‘Well,’ started Carlotta in a far more dignified manner. ‘Augurito you both. For the new year and for this wonderful news.’ She kissed them and welcomed them into Giacomino’s apartment.
Marcella grabbed Stella by the arm and held her hostage in the lobby. ‘Un momento,per favore. We need to chat.In privato!’ She slammed the door, placing a very solid barrier between themselves and the others. Marcella then took a few deep breaths, collecting her thoughts while trying to regain her composure.
‘Are you alright?’ asked Stella, a little concerned.
Marcella narrowed her gaze and lowered her voice. ‘Tell. Me.Everything.’
‘Right here? Right now?’
‘Ti giuro, Stella.’ She was fumbling in her bra, looking for a spare cigarette to calm her nerves. ‘I need to knownow.’ No cigarette was to be found.
Realising there was no escape from the situation, Stella recounted how she made her way to Marco’s apartment the night before and how they came to end up in his bedroom. This was met with squeals of delight from Marcella, who clapped her hands with glee.
‘Santa Maria.’ Marcella dotted her neck with the back of her sleeve. ‘Did you do it?’
Laughing at Marcella’s reaction, Stella nodded bashfully, holding up two fingers. ‘Twice, Marcella. Twice.’
‘My respect for Marco just went up a level.’
‘And it was amazing. Both times. I . . . I can’t even begin to explain. It was chemical. It was magic. His hands. His skin . . .’ She gave a low guttural moan, throwing her head back with a shake.
‘But of course! He has loved you from the minute he first saw you! Think about all that tension and energy building up over months and months. He had plenty of time to prepare,no?’
‘No, there was nothing prepared about it. It was so spontaneous and natural. Just like . . .destino.’
‘And the orgasms?’
‘MARCELLA!’ Her cheeks flashed a vibrant red on cue.
‘Stella! Please!’
She exhaled. ‘Veryreal. All of them.’
Marcella threw her head back and cheered. ‘Così dovrebbe essere, Stella! I’m so happy for you! And your vagina!’
Though she withheld some of the more explicit details, Stella didn’t neglect to tell Marcella about Marco’s mother’s books and the cosy apartment. Catching herself smiling, she stopped, conscious of the fact that Marco might be wondering what she was sharing.
‘Ah, Stellina.Sei cotta!’ Marcella’s announcement was final.
‘Oh, you think so?’ Stella playfully asked.
‘Dai! You are Stella and he is Luna. It was literally written in the stars.’
‘Well,’ she grabbed Marcella and gave her a big warm hug, ‘you’ve always known what’s best for me. Perhaps you’re right.’
‘I love you, Stella. So much.’ Brushing away a tear that dropped down her cheek, Marcella succumbed to the emotional rollercoaster she too had travelled with Stella. ‘Just promise me one thing . . .’
‘Anything.’
‘When you and Marco get married, please don’t move out of the apartment. Stay and live there together with me. Please don’t leave me with two empty rooms. I don’t think I could bear the loneliness.’
‘Married? Calm down. Andyou, lonely? Marcella. Don’t get too ahead of yourself. And besides,’ she wiped a tear from Marcella’s chin, ‘I suspectyouwill need to move out before I ever do.’
Stella grinned as Giacomino appeared at the door to inspect the situation. ‘Tutto bene?’
‘Yes, Giacomino. Everything’s fine. Andbuon anno!’ She got up and gave him a hug. ‘I hear you’ve been having lots of sex on account of me and Marco for the past few months,’ Stella joked.
‘Sex? With Marcella? Stella, the woman needs sex if she goes too long between cigarettes! Don’t flatter yourself,eh!’
