The hours quickly passed at Bar Luna e Lupa.
Stella’s morning had been productive. She had been able to fill the length of the wall that would become the base for her mural. It looked a right eyesore, with grey putty marks scattered across the expanse. Every correction, hole, crack and gouge in the plaster stood out from the navy coat of paint.
‘Our wall looksterribile!’ Giuseppe wailed; his expression was one of serious concern.
‘I know. The flaws in the wall only seem magnified now. Look, there are so many. Especially in the centre.’ She pointed. ‘What happened there?’
‘The previous bar used this as a community noticeboard section. Lots of pins.’
‘Ah, that makes sense. Well, it needs to dry properly overnight. Tomorrow morning, I’m due at themercato, and then I’m having lunch with my . . . my . . . erm.’ She faltered. What was Vincent to her? A friend? A roommate with benefits? ‘With my friend, Vincent.’ She felt her face flush.
‘Complicato, no?’ he asked, sensing her confusion.
She bit her lower lip. ‘Maybe. I’m not sure yet.’
‘Va bene.’ He smiled, tapping the side of his nose again, winking playfully.
Returning to the wall, she traced her fingers over the surface, which was still quite rough and uneven. ‘I will sand it tomorrow afternoon. It should be fine after then to prepare the base coat.’
‘Bring yourfidanzatohere for lunch tomorrow. On the house.’
‘I never said he was my boyfriend.’
‘You didn’t have to.’ His eyes twinkled. ‘Ahh,la magia di Roma! Everyone falls in love.’
‘My greatest love right nowisRome. I’m not sure I have room in my heart for anyone else.’
‘Sometimes, love finds you when you’re least expecting it. It can fall from the sky, or even the heavens above. Never say never.’
She smiled. ‘Sure. This is all done for today. I’ll see you tomorrow.’
‘Brava! I am glad you know what you’re doing.’ He gave her a full-bodied hug then returned to serve a customer at the counter.
I have no bloody idea what I’m doing! About anything.
Leaving a little while later, she made her way down Via dei Giubbonari, her load significantly lighter as Giuseppe had insisted her tools would be safely stored in the office.Stella was disappointed that she hadn’t seen Marco, as she wanted to explain the initial preparation process. But part of her was also relieved. For today, at least, she didn’t need to justify her lack of ideas for the design.
He was busy across town picking up napery Giuseppe had ordered. It was being personalised with perfectly stitched moons in sparkly thread, emulating the twinkle of the fairy lights that glistened overhead. She could only hope he wouldn’t be disappointed to find a terrifying patchwork wall inside the bar.
‘Dad!’ Marco entered the bar with a box under his arm, his motorcycle helmet under the other. The box hit one of the tabletops with a thud, signalling its weight and awkward shape. ‘That was very annoying on the scooter.’ He stashed his helmet behind the counter and turned to see the semi-prepared wall. ‘Stella, is she here?’
‘No, she left.’
‘When?’ His attention turned to the passers-by on Via dei Giubbonari.
‘About half an hour ago.’ Giuseppe noticed the joy drain from Marco’s face upon hearing this. Unsure where to begin prodding, he opted for a casual, ‘She is a very nice girl, that Stella.’
‘Yes,’ was Marco’s response, a little forlorn. ‘Very nice.’ He tied an apron around his waist and tossed a tea towel over his shoulder.
‘Let’s open this, hey?’ Giuseppe tried to distract Marco from the disappointment he so genuinely wore on his sleeve.
Tearing the tape along the box seams with the back of a key, Marco asked, ‘Did Stella say when she would be back?’
‘Yes. Tomorrow. After the market . . . with her boyfriend.’ He dropped the bait.
‘Boyfriend?’ He tried to sound unconcerned, but the word was drenched in defeat.
‘Yes, they will have lunch here tomorrow.’ Giuseppe left Marco by the box of napkins and headed into the kitchen.
