‘An OH&S nightmare, though.’
Matthew’s gaze returned to the open doors, thinking about the annihilated cot. ‘Could you imagine that getting past work safety standards back home?’ He laughed. ‘We’re definitely in Italy.’
Over coffee, boiling hot from the moka – which Petunia drank in one gulp, no sugar – Matthew and Petunia settled on a price and completion deadline. They agreed that they would prioritise Sarah and Matthew’s room as the first transformation, which would enable privacy and the arrival of some furniture.
Petunia was in business as she was in her practice – rough around the edges, but direct and to the point. Matthew responded well to this, and his years of high-pressured legal experience meant he was equipped to handle anything she could throw his way.
They started that very day, with a thorough assessment. Petunia’s men divided themselves into teams and moved freely through the building, measuring, noting, testing, projecting plans and designs. They would bring the building up to code, refit all services, update all bathrooms, then perform a full aesthetic renovation, including the garden and outdoor spaces. She suggested the installation of a pool on one of the ledges overlooking the valley. She had connections that would see to it.
Matthew attempted to leave Saverio’s folder of information on works with Petunia, but upon reading theSindaco’s name, she simply spat and walked away in disgust. ‘Testa di cazzo,’ she snarled over her shoulder.
Matthew agreed wholeheartedly.
As much as Matthew was excited to chat with his Nonno Andrea that afternoon, he felt a restless energy that he was unable to shake. The call would be the first with Sarah, and he desperately hoped his nonno took to her as easily as he had.
‘Who taught him to use an iPhone?’ Sarah asked as they sat close by each other in the kitchen.
‘Dad did, I think. I bought it for him a few Christmases ago. I wanted a direct way of being able to talk to him while I was in Singapore.’
‘And he’s how old?’
‘Eighty-two.’
Matthew connected the call and sighed, releasing some of the pressure that had built up over the day.
Sarah sensed how he had tensed up, and said, ‘It’s all good, Matthew. Relax.’
Matthew looked at her smiling face on their screen as they waited for Andrea to pick up. She was so bright and cheerful, and the sight of her so at ease beside him helped calm his nerves.
Then Andrea appeared.
‘Matteo!’ he said, and his otherwise drawn and sallow face seemed suddenly lighter.
‘Nonno.’ Matthew couldn’t help but assess his grandfather’s condition. His jowls seemed to have emptied of their usual plumpness, revealing the bony outline of his bottom jaw. Sarah heard Matthew swallow. ‘How are you?’
‘Put the pity eyes away, Matteo. I’ll have none of that. We have company.’ Andrea locked eyes on Sarah. ‘BellaSarah,come stai?’
Her Italian extended to this. ‘Bene grazie,Nonno Andrea. E tu?’
‘Così-così,’ he replied unconvincingly. He turned to Matthew and said, ‘See, she’s already calling me nonno. It’s a good sign. Cover your ears, Sarah,’ he directed, and she playfully obliged. ‘You found yourself a beauty, Matteo.’
Matthew gave a low chuckle. ‘She’s a married woman, Nonno. Remember that.’
Sarah waved Matthew off with her right hand. ‘Nonno, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Honestly, I have heard so many wonderful things.’
He smiled. ‘Matthew is a very special man, Sarah.’
‘I know he is.’
‘He’s a sensitive soul, deep down.’
‘Nonno . . .’ Matthew warned.
‘Likes his space. Is a deep thinker. A worrier.’
Out of shot, Sarah’s right hand found a comforting position on Matthew’s left thigh. She gave it a reassuring pat, gently leaning into his side. ‘It’s a refreshing change, to be honest,’ she said.
‘If he gives you his heart, it’s forever. He’s very protective.’
