by Karen Moore
Just thinking of Luciano and his excuses for not being there threatened to dampen the euphoria that emanated from her friend. Hanna pushed it to the back of her mind, determined that it wouldn’t spoil their day.
It was late morning by the time they arrived in Palermo. The gallery was in a side street in the old Arab La Kalsa district, not far from the station. Once seedy, this area had seen a reversal of fortune thanks to considerable investment and regeneration of its dilapidated palazzi, and was now desirable once more. They found it easily enough, the soft strains of Sicilian singer-songwriter Carmen Consoli floating down the narrow street towards them, accompanied by babbling voices and the odd peal of laughter.
Stepping off the street into a long, narrow room of exposed stone walls and soft spotlights, the two women joined the throng of people gathered there. A tall, willowy blonde in a simple designer dress in neutral tones and antique gold jewellery, tottered over in vertiginous heels, working the room with the ease of a practised politician as she made her way towards them. Distinctly un-Sicilian in looks, thought Hanna, until she remembered that the island’s Norman history had left its legacy of fair genes behind.
“Welcome, Hanna, so glad you could make it. And this must be Ceri,” said Aurora in heavily-accented English, all beaming smile and flashing teeth, kissing them on both cheeks. “Come on in and take a look around. Let me get you a drink.”
Hanna had met Aurora fleetingly at a couple of posh social events she’d attended with Luciano. A former model, she recalled. Hanna envied her poise and exuberant confidence, qualities she felt lacking in. She felt a twinge of jealousy as she had on previous occasions, wondering what the true nature of the relationship had been between this woman and Luciano. Was Aurora just a friend, one of Luciano’s business associates, or something more than that? Hanna felt inadequate and gauche in comparison. What did he see in her when he could have any woman he wanted? How could she compete with his circle of stylish, well-connected friends?
Waves of self-doubt were threatening to drown her buoyant mood when the effusive and bubbly Aurora interrupted in perfect hostess fashion.
“You’re just in time for my little opening speech. Feel free to look around – there’s bound to be something that catches your eye. There’s so much beautiful stuff and it’s all made locally. You won’t mind if I leave you? We can catch up later…”
As if by magic, a handsome young man, more model than waiter, appeared with two glasses of sparkling prosecco and a tray crammed full of delicious-looking canapés. It had been a long time since breakfast and Hanna was suddenly conscious of her appetite. Both girls helped themselves to a generous portion and tucked in.
Aurora turned on her heel, not giving her two guests time to reply. Hanna smiled and murmured her thanks through a mouthful of smoked swordfish. Their hostess disappeared into the crowd, reappearing a few minutes later on a small podium at the far end of the room. The chatter died down a little in anticipation.
Hanna and Ceri found it difficult to hear what was being said and only caught the odd word or two. Aurora seemed to be delivering her speech in dialect rather than Italian, perhaps in keeping with the name and nature of the gallery: L’Artigianato della Sicilia – Sicilian Arts and Crafts. She kept it short, and the gallery soon filled with applause from the assembled guests.
Gradually, they started to disperse, providing an opportunity for Hanna and Ceri to take a look around at the eclectic mix of wares ranging from ceramics to wall hangings. All had a distinctly modern feel, a far cry from the traditional or tourist products that were widely available. Aurora certainly had a keen eye and a flair for this sort of thing, Hanna had to admit. She lost sight of Ceri for a few minutes until a squeal of delight revealed her whereabouts.
“I’d know that squeal anywhere! What have you seen?”
Ceri was looking at a glass cabinet filled with delicate silver jewellery. Her eyes were focused on a filigree dragonfly necklace with wings made up of tiny stones of different hues.
“Look at that necklace, the way it catches the light! It’s so beautiful, really unusual but quite expensive, I’m afraid.”
“Why don’t you try it on and see how it looks?” Hanna slipped the necklace round her friend’s neck. “There, it really suits you. What do you think?”
“I really love it! It’s just that…”
“I’ll buy it for you. It is your birthday after all, and a special one at that…”
“Oh, I didn’t mean… I wasn’t hinting or anything…” Ceri’s voice trailed off, her face flushed.
“I know you weren’t. I was planning on getting you something here anyway. I wanted to make sure that it was something that you’d really like,” said Hanna, reassuring her.
“Oh, okay then,” Ceri brightened and smiled weakly, “but only if you’re sure…”
“Come on, let’s get it before I change my mind.” Seeing the look of consternation on Ceri’s face, Hanna added, “Only joking, you daft thing. I love it, too – it’s just your thing.”
“Well, if you insist, I can’t possibly refuse!” said Ceri. “It’ll be the best present ever!”
Hanna went off to the discreet cash desk in the far corner of the gallery to pay. As Aurora carefully gift wrapped the present in black paper with a gold ribbon, she said, “Of course, I can offer you a substantial discount. Any friend of Luciano’s…”
Chapter Thirteen
North Wales, Friday 3rd November, 2017
Humming along to the radio, Hanna busied herself preparing dinner in the kitchen. Rhys had called earlier, promising good news but wanting to talk to her about it in person. Curious, Hanna wondered what it could be and had invited him round for dinner that evening, eager to know more.
