by Lily Zante
Instead she was forced to endure the thought that she might see him and they’d end up having another cold exchange. She didn’t want that.
“Hey.” Talking to Connor was much easier than facing Nico. Also, the fact that he now seemed to be involved with Silvia, made it more comfortable for her to approach him.
“Hey, Ava.” He slid his hand across the car door, and examined the dust on his fingers.
“I see you’ve found a new reason for staying here.” There was a playfulness in Ava’s voice as she glanced over at Silvia.
“Who knows?” He jerked his head in Silvia’s direction. She was too wrapped up in her conversation to notice he had company.
Ava leaned against the car door and smiled at Connor. “It seems so surreal to see you here and now my family, too.”
“They were always so protective of you.”
Ava blanched. “Were they?”
“Always.” His resoluteness made her wonder if he had always felt this way about them. She knew her family could have that effect on some people; she had never considered that Connor had been bothered by it. It didn’t matter any more.
“What’s the deal with Silvia? Did you come out here looking for love?”
“I don’t know. Did you?” He gave her a pained look. Was Connor really upset by the idea of her and Nico being together? He didn’t know anything about the argument. And she wanted to keep it that way, for her family and for Connor. And Silvia, too.
“I didn’t come here looking for love.” Ava was being more honest than she had bargained on.
“I did. I came looking for you.”
“You must have looked for all of two hours, max.”
“I came here wanting to get you back.”
No, not that again.
“Come back to me, Ava.”
She shook her head. It was too much too soon, she was still dealing with the maelstrom of emotions because of her break from Nico. Connor was nowhere near her radar. She hadn’t bargained on their conversation getting so heavy.
“We can make it work. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” There wasn’t an ounce of begging in his voice. Connor seemed to be speaking from the heart. Gone was the rough, arrogant face mask he wore most of the time. He was stripped bare to the soul and his eyes carried an expression of something akin to regret. She felt he meant every word he said.
Why now? Why here? Why at all?
Was every waking minute of her time from here onwards to be filled with complications? Ava straightened up and pushed her hands into the back pockets of her jeans. She shook her head, staring at the steps in front of her. “Why?” she asked.
“Because I love you. It took losing you to find out what I had. I’m an idiot.”
She jerked her head up at him, meeting his scrutinizing gaze head on. This really was too much for him to throw at her now.
“I won’t give up. I came to Venice for you, I’m here in Verona for you. ”
Ava let out a laugh, almost as if a strawberry had caught in her throat and she was trying to cough it out. “That was your attempt at getting me back?” she thought back to the uncomfortable moment when he had walked in on her and Nico, in Venice.
“I didn’t expect you to jump into bed with the first person you saw.”
“He was not the first person—” Ava started to remonstrate, her face growing hotter by the second. Except he was. Nico had been the very first person she had come across the minute she had landed in Verona. She blushed. What must it have looked like to everyone else?
“I don’t know why you came all the way out here anyway. After what you did. Why? You’re crazy to think I’d go back to you. I mean, that was your lousy attempt to win me back? A day in Venice and then you come here and you’ve found someone else? That just says it all. You’re not the type of man who settles down anyway.”
He seemed suddenly preoccupied with the dust on the car door and ran his fingers against the top of the window.
“I mean it. I want you back, but you’re having a little holiday fun at the moment. It’s understandable. I hurt you and now you want to play the field a little, too.”
Holiday fun? She stepped away from the car, hands akimbo. “It’s not holiday fun. It’s more than that. More than I ever had with you.” The moment she said these words, they rang true for her.
Nico was more than Connor had ever been, even in the short amount of time she had known him. He had shown her more consideration and cared more for her than Connor ever had in the whole time they had been together.
It was too big a revelation to dwell on now. She quickly pushed this thought away, she would think about it later.
“When you’re over him, I’ll still be waiting for you, Ava. Remember that. If not here, then back home.”
“I think you’ve met your match, Connor.”
As if on cue, Silvia looked up. She quickly ended her conversation and slunk across to Connor.
“Ready, darling?” She flicked a smile at him, half acknowledging Ava before she climbed into her car, not even waiting for Connor. Connor quickly jumped in and the car sped away.
“Nice talking to you, too,” said Ava, under her breath, as the car slid out of the hotel car park.
For the first time she was relieved that Silvia had come to her rescue.
Chapter 18
The next few days saw Ava’s family settle into the pensione and see more of Verona. Nico had also provided a driver for them to use at their leisure, the thoughtfulness of which elevated him further in Elsa’s eyes.
Rona, though, had told Ava that as far as she was concerned, if her sister was sleeping with the son of the hotel owner, surely some privileges were due.
Ava could see that this “vacation” was far from the relaxing vacation that Rona had envisaged. Traveling with a young child made that impossible. The family had only been around the town center in Verona and seen a few of the popular sights.
Most days they managed a stroll around Verona, where Rona could window shop. It was a good enough compromise. Carlos tagged along, eager to try the different restaurants if only to pick fault with them. Nothing was as good as his father’s restaurant.
