And there it was: the scent of his aftershave. It assailed her senses immediately. Sarah took a deep breath in and enjoyed the lightheaded flurry that trickled through her.
As they stepped out onto the piazza, she ran her hand up his arm and said, ‘You look very handsome tonight.’ She brushed the side of his face with the back of her hand, noting that he had trimmed back his stubble. ‘You’re all dressed up, too.’ His green eyes averted hers. ‘What’s the occasion?’
He steered her down Via Vacchereccia and turned right onto Via Calimala. ‘No occasion. Just . . . just because.’ He paused, and gave her a sideways glance. Her brown eyes were now consumed with taking in the surroundings: the cream and tan-coloured buildings either side, the storefronts and tiny bars. He watched her, and basked in her renewed energy. She really wasbeautiful.
Matthew led them across the city to a quaint little restaurant residing in a backstreet behind the Galleria dell’Accademia. They ordered two flame-grilled Chianina burgers, and Sarah was quick to learn that the flavoursome local meat stood up to its famed reputation.
‘That’s ruined me for all future burgers,’ she said, raising her hands in defeat. ‘Stick a fork in me!’
‘I’m glad you approve.’
‘There’s a deep richness to the meat. Almost an—’
‘—earthy quality?’
‘Yes! Like you can almost taste the open Tuscan plains.’ She picked at the crumbs on her plate. The only survivors of the burger demolition.
‘God, I love watching you eat,’ he said, setting down the last of his own burger to wipe his hands on his napkin.
‘Why’s that?’ she giggled.
‘Because you truly enjoy eating. It’s so refreshing.’
Puzzled, she set down the French fry she was about to devour. ‘Ok, you’re going to have to explain.’
He took a swig of red wine. ‘A love of food has never really been something I’ve been able to share with my other partners.’
‘How come?’
‘It’s just never really been a priority, I guess. But with you . . . it just hits different. Like every meal has the potential to be celebrated.’
She crinkled her nose. ‘That’s very sweet of you to say. For me food has always been a way to show love. Love from Grammy Vi. Self-love, cooking for one. Baking and prepping food to share with my team at work. It’s just how I’m programmed, I guess. When you grow up living off the land, you come to appreciate the value and potential of food a little more, I suppose.’
‘That bloody chicken Angelo brought over, remember?’
‘With the head, legs and feet still attached? Oh, yes. I remember.’
‘I just love the way you’re not afraid of all that. You’re very . . . real.’ He cocked his head sideways. ‘You’re a breath of fresh air, Sarah.’
Popping a few fries in her mouth, she said, ‘If you ever catch me counting calories, remind me of this conversation please.’
Matthew laughed. ‘Deal.’
‘I eat what I feel like and what I know is good for me. Simple as that.’
‘And it shows. You look after yourself in such a holistic way. You’ve got a gorgeous body.’ She blushed. ‘Sorry. Was that a little too much?’
‘No. It was nice to hear. I’m not a size eight magazine model. But I don’t want to be. I’m strong and fit, and I know what my body is capable of. Besides,’ she popped another few fries in her mouth, ‘I think the Italians have the right idea.’
‘About body image? Or diet?’
‘Both. Italian women just have this way ofowningtheir bodies. I’ve been here long enough to see it. There’s an elegance and self-respect to how they carry themselves, irrespective of shape and size. And food is absolutely tantamount to pleasure! Thathas tobe sexy and desirable.’
Matthew exhaled contently. ‘Ok, wellthismight be a little too much, but can I be honest about something?’ He leaned in across the table, coaxing her forward with a come-hither motion.
Sarah matched him, and whispered, ‘Of course! Anything.’
‘It really is.’
