Page 17 of Italy and Forever

‘I didn’t realise anyone was here,’ he mumbled.

‘I didn’t either.’

‘I’m sorry you⁠—’

‘Oh, I didn’t see anything,’ she lied brazenly.

The glance he flicked her way suggested he saw that statement for what it was.

‘I mean, it’s fine,’ she continued. ‘A human body is just that, right? A body.’

He seemed prepared to let it go at that, so she released a shaky sigh.

‘I didn’t see you arrive. When did you get here?’ She winced inwardly. Now he knew she’d been looking out for him.

‘Maybe an hour ago. Do you need something?’

‘Is that a hint that I should leave?’

He looked up at her, brows knitted. ‘You don’t have to leave.’

The silence stretched. Ginny usually couldn’t stand silence, but she’d finally hit some kind of limit with Rhys. Every time she opened her mouth, she said the wrong thing.

‘Sit down,’ he muttered. As far as invitations went, it wasn’t a great one, but she followed his instruction immediately.

Then it occurred to her that he might be trying to work out who she was. She turned to him earnestly. ‘I’m Ginny,’ she blurted out.

He paused, his sock halfway on his foot. ‘I know.’

Only then did she remember he’d called out her name and she kicked herself for the umpteenth time. ‘Oh… of course.’ She waited until he had his other sock on and was tying his shoes to ask, ‘How did you know it’s me?’

He stilled, looking at her reluctantly. ‘Someone told you.’

‘Sophie thought I already knew.’

‘I meant to explain⁠—’

‘It’s okay,’ she assured him. ‘It’s none of my business.’

He gave half a shrug, then snatched up his pullover and tugged it on. Although he was now fully covered, Ginny imagined she could still see that smooth skin and muscle, the bones and tendons that resided under his layers.

‘It kind of is your business, when you want me to take professional photos. You should know I can’t recognise people. Some places on the colour spectrum I struggle with too.’

His voice was even, but there was sadness underneath. She could almost touch it.

‘I’m not worried about the photos,’ she said emphatically. ‘The ones from New Year’s were amazing. I had goosebumps looking through them. It was like being back there for real, feeling everything again.’

He didn’t reply, but his throat bobbed as he stared out at the lake.

‘It’s impressive that you could take those pictures when you couldn’t see their faces.’

‘I can see faces,’ he insisted gruffly. ‘I just can’t recognise them. It’s complicated.’

What do you see? She was dying to know. But what she said instead was, ‘Uh, okay. I can help you with that. At the wedding. I can tell you who everyone is, point out the important moments.’

That pained look formed on his face again and Ginny felt the same. She’d never felt so wrong with someone in her life. She should have said an awkward goodbye and just left.

‘It’s all right,’ he answered with a smile that was clearly forced. ‘I’ll manage.’