With her family keeping her occupied, Ava managed to avoid Nico easily. Distance apart gave her time to ruminate on matters, though lately, she ended up wanting to be with him, than not.
Taking time out with her mother was the best tonic. She was therefore thankful that Rona was busy with her baby and Carlos.
On this March morning, Ava wanted to take her mother out further, not just the town center where she had been more than content to while away her days. She had had no reason to go to Montova much these days, and her last meeting with Andrea had left a bad feeling with Ava. She had avoided getting back in touch with her, even though she needed to conclude her shipment details. She pushed the idea to the back of her mind.
Today, for some reason, she felt the urge to return to Montagnano, to the place where Nico had grown up. It held a special place in her heart because it was off the beaten path, calm and comforting. She reassured herself it was nothing to do with memories of the last time Nico had taken her there.
Elsa was eager to visit a new place and Ava was happy to have the luxury of spending another day with just the two of them.
“Didn’t you ask your sister to come with us?” Elsa asked gently.
Ava shook her head. “No, Mom. I wanted it just to be the two of us today.” The finality in her voice stopped any further questions her mother might have had.
Ava had avoided Rona ever since they had spoken about Nico. No one in her family asked why she and Nico didn’t spend much time together. So far, nobody suspected that things between them had cooled. She didn’t want to risk the truth leaking out by letting Rona pry deeper.
Elsa let out a low sigh. “I wish the two of you would get on.”
Ava slid her arm through her mother’s as they made their way toward the cozy little parade of shops at the start of the
village.
“It looks like a picture postcard. So pretty. I like this place already.” Elsa looked around approvingly.
Ava held her mother’s arm close by her side. “It’s nice to have you here, Mom.” The last time she had come here was with Nico. Was this the time she had realized he was turning out to be more than a friend?
“Tell me some more about Nico,” her mother said.
“I didn’t come here looking for him, Mom.”
“I know.”
“I came here to clear my head.”
“I know.”
“I bumped into him the first day, as soon as I landed. I thought he was a driver from the hotel.” Ava let out a little laugh, remembering her confusion at the beginning of her vacation.
They carried on walking along the small cobbled streets, past the row of shops and restaurants until they came to a small stream—the same place where she and Nico had had their first kiss. She sat at the same bench where they had sat. Ava felt her eyes prick with tears—of sadness or joy, she wasn’t sure which. The day was beautiful, idyllic. She loved being here with her mom. So why did she suddenly feel the need to be with Nico again?
She looked away and stared at the sky, hoping the wetness in her eyes would disappear. Trying to appear busy, she looked through her bag and pulled out the velvet box. She opened it to reveal the breathtaking Flamentagostini bracelet. She had worn it when she was with Nico, feeling safer wearing such an expensive item with him around. But ever since that dinner at Juliet’s balcony, she had stored it back in the box.
“It’s beautiful,” her mother gasped.
“Try it on,” Ava encouraged.
Elsa shook her head. But she pulled it out carefully and inspected it in her hands, examining the dazzling jewels and beads amid the delicate metalwork.
“He bought this for me after I saw it here.”
“He must care for you a great deal.” Elsa handed the bracelet back.
“He does,” said Ava in a faraway voice.
“I was worried about you.”
“No guessing who put that idea in your head.”
A group of elderly women shuffled past, laughing, the wrinkles on their faces showing signs of a life well lived.
I could easily grow old here. The thought flashed quickly through Ava’s mind.
Elsa remained silent. “Rona loves you. She’s always looked out for you. We don’t want you to get hurt anymore.” She patted her daughter’s knee.
They gazed at the water in front of them, for it was difficult to look anywhere else. The peaceful trickle of the gently running water and the way it slowly flowed was a calming experience in itself. It had been so calming that it had completely made her and Nico feel at ease, dropping their inhibitions and revealing their true feelings for one another.
“I’m not hurting, Mom,” she lied. “The future has never looked so good. I’ve got lots of ideas for my site.” But her voice was flat.
“You don’t need to stay over here for much longer?” Elsa seemed determined to take her daughter home with her. Luckily for her, Ava had the same idea.
“No reason at all. I’m flying back with you all. When are you going back?”
“Just one more week.”
Ava nodded. One more week she could handle. Maybe she needed to check with Nico and make sure he had the shipment side of things locked down.
“Come on. It’s lunchtime. Let me take you to a wonderful little place where you can try the most delicious panino.”
“Panino?” her mother repeated. Ava nodded and got up, offering her mother a hand to grab as she got up. “And afterwards, I’ll take you to a gorgeous little jeweler’s shop, if it’s open.”
Chapter 19
With its fountains, waterfall and picnic tables, the Parco delle Cascate di Molina was a delightful place to spend the day.
Carlos half ran, half walked, carrying his precocious little Tori in his arms; the little girl squealed with delight as he swung her around like an airplane.
Ava sat on the park bench with her mom and sister. But her thoughts were occupied by Nico, as they had been ever since her return from Montagnano yesterday. Her family still had not cottoned on to the fact that she and Nico weren’t exactly on speaking terms. The more time they spent apart, the more she felt the pull to see him.
