in Italiano!”

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 10

Carter’s head hurt.

It had been another long, hot day on the job at R & D Home Construction, and he was feeling like a wet rag. With the car windows wide open to let in the breeze, he drove home from work, sipping a bottle of water while listening to the latest Italian tape Professor Rosa had lent him. Along the way, he decided to stop at a video store, where he rented an Italian-made movie. His plan was to watch it that night after catching a quick workout at the gym. As he mulled over his itinerary for the evening, he began to understand why his head was throbbing. It wasn’t just the heat and the daily physical work that were getting to him, but also the concentration and mental energy he was expending to learn this new language. Between his construction labors and Italian lessons, though he enjoyed both immensely, he was beginning to feel like he was back in his football days, going through pre-season double sessions again—and Giancarlo Rosa was as tough on him as any football coach he had ever played for. It was a rigorous routine, more difficult than he had expected, but Carter also understood that, just like for football, he would have to work at his Italian lessons before he could play in Italy. This little bit of cranial discomfort was simply an inevitable part of his preparation.