‘When did you get up?’
‘Ages ago. Watched the sunrise.’
Matthew blew over the top of his tea. ‘Beautiful morning for it.’
Sarah set the mug down and tried to return to child’s pose. Matthew walked to the edge of the ledge and sat down, peering across the valley to Fiorellino. He was just visible in her peripheral view, so she slammed her eyes shut. Her hands and feet continued to fidget, unable to find stillness.
Sensing a change in her energy, Matthew joined her on the pavement and asked, ‘Are you ok this morning?’
Giving up, Sarah slumped out of her pose and flopped onto her back on the mat, shielding her eyes from the rising sun. ‘No. I have no idea what’s wrong with me this morning.’ Matthew offered his hand and pulled her back to sitting. ‘I’m just wired.’ She grunted.
Matthew studied her harried expression, concerned that she was unable to make eye contact with him. ‘Did I do anything to make you feel like this?’
‘No, no. I don’t know. I just woke up and I’m all tense and irritated.’
‘Did you sleep?’
‘Yes. Right through.’ She picked up the mug and took a sip. ‘Thanks.’ A sheepish smile curled her lips. ‘I’m probably just hormonal. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine’
‘Well, let me know if you need anything. Ok?’
‘Go. I’m ok.’ She waved him away.
‘I’m going to go get things ready for Petunia and co. Take your time out here.’
‘Thanks.’
She watched as he turned and left, then moaned to herself. Her head dropped back to the mat.
Matthew returned to their bedroom and watched her through the window. Seeing her so clearly frustrated picked at him. He wondered if perhaps she had also wanted some attention last night? He dropped his shoulders, silently berating himself for being so selfish; for accepting her care and kindness without returning the favour.
Reaching behind his shoulder with his free hand, he rubbed the spot where the pinched nerve had been. Although there was a little residual tenderness, she had indeed cleared it, and the rest of him felt exceptionally loose and relaxed.
Then it hit him like a tonne of bricks; the memory of her scent, her hands, the tingle left by her fingers as they dragged against his naked skin. His body reacted almost immediately, and he released an exasperated sigh.
Matthew D’Adamo, he reprimanded.Don’t complicate things.
He watched as Sarah rose to her feet and elongated her spine. She tucked one foot into the crook of her groin, fanned her arms out wide and balanced on her one straight leg. She wobbled for a moment or two until she finally found her peace.
Matthew typed a text message to his Nonno Andrea:Are you awake? I need some help.
He needed some sage nonno advice and willed a reply to come. It didn’t. Instead, there was an incoming FaceTime call.
‘Don’t you know that cancer patients need to sleep?’ Andrea barked with a cheeky grin.
‘I’m sorry. I just—’
‘What’s wrong?’ Andrea was direct and to the point, and it was one of the reasons Matthew valued his advice so highly.
‘It’s Sarah. Something’s not right today and I don’t know what to do.’
‘What’s happening?’
Matthew shrugged. ‘She’s a bit off. Evasive. Tells me she doesn’t feel herself. I’m worried that I’ve done something.’
‘When did it start?’
‘Just this morning. Fifteen minutes ago.’