Rona got up, tottering precariously on her high wedges. There were no signs of baby weight gain in her tight jeans and tight fitting V-necked top. Her huge golden hoop earrings shouted “Look at me” and her bright makeup lit her up like a neon sign in the dark of night.
“Not so high, Carlos!” she yelled. “She’s just had milk.”
Carlos jerked his head up and nodded before scooting Tori around on his arms. He had not shaved in days and looked like death, but he was smiling, having the time of his life.
Ava and her sister had come to some sort of truce since their early falling out over Nico and their ideas on Italian men.
“I’m so glad Gina told me about this place. I knew Tori would love it here,” Ava enthused.
“Carlos, too,” added Elsa, watching her son-in-law. “At least he seems happier today.”
Rona dropped her news. “He’s smiling for a reason.”
“And what’s that?” Ava asked.
“He’s going back early, says his dad can’t get the staff and it’s a busy time. They’re short staffed as it is.”
“Going back early?” Ava asked. “We’re all going back next week. What’s the rush?”
Rona chewed gum loudly. “Says he’s tired of sightseeing.”
“Seems that’s not all he’s tired of,” Ava muttered.
“You going to tell her or shall I?” Rona glanced at her mother.
Ava turned her head slowly. She looked at her mother’s side profile, and Elsa refused to meet her stare. “Tell me what, Mom?”
“Oh, just that”—Elsa cleared her throat a little nervously—“we’ve extended our stay.”
“You did what?” Ava almost shouted. She looked from Rona’s bright cherry lips to her mom’s creased face. Her mother smiled and the creases deepened around her mouth.
“We thought we’d stay here a little longer, now that we’ve come all this way.”
Ava’s heart thumped wildly. No. God, no. What were they thinking? She didn’t want this. Didn’t need it. She needed to go back home. She needed to be away from Nico. “Mom.” Ava stared at her mother, her eyes ablaze with anger.
“Look at the plus side: you get to spend more time with your lover boy.” Rona threw her a contemptuous look. “Or is he not your lover boy anymore? Come to think of it, how come you two hardly spend any time together?” She geared up for news.
Ava’s defenses shot right back up again. Ignoring Rona’s threatened assumption of the situation, she barked, “And where do you think you’re going to stay?”
If they stayed on, it meant she would need to speak to Nico about having the pensione longer. She would need to ask him for things and the thought of it made her uneasy. She was always asking him for things, or he was always willing to help her. He was there for her, whether she asked him to be or not. She blushed at the thought of how needy she must seem.
“We’ll find another pensione, if the one we are in is no longer available. Sorry, honey. The last thing I’d want is to put your friend out. And I don’t want to make you feel ashamed about us.”
Ava hastily jumped in. “No, Mom. Don’t be silly. Me…Nico…I,” she stumbled, looking for the right choice of words.
Her mother’s gentle voice interrupted her thoughts. “What is it?”
“I’m sure the pensione is fine. I’ll check with Nico. How much longer are you planning on staying?” She didn’t dare look at Rona. For all her hesitations and reservations about Italy and Ava coming here, Rona seemed to be enjoying her holiday far more than she was letting on.
But problems would arise soon enough with Carlos leaving. Rona would have to look after Tori herself. Ava smiled at t
he idea of her sister having to do double duty with her husband gone.
Then another thought occupied her mind: Rona was so selfish and self-obsessed, she would think nothing of making her poor mother stand in for Carlos. Anything to make Rona’s life a little easier.
Just then Carlos staggered toward them, carrying Tori in his arms. The little girl’s cheeks were flushed red and she looked beyond exhausted. They all bunched together on the bench to make room for Carlos’s large frame.
“She’ll sleep well tonight.” Rona took out a bottle of water and gave it to her daughter.
“I’ll sleep even better,” Carlos said, wiping the sweat off his brow. “Got anything to drink?” he asked his wife. Rona shook her head.
Carlos grunted and took the bottle from Tori when she had finished and slurped the rest of the water down.
“What did you do that for?” Rona’s hooped earrings dangled dangerously. Carlos wiped his wet lips with the back of his hand and gave her a smile.
Elsa got up prematurely. “Let’s get some lunch. I saw a lovely little outside place on the way here.”
Ava wasn’t done yet. She nudged Carlos gently in the side. “I hear you’re going back early.”
“Yeah. The restaurant’s real busy now. If we’d have planned this, I mighta been able to get time off, but this trip was rushed. My dad’s struggling. I need to get back.” He got up at the same time as his wife and daughter.
Ava got up slowly. “How much longer are you staying?” She asked again, directing her question to no one in particular.
“They should stay as long as they want,” Carlos said eagerly, his face all lit up with glee.
Ava couldn’t help but sympathize with the man. Any time away from Rona would be a blessing for him. He worked hard at the restaurant, often until the early hours of the mornings and alternate weekends, too, and still did the most of the looking after for Tori when he was at home. It was obvious enough to see. The poor man needed a break.