Ginny told herself that Nico had been a distraction from her troubles, a shoulder to cry on, a fantasy figure who’d been there when she needed him. Adrian’s unwise actions had sent her looking for comfort from strangers and her magnetic pull toward Nico was just a reaction to the rejection from her husband. After all, how well could she possiblyknowsomeone after only a couple of weeks?
She picked upThe Power of Twofor reassurance that she was making the right decision and flicked toward the back of the book.
Stage Six. Reconstruction and working through.
Imagine dropping jigsaw pieces onto the floor without having a box with a picture on it to refer to. At first it feels impossible to fit them together, and you need determination to try. You know things have changed for you, because you’re looking for solutions. Take things step by step and you’ll soon be looking at a pretty picture again.
Ginny liked how that sounded and she made her decision, one that was the best for her and her family.
Instantly, a weight seemed to lift from her body and she pulled back the curtains to let the daylight kiss her face. The sunshine had bleached the hairs golden on her arms. She sang as she showered, and padded lightly downstairs to the dining room to share her good news.
She was met by a heavy contemplative air hanging around the dining table.
Heather peeled a banana in slow motion. Eric yawned and Edna sipped her coffee as if it was poisonous. Curtis slumped in his chair and toyed with his phone. They all looked bleary-eyed after their shortened sleep.
Nico’s eyelids were lilac and he didn’t perform his usual fussing around. The table was half set and the food options were sparse. “I didn’t know if you would all want breakfast or not,” he said with a thin smile. “Loretta is staying in bed, so she is not tired when she meets her friends.”
“So, she’s not grounded?” Curtis asked hopefully.
Nico shrugged a shoulder, not understanding him.
“You told Loretta that she couldn’t go to Gianfranco’s hotel,” Ginny said. “You were going to cancel her birthday lunch with friends.”
Nico straightened a spoon and then the bread basket. “Last night, I said things I should not have.” He lifted his eyes. “Loretta has explained what happened and I am sorry for my words. You are all welcome to stay at my hotel. Being worried made me upset.”
“We’re sorry, too, man,” Curtis said. “Things got out of hand.”
Ginny, Heather, Eric and Edna echoed his words.
“Thank you. I appreciate and accept this,” Nico said.
When they started to eat, the atmosphere gradually lifted.
“I’m happy doing nothing today,” Curtis said with a yawn. “Don’t know about you guys.”
Ginny glanced furtively at Nico, wondering whether to take him aside, to tell him about Adrian. He flitted between the dining room and kitchen so it was difficult to catch his eye. Each time Ginny prepared to speak to him, he ducked his head and disappeared again, until she became convinced he was avoiding her. She decided it would be too conspicuous to follow and corner him in the kitchen.
The longer she waited, the more her announcement threatened to burst out of her.
When Nico brought in a jug of fresh orange juice, Ginny couldn’t wait any longer. She cleared her throat and addressed the table. “Um, I have a suggestion to make for today. My husband and daughter arrived in Italy late last night and they’re staying at Gianfranco’s hotel. Adrian’s asked me to renew our wedding vows this afternoon, and Phoebe is getting married, too.”
Edna shot her an astonished stare.
Nico nudged the bread basket and a couple of pieces slid out. He quickly gathered them together in a napkin, folded it up and whisked it away. He returned a moment later and topped up everyone’s coffee so it almost spilled over the brims of their cups. “Congratulations,” he said too brightly.
“Yeah, that’s cool, Ginny,” Curtis said. “Well done.”
“The ceremonies will start at two this afternoon and I’d love for you all to join us,” Ginny said.
She was met with a wall of pained expressions, making her feel like the first member of a pop group to announce they were going solo.
“I suppose you’re proof that broken hearts really can mend,” Heather said.
Edna sipped her coffee and didn’t speak. Her eyes were as small and steely as ball bearings.
Back in her bedroom, Ginny curled the end of her ponytail and applied her makeup. She changed into the cream linen dress she’d bought in Florence, trying to look casual and elegant, rather than pristine and polished. Her feet were sore after dancing in Rimini, so she wore comfortable flat ballet shoes.
She’d hoped the others might have greeted her news with more excitement. It was great her life had taken this upward turn and she wanted them to be part of it and be happy for her. Perhaps they just needed more caffeine and time to wake up properly.
