by T A Williams
‘Amazing. Listen, Alice, would you do something for me? Would you go see the priest? Tell him I’d be happy to sponsor whatever investigations or restoration works need to be undertaken. Tell him to send any invoices to Paolo here at the villa. It would be my privilege.’
Alice was delighted and she knew Father Gregorio would be over the moon. She promised to pass on the message and she thanked Conrad on his behalf. He waved away her thanks and went on to indicate that his generosity didn’t stop there.
‘Zoë and I’ve been talking, and we have a proposition for you. How would you like to come and join us at Pals Forever for a few guest appearances? It would be great to have you with us. I quite understand and applaud your decision to head off in a different direction with your career, but hopefully you could fit in a few appearances on the new show. Pretty much as many as you like, whenever you like, to suit your commitments.’
Inevitably, Alice’s eyes turned to Zoë and she was heartened by what she saw. Zoë looked genuinely happy – and it didn’t seem in the least bit forced.
‘I’d really like it if you would, Alice. It would be like old times.’
Alice wondered which old times – the first few years of Pals, when they all had so much fun, or the last couple of much more stressful years? Still, she told herself, while this remarkable new era of peace and tranquillity lasted, it would be churlish to turn down this second chance – and the money would come in very handy.
‘That sounds wonderful. Thank you so much. I must admit it would be really good to work with the old gang again. There are so many people over in the studios that I haven’t seen for five years.’
‘Great, I’ll get my people to get in touch with your agent.’ Conrad clapped his hands together and waved across to Paolo, who was hovering by the French windows. ‘Paolo, this calls for champagne, please.’
The rest of the evening sped by and Alice finally left the villa feeling remarkably happy. Somehow, the idea of doing a few cameos on the new show had real appeal. Of course, she reminded herself, this would mean that a full-time art history job – whether in an auction house, university or wherever – would probably be out of the question, at least for the first year or so, as she would obviously need to be able to take weeks off every now and then to fly over to LA. And then there was the matter of Fliss’s movie, which could further complicate matters – but in a good way. She felt a little pang of regret that her new career path was going to have to be put on hold, at least for a while, but still, going back to Pals was suddenly a far more enticing prospect – particularly if Zoë really had undergone some sort of lasting metamorphosis. That, of course, remained to be seen.
Chapter 25
On Saturday morning Alice received an email from Teresa, saying that she and her husband would be delighted to come down next Wednesday and take a look at the fresco. Alice replied straightaway and invited them both to lunch at Giovanni’s that day as her treat, to say thank you. After her run, she went over to the church and was pleased to find Father Gregorio there, pottering about with some hymn books. She related what Teresa had said about next Wednesday and invited him to join them for lunch, and he accepted most willingly. She then went on to break the news of Conrad’s generous offer to cover any expenses he might incur with the restoration effort. The old priest was terribly grateful and she even saw little tears in the corners of his eyes. By the time Alice left the church, she was feeling quite emotional herself.
She drove to Florence after lunch and spent a happy couple of hours wandering through the historic streets and along the banks of the river. She even climbed up to Piazzale Michelangelo, from where she had a panoramic view across the roofs of this most magical of cities. It was another clear, cloudless day and last night’s rain had washed away the familiar pall of pollution from over the city. As a result, she could see for miles, right across to Fiesole and the dark green bulk of the Apennines behind it in the distance. She leant on the stone balustrade and let her mind, as well as her eyes, roam.
Her rental of the little house would come to an end in exactly one week and, as things were at present, she would then be flying back to Britain. With her university studies finished and David out of the picture, there was no need for her to stay in Bristol, so maybe she should think about selling her flat there. But what then? A few guest appearances on the new series of Pals Forever would occupy her for a few weeks now and then, probably just in its first year of existence, and necessitate some commuting to and from the US, but that was hardly a real job. How would she fill the rest of her time? Of course, there was the possibility of a part in the new movie with Fliss but that, too, would only occupy her for a few months next year, after which she would once more be unemployed – although no doubt a good deal better off. Maybe she should concentrate on finding herself a full-time position in the world of art history and turn her back on showbiz altogether – as had been her intention until receiving Conrad’s email last month. And the full-time job would determine where she lived, so maybe it would be wiser to hang onto her flat in Bristol for now. So many questions…
Which brought her onto the question of Matt.
What if their relationship continued to develop and became something serious? From the very first moment she had set eyes on him, she had been completely infatuated by him and, as far as she was concerned, she could see it going the distance. However, she still wondered whether he was holding something back – and if so, why – and just exactly who he was and what he did. She still barely knew him and, with only six more days left before having to leave the little house, there was a limit to how far down the line they could get.
