‘Yes, I’m a twelve,’ Rose confirmed, widening her eyes when the woman grabbed a dazzling navy dress with a plunging neckline from one of the racks. There were subtle sparkles in the material. ‘I’m definitely not going to wear that,’ she stammered. She preferred her outfits to be more serious – so she could fade into the background and people-watch. She wasn’t looking to draw attention to herself, and she definitely wasn’t looking to recreate Aurora’s wardrobe in a smaller size.
‘Why not try it?’ Francesca asked smoothly. ‘It might suit you? Besides, you need somethingbellissimafor the engagement party. Everyone in the village will be there.’
Rose sighed and shook her head. It was like shopping with her mother when she was a teenager. She’d never listened either.Although then Rose had been far more worried about pleasing her than herself. ‘I’ll try it if you find me a linen suit,’ she bargained.
‘Sì. I have one in red.’ Francesca flashed a wicked smile as she picked up trousers, a pair of red pyjamas and a tiny blue T-shirt which looked like it would be a perfect fit for Coco. ‘You need lingerie? Of course you do.’ She picked some out, studying the tiny, lacy scraps intently as they dangled from their hangers. Ben, who was sitting a few metres away from her, nodded enthusiastically as she held each of them up in turn.
Seriously? Rose could feel a blush forming on her cheeks and fought to control it. ‘I prefer white, and it hardly matters if Ben approves. He’s not going to see it,’ she muttered as Francesca waved a crimson set.
‘I don’t mind offering advice. I’m very experienced in these things,’ Ben said, grinning as the older woman turned and swished a heavy velvet curtain aside, exposing a pretty dressing room with four large mirrors, and a voluptuous chair. Then she hung all the items she’d chosen onto a set of hooks on the wall.
Ben, who was still sitting on the sofa facing the changing room, grinned. ‘Do I get a drink while I’m waiting?’ he asked.
‘How about hemlock?’ Rose suggested darkly. Why wouldn’t he just leave?
Francesca laughed looking delighted. ‘Depends how useful you are,caro,’ she said to Ben. ‘I have some for—’ She stopped abruptly and waved a hand at Rose.
‘Rose Loveheart,’ Ben filled in. ‘Also known as the Love Doctor. She’s friends with Marco’s bride.’
‘Ah.’ Francesca nodded vigorously, her short brown curls bouncing against her cheeks. ‘Of course. Aurora mentioned you’d be visiting when she called me earlier in the week. We’re friends too,’ she explained as Rose started to ask how the two of them knew each other.
‘But how did she know I was coming?’ Rose gasped. She’d only found out herself two days ago.
‘Aldo told her – he told her a few other things too.’ Francesca’s eyes sparkled as her gaze switched between Rose and Ben and then she laughed delightedly. ‘I’m just teasing,cara. Marco messaged to tell me you were on your way.’
Rose shut her eyes for a moment. Was everyone in Italy unhinged or was it just the people who knew Marco’s family? She might have to write a new set of rules just for them. ‘Shall I try on the clothes?’ she asked wearily, nodding towards the changing room.
‘Sì!’ Francesca clapped her hands. ‘While you’re there, I’ll get you a drink ofFranciacorta. That’s Italy’s version of champagne.’
Rose was about to say she didn’t want another drink but decided better of it. She knew from her parents and clients that it was best to choose her battles. Besides, a bit of alcohol might make this more bearable. She walked into the changing room and heard Francesca swish the curtains closed. Then she stared at her reflection in the long mirror, wondering what had happened to her carefully managed life.
Since she’d met Ben, nothing had gone to plan, and no one was doing anything she asked – including her own wayward hormones. There was a tight ball of excitement in the pit of her stomach that she hadn’t experienced before. Was this how Luna felt? Because Rose hated it, hated the feeling of chaos, the lack of control.
‘Here, drink this.’ A hand appeared through the curtain holding a delicate glass filled to the brim. Rose took it. The alcohol she’d had in the restaurant a few hours ago had worn off, so she shut her eyes and took a large gulp. She’d need Dutch courage if she was going to try on the clothes Francesca had selected. And she’d have to buy some; she didn’t have muchchoice. From her brief walk down the high street, it was clear this was the only place to buy women’s clothes and she doubted she’d get the chance to go anywhere further afield. She’d be too busy trying to advise Luna.
‘Everything okay in there?’ Ben shouted from outside the curtain. ‘Do you need any help?’
Rose knew he was joking because she could practically hear the laughter in his voice. She narrowed her eyes at the midnight blue dress with the plunging neckline. What would he say if she put it on? Surely the surprise would wipe the smug smile from his face. He thought he knew her; it would be fun to show him he had no idea.
‘I’m fine,’ she shouted back, quickly taking off Aurora’s dress, feeling a wave of relief when it hit the floor. She frowned at her underwear. She’d washed everything in the sink last night while she’d been wearing Ben’s T-shirt and thankfully it had dried, but she’d definitely be taking most of Francesca’s selection back to Villa Paradise with her, even if the styles were far smaller and more colourful than she’d normally go for. She stroked a piece of red lace – it was softer than she’d expected and the finish was stunning, so it wouldn’t be a hardship.
‘Are you staring at yourself in the mirror?’ Ben asked, and his guess was so accurate Rose quickly checked there wasn’t a gap in the curtain. When she was sure there wasn’t, she turned to frown at her reflection. Then she pulled the navy dress up and over her hips.
‘Francesca, can you help me with the zip please?’ she shouted.
‘I’m happy to step in,’ Ben joked. ‘Zips happen to be a speciality of mine. I practically have a degree in them.’
Rose laughed. She couldn’t help it. Ben was charming and funny, a heady combination for any woman. She was pleased she was immune to his charms. Or at least aware they were allfor show. He was just a pretty face – she reminded herself – shallow and self-centred and only looking for the next woman to impress. Like the last three of her mother’s husbands and Luna’s ex-fiancé too.
‘I’m sure you do,’ she said. ‘But I’m guessing you’re more adept at undressing women, whereas I need someone to help me put my clotheson. It’s probably best if you stick to your usual lane,’ she shot back.
‘I’m willing to give it a try – in the interests of evolving,’ Ben joked.
Rose chuckled again. Ben might be shallow, but he was funny. ‘We wouldn’t want you getting confused,’ she said.
She stared at herself in the mirror, waiting for Ben to respond. Her cheeks looked flushed and there was an odd brightness in her eyes. She wasn’t used to flirting. She liked her interactions with men to be more serious, preferring to find out more about them via a series of questions designed to expose their faults, than to fall into the easy back and forth of seductive conversation. But it was fun when you didn’t mean it. More fun than she’d realised. Perhaps this explained why her parents both did it so much?
‘I’m sure I could handle a change of pace,’ he countered as the older woman slid through the curtain, somehow managing not to flash any of Rose to Ben.