Every so often, she popped her head round the lounge door to make sure Eva was okay. A cat with unusual black, white, and grey markings had taken to visiting on a regular basis, much to Eva’s delight. She was sitting on the rug in front of the roaring wood burner playing with her new friend who was lapping up the attention. The cat seemed quite tame, not a feral or farm cat. Hanna had asked Nerys about the animal, but it didn’t belong to them and there were no other close neighbours. Only a couple of weeks here and already they had a lodger. Hanna could hear Eva chattering away incessantly to the poor old moggy.
Outside, the wind was getting up and had started to howl around the cottage like an unwelcome predator. Hanna gave an involuntary shiver and wondered how they’d cope through the winter, which was likely to be harsh. She hoped they wouldn’t get cut off; it was isolated enough even in good weather. At least they had some warm clothes now. One of their first expeditions in the old Peugeot Rhys had acquired for her had been to the nearest shopping outlet. There, Hanna bought warm waterproof jackets for both of them plus several sweaters and thick trousers, as well as scarves and gloves.
After checking the lamb shanks in the oven, she finished off the tiramisu with a light dusting of cocoa powder, hoping that Rhys would like her choice of dishes. Taking off her apron, she called out, “C’mon, little Miss Mucky, there’s just time for your bath before Rhys and Bryn get here!”
Eva chortled with delight at the mention of Bryn. “But what about Cosmo?” she asked, referring to her new feline friend who she’d named after a character in one of her favourite TV programmes back in Sicily.
“Don’t worry about him. I’m sure Bryn is used to cats, and Cosmo will just run off if he’s not happy.”
Hanna wiped her hands on a tea towel and went to run the bath. “Let’s have those clothes off and get you into these bubbles. Then you’ll be all nice and clean and in your pyjamas for when the boys get here,” she called to Eva.
Tiny footsteps pattered up to the door of the bathroom and Eva appeared. She’d been trying unsuccessfully to undress herself en route, and had ended up in a muddle with her head and arms stuck in her half-off jumper.
Hanna laughed. “What a pickle you’ve got yourself into. Here, let me help.” She fini
shed off the job, then tested the temperature of the bath water before lifting the toddler in.
She glanced at her watch. Rhys would be here in less than an hour. She’d have to hurry to get both of them ready in time and prepare the table, too.
“So, what’s this news, then?” asked Hanna, unable to contain herself any longer. They were already halfway through the main course and still Rhys hadn’t mentioned anything. Eva had fallen asleep on the sofa after a frantic half hour of kissing Bryn and chasing him round the cottage. Hanna had gathered her up and put her to bed.
“I’d almost forgotten,” said Rhys, with a teasing twinkle in his eye. “Well, I was down at the council offices about the new volunteer scheme we’ve launched. They were talking about next year’s annual walking festival and that they could do with help organising it, especially on the PR and marketing side. The person who used to do it has moved down south. Thought it would be perfect for you with your background, so I put in a good word. Hope you don’t mind…”
Hanna’s immediate reaction was one of horror, that she’d be exposed to the outside world so soon, then quickly realised that this might be an overreaction, particularly when she noticed Rhys’s face fall. Her expression must have given away her initial emotions, but these were quickly followed by a wave of relief and gratitude. After all, she couldn’t cut herself off from people for ever and Rhys had only been acting in her best interest.
“D’you know what would be involved?” she asked in a slightly shaky voice.
“Not really, but they’d be keen to talk to you about it. What do you think?” Rhys looked a little sheepish, as if realising his faux pas. “The council offices are in Llangefni on Anglesey, which is a bit of a drive, but you could probably do some work from home once the internet connection is set up.”
“Worth giving it a go, I expect. Save me climbing the walls here, and I could do with a bit of extra money. And I need to do something about Eva. She needs to mix with other children. My only concern is that it may be a bit soon. I don’t know if I’m quite ready yet.”
“I’m sorry if I acted out of turn. It just seemed like a really good opportunity. I’m afraid I dived right in.”
“It’s fine, don’t worry. I’ll go and talk to them – it can’t do any harm. In fact, it could be exactly what both Eva and I need,” Hanna said, smiling to reassure him.
“Okay. I’ll make the arrangements and we can go together, if you want?” said Rhys, brightening up. “How about next Wednesday afternoon? I’m not working and it’s market day so we could have a look around, do some shopping, and get a bite to eat?”
“Let me think about it first. Can you get me some background information on the event, though? I really could do with having the internet here.”
“No problem, I’ll print you off the details of last year’s festival, so you’ve got a better idea of what’s involved, and bring them over.”
Talk turned to the food which Rhys was devouring with gusto.
“I’m starving,” he said apologetically. “Been on the hills all day. You work up quite an appetite with all that hard work and fresh air. I just love lamb, and these shanks are amazing, so tender and full of flavour! How did you cook them?”
“They’ve been in the oven for ages on a low heat, done in red wine, with garlic, rosemary and anchovies.”
“Anchovies?”
