“Yes.” He raised an eyebrow. “Are you planning to see all of the villages today?” He glanced at the watch on his left wrist. “It’s getting a little late in the afternoon. You won’t be able to spend much time exploring.”
Her cheeks colored. “That was the plan. I was going to hike as far as I could, then pick up my backpack at the Monterosso al Mare train station.”
Lorenzo stood with his hands on his hips. “Unfortunately, that isn’t possible. Heavy rains over the last few weeks have washed out and damaged the Azure Trail between here and Riomaggiore. It is closed until further notice for repairs. The last time we had flooding this bad, the trail was closed until fall.”
Sabrina scratched her forehead. “The tourist office in Monterosso al Mare must not have had the most current information. I guess I’ll have to take the train to the next town.”
“There is another option, if you are open to it?” Lorenzo packed away the last items, closed the trunk of his car, and clicked the alarm, leaning casually against it.
“And what is that?”
“If you wouldn’t mind skipping Corniglia and Manorola, we could pick up your luggage and I could drive you to Riomaggiore.”
“Drive me?” she sputtered. “But I’ve already caused you enough trouble.”
“Sabrina, we are heading to the same destination. It’s no trouble at all. Besides, I always enjoy having company in the car with me.” Lorenzo chuckled. “Look, it is four fifteen now. The next ferry won’t depart from here until four forty-five. The train will leave at five. Youcouldwait for either one of those, or you could retrieve your luggage and take the scenic route with me. The choice is yours.”
If I’m honest with myself, I’d really like to spend more time with such a handsome stranger. His voice is everything. I really don’t mind missing Corniglia or Manorola. Plus, I wouldn’t have to backtrack later. I can maximize the time I spend in Riomaggiore.
“I already feel so guilty. I can hear my mom’s voice in my head telling me that I’m taking advantage of you if I go along for a ride.”
He crossed his arms. “You didn’t ask. I offered.”
Sabrina tilted her head sideways. “Would you at least let me pay for your gas?”
Lorenzo’s eyes sparkled with mirth. “This is a fully electric car. No petrol required.”
From the jewelry booth, Tonia called out, “No more stalling. Go with Lorenzo.”
“Even Tonia agrees. I’ve learned that it is always best to listen to the village elders.”
“I heard that Lorenzo!” Tonia said.
He ignored Tonia, opened the passenger door, and gestured to it. “You’ll come with me, then.”
If I were in any other part of the world, I’d try and talk myself out of this, but here in Italy, everyone knows everybody else. The community is small and intimate. It’s like how we are on the Never Far From Netherfield forum. In some ways, Lorenzo reminds me of Jane’s description of Mr. Willoughy. “A young man of good abilities, quick imagination, lively spirits, and open, affectionate manners.” I just hope he isn’t a villain.
Sabrina glanced at Tonia, who winked and gave her a thumbs-up.
“I’ll go with you.”
“Brava.”
Four
The Scenic Route
The engine of the car emitted a low hum. Sabrina wasn’t even aware the car was on until Lorenzo slowly backed it up and pulled out onto the street. Out of nowhere, a pedestrian darted across the road. With cheetah-like reflexes, he tapped on the brakes.
“Goodness,” Sabrina gasped, splaying a hand on her chest. The seat belt dug into the tender flesh of her shoulder.
“It will be worse near the train station. I’ll have to ride the brakes.” Lorenzo kept his right arm on the steering wheel and his left arm against the armrest on the driver’s side. He drummed his fingers in time to the soft rock music playing from the car’s radio. The car crawled at less than five miles per hour up the street.
“What do you mean by that?” Sabrina said in a state of disbelief.
“Tourists are so enamored with the scenery when they step off the train that they become blissfully ignorant of their surroundings. It’s almost like being on vacation has transported them into a fairy-tale land where nothing bad can happen. They’ll walk right into the street without any thought of a passing motor vehicle. It never ceases to amaze me. "
Sabrina let out a deep breath. “At least you’re aware of what’s going on around you.”
