When he puts it like that… he makes sense.
But it’s still not exactly the same.
I let out the deep breath I’ve been holding in. “All right, we have a few hours left here. Let’s go to town, eat off this hangover, then go home to London. We’ll figure it all out then. I don’t want to end the trip on a sour note.”
* * *
Sitting in Jack’s lap as we wait for the car to bring us to the airport, I’m reminded of how fortunate I am to have visited two beautiful countries with Jack this past month.
Although the situation with Sadie has put a slight damper on the morning, we’ve tried to make the most of it.
We enjoyed a lovely lunch sitting in the piazza, overlooking the medieval town, local to us. Then we did a little shopping, and I bought the most stunning painting from a local artist that I left as a thank-you to the DeLuca family.
Being here the last few days, I’ve realized what a blessing it’s been to get away. Paris never felt relaxing. I was constantly working, even though I tried my best to put it aside. Not to mention figuring things out with Jack.
Finally letting loose in Italy meant we got to enjoy our newfound happiness. It’s a shame we can’t stay longer. Hopefully, in the future, they offer the house again.
From a distance, we see a car turn down the drive. I stand, thinking it’s the car service, but when I hear the familiar roar of the Lamborghini engine and recognize its owner, I quickly turn toward Jack, begging him to behave.
“What the hell does he want now?”
I squeeze his hand in a silent plea. “It’s his house, remember that, Jack. And he’s a client. The client part is the most important.”
“I’m not a savage. I’ll act professionally.”
If Romeo weren’t pulling up, I’d laugh aloud at his ridiculous statement.
“Ciao,” Romeo calls as he walks over to us.
I wave, praying that this chat goes okay. I’m still mortified at what happened the other day. “Romeo, I’m so glad you stopped over before we left.” I push Jack toward him. “We wanted to apologize for the other day. It was completely unprofessional, and—”
He cuts me off by waving a dismissive hand. “Bella, you’re forgetting I’m Italian. Passion and possession is what makes up the Italian love language. There is no sorry needed. I’ve only come to apologize to your husband.” He turns to Jack. “I love many women, but that does not include the married ones. I wanted to apologize for overstepping. I had no idea she was taken. You have my word, man to man, that our relationship will remain purely professional.”
Jack sticks out his hand, and Romeo graciously shakes it. “I appreciate that, Romeo. Belle and I are navigating a new relationship, and I sometimes get a little carried away.”
“As long as you trust one another, a little jealousy never hurts anyone.” We all let out a small laugh. I’m thankful it’s been taken care of, one less thing to think about when I’m home. “I heard you two had a fun day and night yesterday.”
“Oh, did Alessia tell you?”
He blanches ever so slightly, and I might have missed it had I not been fishing for that exact response. Since my discussion with Alessia yesterday, I’ve been curious to find out more about their relationship so I wanted to see if I could get a reaction out of him.
“Alessia and I don’t speak anymore.” He gulps, and I have to hold back any facial reactions. That was not what I expected him to say. “Rosella called this morning, and she told me the two of you spoke. I let her know all the wonderful things you’ve done for us, and she promised to follow up with you.”
“Romeo.” I hug him quickly before Jack freaks out and we’re back at square one. “I appreciate that more than you know. Fashion is my passion, and I hope to work with more designers in the future. Thank you for putting in a good word.”
“I only spoke the truth,” he says, gesturing to the arriving car. “Back to London then. I would love to get dinner with both of you if you’re interested. I’ll be there in a couple of months. Maybe you have some single English friends for me?” He smirks.
I pat Jack on the back. “I’m sure Jack here has a few from the old harem he can share,” I kid.
“Funny, B. We’d love to host you, Romeo. I own two clubs in London where I’m sure you’d have a good time.” Jack shakes Romeo’s hand again and we say our goodbyes, thanking him profusely.
We’re about to step into our waiting car, so I wave one last time. “Arrivederci!”
Romeo smirks and calls out, “Adios!”
I laugh while Jack covers his face and gets in the car. “Mortified. That’s all I can say.”
On our drive to the airport, we stare out our windows in awe like we haven’t been here all weekend. But the view never gets old.