“Yes, it’s how the Italians often cook lamb. Their saltiness seems to complement the meat somehow, without leaving a fishy taste.”
“Well, you can cook that for me anytime,” said Rhys, slightly flushed, warmed by the fire and the red wine.
“Hope you’ve got room for some pud? It’s my own take on tiramisu – no eggs but lots of strong coffee and booze.”
“Sounds perfect,” said Rhys, as Hanna collected the empty plates and took them out to the kitchen, returning with a large bowl of the dessert. “Soon polish that off!”
The rest of the evening passed pleasantly enough as the conversation turned to other topics. Rhys had brought over several books after Hanna had said that she’d like to catch up on some of the more modern classics that she’d never got around to reading, such as Hemingway and D H Lawrence. They chattered amicably over coffee and into the small hours until Rhys caught sight of the time and made his excuses, saying he had an early start in the morning. He kissed Hanna a hasty goodbye on the cheek and took his leave, Bryn bounding at his heels.
As she closed the front door on the inky, starless night and blustery wind, Hanna froze as she felt something brush past her and rush into the house. She was relieved to see it was only Cosmo, seeking refuge from the stormy weather. Her startled reaction to such a small event made her wonder whether it was wise to be venturing back into the real world quite so soon.
Chapter Fourteen
Sicily, Wednesday 18th December, 2013
Hanna had been mulling over the news for a couple of days, dreading the moment she would have to tell him, unsure of his reaction. Her opportunity came one Sunday as they were taking a rare stroll together along the beach, Luciano’s arm slung casually round her shoulders.
“Luce, I’ve got something to tell you,” said Hanna, in a low faltering voice. “I think I might be pregnant.”
Luciano’s face registered surprise, horror, and delight in quick succession.
“Really, but how…?”
Hanna shrugged her shoulders. “It can happen sometimes even with the most effective contraception. What do you think?”
He stopped abruptly and drew her to him in a tight embrace, smiling broadly.
“This is wonderful news, amore! You’re happy about it, too, aren’t you? You’re not thinking about…?”
“I wasn’t sure how you’d take it. I didn’t want you to think that it was some sort of ploy to…”
“To what?”
“Well, you know – force things to the next stage between us.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You know I’m mad about you. I couldn’t be happier. Can’t wait to tell the family.”
Hanna gulped. “Won’t they expect us to… you know, formalise things?”
He tipped her chin upwards with his fingertips and looked at her, their faces close.
“Probably, but would that be so bad?” Luciano teased, his eyes laughing at her discomfort. “Okay, so we hadn’t planned it this way, but it could be a sign that we have a future together, the three of us. That is, unless you think otherwise?”
“You know there’s nothing I’d like more,” said Hanna, hastening to reassure him.
“Matter settled then. We’ll announce it to them over Christmas and take it from there.” He kissed her gently, glancing down at her tummy as if expecting some tell-tale sign to show already.
A warm glow spread through Hanna’s body, starting from that very place.
“Are you sure you’re pregnant, and do you definitely want to keep it?” asked Ceri, the alarm rising in her voice as she broke off from packing her suitcase, ready for the short trip back home to see her family. Hanna was sprawled across the bed watching her. She had rehearsed this conversation over and over in her head and was prepared for the inevitable challenge.
“Yes, and yes,” responded Hanna patiently. “Is that so bad? Do you think I shouldn’t?”
“I’m just concerned for both of you. You and your child, that is. You haven’t known Luciano that long, and it may be rushing into things. But it’s up to you – you know your feelings for him. It’s your decision.”
“It’s not a situation that we’d planned or even thought about. It just happened. But now that it has and I’ve had a chance to think about it, I couldn’t be happier. And Luciano seems to feel the same way, too.”
“Well, as long as you’re sure. You realise it’s a commitment to living here in Sicily, too?”
Hanna hadn’t really given this much thought but as she loved the island, it didn’t seem to be a problem. She had no immediate family of her own, so where she chose to live her life a
nd bring up a family wasn’t an issue.
“Anyway, you can talk,” said Hanna, changing the focus of the conversation. “Rushing home for a few days to see your folks so you can be back with Sergio for New Year. It’ll be your turn next!”
“Unlikely, but who knows?” said Ceri, catching Hanna’s eye. The two friends laughed in relief as the tension in the room subsided momentarily.
“The problem with Sergio is that I feel I only know one side of him. He keeps his work issues to himself, saying that being an investigative journalist is like being in the police. Says he can’t talk about things until they’re published, and even then he’s loath to do it. Maybe it’s better I don’t know any of the details.”
“Maybe it is,”’ said Hanna. “Less to argue about!”
She knew how Ceri felt as Luciano was exactly the same with his business dealings and still spent a lot of time away from her. But this only meant that the time they were together was even more precious. The chemistry between them couldn’t be denied and showed no signs of waning.
The warm glow returned. A good omen, thought Hanna, sure that she was making the right decision and that everything would work out for the best.
The shrill, piercing horn from Sergio’s Fiat 500 announced his arrival in the narrow street outside the girls’ apartment.