The half hour that followed was punctuated with lively discussion of their backgrounds, lifestyles, annoying habits, pet peeves and a straightforward look at the logistics of life in Giulio and Elda’s little apartment.
It seemed to Stella that Vincent was indeed showing a truer version of his character; charismatic, funny and creative. A sports photographer by trade turned sub-editor for a New York-based group of media outlets, Vincent was now working out of the Rome office. His new role involved leading the sports photojournalism team in tandem with the local paper network for the foreseeable future. With high profile national projects, plus existing contracts across Europe, both Vincent’s photography and managerial skills were in high demand.
No porn in sight.
‘And do you miss home?’ Stella asked.
‘Not really.’ Vincent reached for another peanut and began to crack through its shell. ‘I don’t have many people back in New York.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that.’ Stella gave Vincent a kind smile. ‘Hopefully we can be your family here. I know what it’s like to have loved ones far away.Veryfar away.’
‘When did you last get home?’ he asked.
‘Got back yesterday. Just a short stay to reconnect with my mum and family, and tie up some loose job-hunting leads.’
‘What do you do?’ he asked, and Stella noticed how he seemed to lean in a little closer.
‘I’m an art education specialist, but at the moment, I am onlyjustscraping by selling my watercolours.’
‘You’re also an artist? We can swap notes.’
Just as Stella was about to reply, Marcella cut her off. ‘Vincent, what does your wife, or girlfriend orboyfriend, think of you coming to Roma?’ Marcella dusted the remnants of her peanut shell on the table.
‘It’s just me, actually.’ He smiled, his gaze flicking back to Stella.
Stella sensed a loneliness behind his darkening eyes. Was it a mask for a deeper pain, or the residual drain on his system on account of the jet lag? She guessed that time would reveal all, but her curiosity about Vincent had certainly been piqued.
Marcella, being on-brand nosy, asked, ‘Why is such a handsome American photographer like you single?’
Stella scowled her disapproval of the probe. ‘Marcella!’
Vincent gave a short, sharp laugh. ‘No, no.’ He waved away Stella’s concern. ‘Fair question. I actuallyjustended something. A very . . .significantrelationship. Part of the reason I took the gig here, actually. Needed a change.’
Stella felt momentarily relieved at hearing that Vincent was unattached, but that relief was suddenly replaced by a guilt-laced reminder that she ought to haveotherthings on her mind.
‘You left New York to escape a period of uncertainty? To find yourself? To fill some kind of void in your life?Interessante. Just likeyou, Stella!’ Marcella’s neck craned and she locked eyes with Stella.
Stella ignored the not-so-subtle comment and remained quiet.
‘Notdirectlyfrom New York. I’ve been living in Paris for many years, essentially in a similar role to this new one. But Rome . . . I guess it’s a fresh start for me.’
Marcella’s face tightened in a delighted grin. ‘You and Stella havesomuch in common. I’m sure you will have lots to . . .talkabout.’
‘I look forward to it.’ Vincent’s eyes trapped Stella’s once more, causing a meek smile to appear at the corner of her lips.
‘Me too,’ she replied.
Reading the shift in tone, Vincent got up from his chair. ‘Ladies, it has been a pleasure, but I need to sign-off on some assets that have come through from a press conferencethis morning.’ He checked the time on his phone. ‘I might head back to the office. Haven’t had a chance to set up a work station here yet.’ He gestured to the table now brandishing empty glasses and a smattering of peanut shells, and said, ‘Thiswas great. Thank you.’ Collecting his things, he exited the apartment, leaving Stella and Marcella alone.
Stella’s shoulders dropped and she exhaled loudly. Clammy and pale, she fanned herself with both hands. ‘He’ssogorgeous, and this issoinconvenient!’ Now on her feet, she began pacing the living room, both agitated and confused.
‘Ma che, “inconvenient”? It is the best situation we could ask for! A gorgeous man in the apartment. And single.’
‘What am I going to do aboutthis?’ She gestured to her current sweaty state.
‘Do?’ Marcella’s hands rose with the intonation of her line of rhetorical questioning. ‘Have sex with him!’
Not even the low frustrated grunt Stella released could alleviate any of her tension. The adrenaline tingle from the night before returned to her legs. She wasn’t ready for this. Nor did she want it. She needed to focus on work.
