‘How long are you staying?’
‘I haven’t decided yet. We lost our mother, Giorgia, last year, so Paolo and I need to sort out her estate. Sign all the paperwork for the vineyard and clear out her house.’ His smile faltered, and I felt his pain. The hell of probate was something I knew only too well.
‘I’m sorry to hear that,’ I said, and genuinely meant it.
‘It’s strange without her about the place,’ he said, quietly. I handed Nero over, to give him some unconditional love. ‘I’ve got a break at work so I can spend two, maybe three weeks out here in total. There’s some flex on when I go back, but I want to spend as much time as possible with my friends and family before I do. Life is so short, you know?’
‘I sure do,’ I said, thinking back to my own painful life lesson. ‘It’s just a shame these awful moments have to happen to jolt us out of ourselves.’ In my case it had been the other way around. I’d been living my life wholly and freely with Josh by my side; it was only when he’d gone that I’d stopped. That I’d hidden myself away and decided the only way to protect myself, was to stay on my own.
Eleven
Friday 9thAugust
I’d had a couple of pool days topping up my tan and was starting to get into the swing of things. Sunrise, yoga, pancakes, pool, wine, cheese, sunset, sleep. It was a heady mix. Still no word from any of my theatre contacts, just blue ticks where I’d been left on read. I was in a strange sort of limbo, and trying to enjoy myself, but this aimless approach to life didn’t really work for me. I liked to know what was happening and what lay ahead. A clear path with a clear plan. Bobbing along in Tuscany, day after day, wasn’t really my thing.
I’d promised Holly I’d go to the opera with her tonight, so that was something to look forward to, but then I needed to revisit my plan and get myself organised. I chose a green silk dress, with shoestring straps, and my gold wedges, which felt appropriately dramatic for the occasion. My skin was glowing from all the sunshine and my hair was curled and loose around my shoulders. It felt nice to get dressed up for a glamorous night out. I ran down the stairs, messaging Holly as I went.
Me:Gah! I keep forgetting there’s no Uber. How are you getting into SG?
Holly:I’ve already walked in with Xavier. It’s only 20 mins from the restaurant xx
‘I love your dress!’ Mia trilled, looking fabulous herself in a strapless crimson number. The puppies trotted behind her dutifully, taking it in turns to look up at her in adoration.
‘Your little shadows,’ I said, scooping Nero up for a snuggle. He licked my cheek as I held him tight. ‘He’stoo cute!’
Tony and Paolo walked through from the kitchen, in matching black chinos and white shirts, their features identical. Dark skin, wavy hair, and bright blue eyes, the picture of brotherly love. Tony had a polished, chiselled look about him and Paolo was giving off rugged man-of-the-mountain vibes. Both equally attractive in different ways.
‘Wow.’ Tony’s eyes lit up when he saw me, and he nodded in open appreciation.
I didn’t know where to look. ‘I’m going to the opera with Holly and Xavier,’ I said. I hoped I wasn’t overdressed.
‘Yes, of course, us too – everyone is going!’ Paolo said. ‘We will drive you.’
‘Oh no, I don’t want to intrude,’ I said, despite it being the perfect solution to my non-Uber situation.
‘Not an intrusion!’ Mia said, clearly baffled. ‘How else will you get there?’
‘Erm… I was going to get the bus,’ I said, and all three of them laughed.
‘Unlikely,’ Tony said, with total charm. ‘There won’t be another bus until Monday.’
This place was ridiculous! How did the non-drivers get around? ‘Well, if you’re sure there’s space?’ I said, feeling foolish. I didn’t have much choice. I couldn’t very well walk there on my own in the dark.
‘Plenty, plenty!’ Paolo ushered us all outside and into his Fiat Uno, where there wasn’t plenty of anything. Quite the opposite. We’d have to stick our heads out the window the whole way there. Mia got in the front, with me and Tony wedged in the back like their oversized children. I could smell Tony’s spicy aftershave up close and inhaling it made me giddy – a stronger hit of the hint he’d left on my bedsheets.Eau de Tuscan Tone, reminding my body of how he’d made me feel. I glanced at him in the dark.
‘I’m not following you, I promise,’ I said.
‘Are you sure? It’s fine if you are, you know.’ He gave me a playful nudge, and it felt good to be close to him again.
Paolo set off, bouncing us along the rickety dirt track and onto the main road into San Gimignano. It was only a ten-minute drive, but by the time we’d parked and walked up the hill to the main square, it was nearly showtime. The ancient brick walls were lit by intermittent streetlamps, and tables of al fresco diners busied themselves with bowls of fettucine and carafes of wine. Stage lighting had been put at the top of the steps in front of the church and was the only thing visible from the ground. We were in the middle of the crowd and there were too many people milling around for me to spot Holly and Xavier.
Me:Where are you?
Holly:On the balcony above Le Terrazze in the square. I can’t see you!
I looked up and could see her sitting with Xavier, over the other side of the piazza. Some chairs had been laid out and they were at the front with a VIP view. There was no way I’d make it over there and up to them in time.
Me:I’m stuck in the crowd. I’ll have to watch it down here with Paolo and Mia.