His life was clearly firmly rooted here in Tuscany now, with his vineyard, his olives, his dog and his escape from whatever had been causing him so much grief before moving here. He had told her that he had a little place in London so no doubt if she returned to work in the UK, they would be able to meet up now and then over there or she could come to Italy to see him from time to time. But she had experience of the collapse of too many other people’s long-distance relationships to harbour any realistic hopes of it succeeding for her. If it turned out he was equally serious about her, should she consider applying for art history jobs here in Tuscany? Might it be worth asking Teresa or Claudio if they knew of anything? Even more questions…
She met up with Antonia at five, as arranged, and was delighted to see her again. After exchanging pleasantries, Antonia launched straight into the main reason for this meeting: she wanted to offer her a job. Alice sat up and listened with rapt attention as Antonia went on to outline what she had in mind.
‘It was that afternoon we spent together here at the Uffizi that gave me the idea. You’re so knowledgeable about art, and you have a very natural and spontaneous way of speaking about it. At the same time, you’re also such a recognisable and relatable figure that I’m convinced you’ll be able to inspire a whole new audience with your love of art. What we’re thinking of is an initial six-part series on Italian art followed by a number of others anywhere in the world – you tell us where – if this first series has the success we hope for. You write it, you present it and I know it’ll be a hit.’ She looked across at Alice. ‘What do you think?’
What did she think? It sounded amazing and Alice hastened to tell Antonia so. Suddenly, a whole new career path was opening up, which would allow her to have the best of both worlds – a job involving her beloved history of art and a continuation of her life in front of the camera. And this time she would be able to choose her own wardrobe and, hopefully, avoid the kind of unwelcome publicity Polly the flirt had brought. Plus, she thought excitedly, with this sort of job it didn’t matter where she was based. She could stay in Bristol, go to London or, indeed, even settle in Tuscany. She felt a wave of optimism bubbling up inside.
Antonia, encouraged by her positive reaction, went on to talk about the nuts and bolts of their offer. Filming would start as soon as this autumn or winter, whenever Alice had got it pla
nned and written, and it would be up to her to decide where she wanted to go. All her expenses would be covered and her pay generous, with a bonus linked to the success or otherwise of the series. Whatever happened, it soon emerged that Alice would easily earn considerably more for just these first six episodes than the auction house had offered for a full year. It sounded perfect, but she felt she had to tell Antonia about the offer of guest appearances she had had from Conrad. To her surprise, this didn’t come as news to Antonia.
‘I know, Alice, and I’m delighted you’ve said yes.’
‘You know about that? So, you and Conrad are still talking?’
Antonia grinned. ‘Not only talking, but also working together. He’s one of the partners in this new company. In fact, he and Silas are meeting us for drinks a bit later on.’
They met in the slick cocktail bar on the top floor of the hotel near the station where Antonia and Silas, the third partner in the new company, were staying. Their table was by the window and they looked straight out over the old church of Santa Maria Novella, with its intricate marble façade. Conrad gave her a big grin when he saw her and apologised for not having said anything to her before, as the lawyers had been finalising all the intricacies of the contract. Alice spent an enjoyable hour with them and, although they invited her to stay for dinner, she declined – partly because she was sure they would have things to discuss privately and partly because she wanted to get home before dark. There was no question, however, that she came away confident that they were going to make a success of this new venture.
As she walked back to her car, she felt really happy with the way things were working out. The combination of this job and the guest appearances for Pals Forever meant she should have enough income to allow her to live anywhere and she could spend as long with Matt as she liked, assuming he felt the same way about her – which, of course, was still to be established with any certainty.
She got home as night was falling and she had just let herself into her little house, and was pouring herself a large glass of wine, when there was a knock at the door. This was the first time she had had a visitor, and she was surprised and even a bit apprehensive. For a moment, her heart leapt at the thought that it might be Matt making an early return, but her hopes were immediately dashed as she opened the door. Standing on her doorstep was a very unwelcome face.
‘David?’ She actually felt her jaw drop.
‘Surprise! I had to see you. How’re you doing, Alice?’ He held out his arms towards her and took a step forward, a hopeful smile on his face. As he did so, her befuddled brain kicked into gear and she held up a steadying hand to block the way.
‘Not so fast. How did you know where to find me?’
‘The lady at the bar told me. Millie said you’d taken a place here in the village, so I came to look for you. I’ve been hanging around for a couple of hours now. I just spotted you getting out of your little Fiat.’
‘Why are you here, David? Didn’t I make myself clear enough?’
‘Well, yes, but I knew I had to see you. I thought if we could talk, I could explain why I acted the way I did and, hopefully, you could think about forgiving me.’ She could see he was turning on the charm and giving her his most endearing, little lost puppy look. ‘It was a shameful thing to do and I’m so, so sorry. I wasn’t thinking straight. I was just thinking of myself.’
Alice stood there, feeling completely stumped for a moment. She knew it was all over between him and her, but he had flown halfway across the world to see her after all. Should she let him in or tough it out? She took a deep breath and decided to stand her ground. After all, her decision was already taken and nothing was going to change that.
‘David, let me make it perfectly clear so there can be no confusion. You went off and dumped me for your own selfish reasons and there’s no way on God’s earth that I want anything more to do with you. Is that clear enough?’ She gave him the fiercest look she could muster.
