Holly:And Tony? ??????
Me:Yesss, and Tony. But not like that.
I followed Tony into the crowd, and he instinctively took my hand, connecting us like sleeping otters as we weaved through the throngs of people to the edge of the square. He eventually stopped outsideGino’sand Mia and Paolo headed in.
‘We are watching from in here,’ he said. ‘Our school friend owns the restaurant and has saved us a table, but I’ll come with you to find Holly, first.’
‘She’s with Xavier on the other side and it’s too packed to get across, but it’s fine, I’ll just watch it from down here,’ I said. I didn’t want to gatecrash their family reunion.
‘What? You can’t stay down here on your own. Come up and sit with us,’ Tony said, still holding my hand. ‘Please, I insist. There’s plenty of space.’
‘That’s what Paolo said about the car,’ I said, with a cynical eyebrow.
‘Buonasera, ladies and gentlemen!’ The compère was on stage and the show was about to start. I nodded at Tony and he bustled me into the restaurant as they closed the doors. We ran up to the first floor, where there was a table set up on the balcony with ice buckets and glasses, bottles of prosecco, red and white wine, and beers, for people to help themselves. A party of ten, including Paolo and Mia, had already taken their seats, and were happily hushing each other with excited eyes. The stage lighting was hitting the performers on all sides, as they launched into the opening number ofLa Traviata. Candlelight flickered from the tables and balconies, giving a soft glow to the audience. Paolo pointed us at two empty seats.
‘What are you drinking?’ Tony whispered, opening himself a beer. ‘Limoncello?’
I smiled. ‘Maybe later. Red wine, please.’ He poured me a large glass and we silently took our seats. The town looked magical, and the audience were collectively holding their breath to listen, as everyone crammed in together to watch the show.
‘Are you an opera fan?’ Tony asked. We were sat on the end of the front row, with a clear view. I nodded, eyes shining, and my heart raced as the diva started to sing. I loved everything about the opera. The costumes, the scenery, the music. But this was on another level. Opera in Italy, al fresco, the feeling of the air whipping around us as we drank red wine, and oh… the voices. Like angels, singing into the night, every single person giving it everything they had. It felt like magic to witness such raw talent, and the more intense the music got, the more self-conscious I felt, sitting next to Tony. The love and angst seeping out from the performance and into my psyche. Their voices vibrating through my soul. It was all consuming.
‘Unbelievable.’ Tony leant in towards me. ‘To think this level of talent is hidden away in the Tuscan hills, singing so passionately into the night.’ He took a couple of discreet photos and then a selfie of the two of us.
‘I was just thinking the same. Artists staying local but true to their unique gifts. It’s beautiful to watch – and even more so to hear.’
After two hours of body-quivering intensity, the lights went out and the crowd erupted. The entire balcony leapt to their feet.
‘Brava!’ Tony clapped and whistled next to me, while I closed my eyes and took a moment to absorb the final notes of the music. It had been a truly jaw-dropping performance. I wasn’t sure whether to cheer or cry or go and have a lie-down.
‘Encore!’ I shouted, clapping high into the air, as the performers took their bows.
‘That final scene was just incredible,’ Tony said, his eyes watery.
‘It really was. We all know the death scene is coming, but it doesn’t make it any easier,’ I said, with a sigh. ‘It breaks my heart every time.’
Tony looked like a lost little boy for half a second, then pulled himself together.
‘Mom would have loved this so much. To be here, with her boys. The opera was one of the highlights of her year. We used to come as a family when we were small. So, tonight feels like a moment to raise a glass to her, and my dad.’ He held his beer bottle up to the sky.
‘They’ll be smiling down on you both, I’m sure,’ I said, confidently, even though I’d never met them. I flashed my eyes to heaven, hoping the same of Josh. Would he be happy to know I was here? Or was it too soon to think about moving on? ‘I know how it feels to lose someone so close.’
‘I can’t believe she’s gone. I thought she’d be around forever,’ he said, wistfully.
‘Death doesn’t care about timing, that’s for sure,’ I said, quietly. ‘Was it sudden?’
‘Yes. Heart attack. I’d spoken to her earlier that day, and then…’ he clicked his fingers, ‘…gone. Just like that. Number’s up.’
Holly:Sorry we missed you. We’re heading back. Speak tomorrow xx
Me:Night night xx three rings so I know you’re safe xx
Holly:?????? I’m always safe with Xavier xx
*
We finished our drinks and headed back to the car park, wandering through the streets, full of laughter and chatter, the wind keeping my hair off my face. Paolo’s Fiat Uno was sitting waiting for us, but the back tyre was completely flat.
‘Mamma mia,’ he said, rolling his eyes to the sky.
