Ginny froze on the spot. She was used to a sleek coach delivering her and Adrian to their hotel in style. She liked the chirpy holiday representatives who used a microphone to tell them about the weather and local waterpark. This vehicle looked like an old ambulance.
“Nice wheels,” Curtis said, winking at her.
“My minibus is good on the roads,” Nico said stiffly.
Ginny climbed inside. She shuffled to get comfortable on the rock-hard seat and fastened her seat belt. Nico handed her a cold bottle of water and she gulped it readily. As they drove away and pulled onto the road, a solitary tear wound down her face. She turned her head and took a tissue from her handbag.
Nico noticed. “I’m sorry,” he said. “They will find your suitcase.”
“Yeah, don’t worry. It’ll turn up,” Curtis said, avoiding looking at her. He started to chat to Nico.
Ginny gripped her seat and rested her forehead against the side window, watching as road signs and gray tarmac sped by for miles, until they filtered out to rows of trees and little trattorias. She spotted the white castle hotel on top of a hill and swallowed a sigh.
“That is my friend Gianfranco’s hotel,” Nico said, as he pulled off the road. “He will collect the other three guests in his minibus. The vehicle has air-conditioning and he will enjoy telling them about it.”
He drove through open black iron gates and crunched to a halt. A battered sign readHotel Splendido. Benvenuti!Nico got out and opened the minibus door for Ginny. He performed a small bow and swept his hand toward the building. “I am pleased you are here,” he said. “My home is your home.”
Ginny stepped out and breathed in the warm tranquil air. The hotel’s white walls peeled prettily, and pale green window shutters added a splash of color. She could smell pink bougainvillea and lemons, and evening sunlight glistened through the trees, making everything seem more enchanting. The sound of distant church bells chiming and the trickle of water made her heart swell.
“You like the hotel?” Nico asked.
“Oh, yes.” Ginny nodded. “Very much.”
“This way.” He beamed.
Inside the hotel, the terracotta floor tiles felt cool through the soles of Ginny’s sandals. The hallway was long and its uneven white walls displayed black-and-white photos of people she assumed were Nico’s family. They looked like a serious bunch. Glancing through a door, she saw a wooden farmhouse table and copper saucepans on shelves. She could smell cooked tomatoes, oregano and fresh bread.
Everything looked homey, yet the hotel had a strange air, as if it had been closed for the winter and the sheets covering everything had only just been whisked off.
Nico selected a key from a hook on the wall, number five. “My very best room,” he announced. “The bridal suite.”
Ginny gripped the strap of her handbag. She followed Nico up the creaky wooden stairs, leaving Curtis in the hallway.
When Nico opened the bedroom door, Ginny wasn’t expecting the sea of coral and lemon. The bed, desk and small chair looked as tired as she felt and the color of the painted woodwork could best be described as autopsy red. Not a great way for couples to start married life. The room didn’t look like the ones she’d seen on the website, or perhaps she was mistaken. She took a moment, trying to find something positive to say. “What a colorful room.” She walked toward the window and looked outside. “The view is beautiful.”
“Grazie.” Nico presented the ensuite bathroom to her and the pile of towels topped with a tiny guest soap. “Perhaps you would like juice, coffee or a bowl of soup? I made it fresh today, my mamma’s recipe.”
Kindness was just what Ginny needed, and it also made her wilt. “Soup and a glass of juice would be lovely. And do you have a charger?” She waved her phone.
“Only for iPhone.”
“Oh, okay. My battery is very low.”
They both paused, not sure who should speak next. Nico went first. “The others will arrive later tonight. Would you like your soup served in the dining area, or—?”
“My room, please,” Ginny said. She was drained from traveling and wanted to relax. She didn’t really want to spend the evening talking to Curtis on her own.
Nico nodded. “Prego, I understand. I’ll leave you to unpack your, um...handbag.” He left and closed the bedroom door.
Ginny sat down on the bed and ran her fingers over the faded orange cover. At least the room looked spotless. She texted Phoebe to tell her she’d arrived safely, though her luggage was delayed. She unpacked her handbag, setting out her tissues, purse and mints in a line, trying to restore some order. Tomorrow she would meet the three other heartbroken strangers she’d invited on holiday.
At least they were all in this together.
7
Breakfast
Ginny woke to the sound of a cockerel crowing outside and light shining through her curtains. Instead of taking time to come around from her sleep, she grabbed her phone to see if the airport had been in touch. She had no missed calls and her battery level was three percent. It was still only 5:25 a.m. and she let out a small groan.
