“Yeah. Stand it up by the counter.”
She was going to move the buckets herself, but I stopped her, warning her she could hurt herself and telling her I would take care of them if she’d just tell me what to do. After double-checking that I was serious, she thanked me. “Honestly, every single thing I do lately takes twice the effort, and I’m so fat I can barely see my feet.” She rubbed her belly. “You can start by taking those flowers to the back. We’ll cut the stems, put them in water, and stick them into the refrigerator.”
“Sounds good.”
I followed each and every instruction to the letter, cutting thestems at an angle, being careful not to crush them, and putting them in a special blend of preservatives she taught me to mix up that would keep them from wilting. Finally, we placed a few orchids in cardboard boxes, and she explained that they lasted longer if stored in that way.
“Flowers need special care. But you’re a natural,” she told me, closing the door to the refrigerator.
“Really?”
“I wouldn’t tell you that just to flatter you.”
I thanked her and told her I’d happily come another day. “Just call me.”
“Seriously? Because I know you’re on vacation and I don’t want you doing me any favors, but if you don’t mind coming in a few hours in the morning and helping me spruce up… I mean, I’d pay you, obviously.”
Perplexed, I asked, “Are you offering me a job?”
“Something like that.”
I wasn’t sure what to say. The last thing I’d expected was someone offering me a job there. I thought it over. I could use the money, even if it wasn’t much. And it would give me something to do with my time. Without any distractions, the days were starting to get long.
“Thanks, Monica. I’d love to.”
“Perfect, Maya!” She hugged me as best she could in her state. “Does tomorrow at ten sound good?”
“I’ll be here.”
I said goodbye to her and pedaled to Villa Vicenza. As I did, with the sun at my back and the sea breeze striking my face, I was happy, excited, and I felt secure in a way that was almost unknown to me. I dropped my bike in the vestibule and ran upstairs with my bags.
I opened the door just as Lucas was coming out, and we ran into each other before each jumping back to let the other through. Wehesitated, then moved, then ran into each other again. Finally he stood aside. “You first.”
“Thanks,” I said.
“Where have you been?”
“I was in town,” I said.
“How’d you get there?”
“Bike. Giulio brought one up for me and said I could use it as long as I was staying here. I went shopping. I got a ton of stuff: clothes, some sandals, bikinis. I hope it all fits. I didn’t try any of it on.”
“I’m sure you’ll look great. But if you need an objective outsider’s opinion, I’m here for you.”
I blushed. I hated how I always blushed when he was around!
“Are you leaving?” I asked.
“Yeah. Night shift tonight. I won’t be back till late, I’ll try not to wake you.”
“Sure, no worries.”
After a stare that lasted a little too long, he said, “Goodbye.” I couldn’t make myself respond. I shut the door and listened to his footsteps as he left.
My mind was shouting for him.
My heart was shouting for him.