‘Well, yes, but…’
‘No buts, David. It’s over, finished, finito. Got it?’ She saw what looked like resignation finally start to appear on his face. ‘If it makes you feel any better, I was having doubts about us anyway, and that’s what these few weeks in Tuscany were designed to sort out. Well, thanks to you, that got resolved sooner rather than later. So, we’re done. Now do you get it?’
‘But surely you don’t mean that…’ His voice tailed off helplessly, but she was running out of patience.
‘I do, believe me, I do. So please just go and enjoy the rest of your life. But it won’t be with me. Goodbye, David.’ And with that, she closed the door in his face, resisting the urge to slam it. She rested her back against the door and did her best to bring her breathing under control, hoping that he had finally got the message and was out of her life for good.
Chapter 26
At five o’clock on Sunday afternoon she ran herself a long, luxurious bath and, as she lay in the water, she knew that she was really looking forward to seeing Matt again. During the hours she had spent walking with him on Tuesday, she had felt him relax more and more in her company, and the handful of kisses they had shared – although interrupted – had been sublime. She wondered how long it would be before he decided to let her in on the secret of why he had been feeling harassed on social media. What on earth could have caused this? Also, how on earth had a former journalist managed to amass the considerable sum of money needed to buy a medieval tower in Tuscany?
She spent the best part of an hour in the bath, washed her hair yet again and slipped into her new underwear. It then took her a further fifteen minutes of trying different clothes to feel satisfied she had chosen a dress that was a suitable mix of alluring and relaxed – although by this time she was feeling anything but relaxed. Yes, she admitted in a moment of self-awareness, she was behaving more like a schoolgirl than an adult.
He and the dog arrived at six, and she almost threw herself into his arms. As she did so, there could be no disguising the thrill that shot throughout her body. If she wanted proof that she had fallen for him, this was it – but she didn’t need proof. She pressed herself against him and screwed her head up so she could speak to him.
‘Matt! You can’t imagine how happy I am to see you.’
He kissed her warmly while the dog stood up on his hind legs and tried to join in. Finally, Matt pushed the door shut behind him and beamed at her.
‘That makes two of us.’ He glanced down at the dog. ‘Make that three.’
She poured two glasses of wine and then sat hand in hand with him in the little garden, as the Labrador stretched out at their feet. She could feel anticipation growing inside her as to what was going to happen next. They were sitting side by side on the bench underneath the branches of the walnut tree and, more as a displacement activity than anything else, she told him all about the discovery of the fresco in the church. For now, she avoided mentioning the exciting job offers she had just received from Conrad and then Antonia. There would be time for that once he and she finally started trading secrets. As it was, it transpired that he knew a thing or two about Conrad.
‘You know the Hollywood people in Villa delle Vespe, don’t you? Well, I get the feeling the paparazzi have got them in their sights.’
After Fliss’s departure, Alice thought the photographers would have left, but maybe they had come back, harbouring hopes that she might still be there. For now, she affected a nonchalant air.
‘I haven’t been up there for a while. I hadn’t noticed.’
‘On the way down this evening I saw two guys lurking about by the villa gates. I thought they were up to no good and there was just something about them. Then I spotted the cameras and I bet that’s what they are.’ She saw him shudder. ‘God, I hate those guys.’
‘You know them?’
‘Not these particular ones, but just paparazzi in general. Most of them are the scum of the earth, without a vestige of a conscience or scruples.’
‘How come you
feel so strongly about paparazzi?’ She saw him hesitate and then those same familiar shutters came down.
‘As a journalist, I used to have to deal with them and it made my skin creep to see them get rich on the back of other people’s misery.’
Somehow she got the feeling there was more to it than this but, as ever, she didn’t press him – not least as she still hadn’t told him about her own background in Pals. She instantly stopped thinking about paparazzi, however, as she felt his hand land on her shoulder and gently turn her towards him.
‘Alice…’ His voice was low.
He leant forward and kissed her on the lips, at first softly and then with more passion. Her eyes closed and when she found the strength to open them again, his face was barely a few inches from hers, his eyes staring deep into hers.
‘That feels so good.’ His tone was almost reverent and she nuzzled against him.
‘That, Mr Livingstone, was very nice indeed.’
They kissed again and there could be no doubt about it. This was without question the best kiss of her life and she almost fell off the bench, such was her state of abandon in his arms. While the dog snoozed at their feet, she let herself melt against Matt, cradled in his embrace. She lost track of the passage of time and when she finally heard his voice, it was like waking from a dream. Somehow, to her surprise, it was almost dark.
‘We’d better make a move if we’re going to the restaurant.’
She nodded languidly. If the truth be told, food wasn’t high on her agenda at the moment, but she stood up and took a few deep breaths to regain her composure.
With Guinness trotting contentedly alongside them, they walked round to the restaurant and were shown to a table in the far corner of the garden, where the dog settled obediently at their feet. It was a lovely meal, although the details of what they ate soon blurred inside her head, which was still processing the wave of emotion that had swept over her back there in her garden. His touch had been gentle, his manner tender, and somehow this had only heightened the upsurge of desire in her. She had a feeling tonight was going to be a good night, a very good night.