by Kailin Gow
The flight was quick, only taking an hour and a half. I took another cab to my house, hopped in my old car, and hurried to the hospital. There was about twenty minutes of visiting hours left and I was thankful to have made it.
He was awake. “Hi Dad,” I whispered, trying not to cry.
“Taylor, you shouldn’t have come home.”
“Are you kidding? Nothing could keep me away. I just want you to relax and do what’s necessary to get better. I’ll handle the tradeshow.”
Dad looked at me with concern. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”
I wasn’t sure if he was worried about me going to Italy or missing school. Apparently they thought it was dangerous to have Salvatore and I in the same country. The thought made me giggle, a welcomed release from the stress.
“I know you will,” I said.
“You know, you’ve been training for just this type of opportunity all summer. You’re ready. I love you so much.”
“I love you, Dad.”
“How’s Harvard and Chase? Treating you good?”
“Very good, Dad.”
He looked over at me and pursed his lips together slightly, clearly debating whether to say something or not.
“What is it?” I asked.
“You know, sometimes it’s hard to take the right path but you do it because it’s what expected. It’s okay to throw caution into the wind sometimes, too, and just do what brings you joy.”
His eyes closed then. It startled me at first but I saw his chest moving up and down. He’d simply fallen asleep, using up all his energy.
I walked outside of his room with Mom.
“I have everything transferred, Taylor. The information is on the counter at home, along with your passport. That flight leaves at 9 a.m.”
“Okay, Mom,” I said, finally letting the tears flow. I wanted to be strong for her but I was so worried and now I was also exhausted.
“He’ll be good, dear. You just do us proud at that show. I know you will.”
I hugged Mom and made my way back down to the car, driving back to the house again for what I hoped would be a few hours of peaceful sleep and an organized brain when I woke up in the morning.
Sleep didn’t come easy and I realized that I was going to miss a couple days of classes so I quickly sent emails to my professors, with Professor Leanza being the first one on my list.
Chapter 4
Flying into Rome brought on a whole slew of emotions for me. It was a beautiful city, as I could tell from the bright sun that still lit the sky up that late afternoon. It was truly incredible and it was unfortunate that I was there on such a short visit due to my father having a relapse and surgery. Someday I would be able to go there for pleasure and when I did, I wouldn’t squander a minute of it.
After standing in a long line to go through customs, I made my way to my luggage, and then on to the curb where the taxis were. There was a long line of cabs with eager drivers wanting to take people to my destination and within a minute I was being greeted by a jolly, robust man with an infectious smile.
“Where may Piero take you?” he asked.
“Sheraton Roma Hotel and Convention Center please,” I said.
“Aah, a lovely place for a lovely woman. American, yes?”
“Yes,” I said smiling. I didn’t know a lot of Italian, only the bits that Salvatore had taught me and didn’t want to use it and have the driver break out into some long line of sentences I couldn’t answer. Sticking with my English would be best.
“What are you doing in Rome?” the driver asked as he pulled out into the fast paced traffic confidently. He was clearly used to knowing just how to get in and out of the airport as quickly as possible. His livelihood obviously depended on it.
“Just for a few days.”
“Such a short time.”
“Yes, I’m working at a tradeshow.”
“No pleasure?” he asked, raising his eyebrows at me in the rearview mirror.
“I’m afraid not but some day I will be back for a fun trip, rest assured.”
“This is good. It’s a magnificent city.”
“I agree,” I said.
He must get paid to promote the city by someone? He’s funny but adorable with his enthusiasm.
I arrived at the hotel and stepped out, immediately noticing how modern it was in contrast to the older buildings that I’d looked at while making my way there. It was beautiful though and located in the heart of Rome’s business district so it made sense.
My room was ready and I was eager to take a shower and clean up before I went down to set up the booth for the convention. I’d wear more casual clothes to do that and then run back up to my room to get into my business attire. Time was tight but I’d make it happen. There was no choice.
Going down to the hall where the tradeshow was being held, I looked for my welcome packet with all the details for me and my booth. It wasn’t there.
That’s odd, I thought.
I made my way to the area where all the boxes were supposed to be waiting and they were not there either. What was going on? I immediately felt panicked now, wondering if my boxes ended up someplace else or got lost. It wasn’t adding up and no one else should have had access to them because I was the only company rep there.
A light bulb went off in my head. Maybe the boxes were already by the spot where the booth was. I walked the length of the large room to the far side where our booth was supposed to be and as I got closer I grew more confused. It was almost completely set-up.
I didn’t see anyone until I got right in front of the booth. Then I saw a guy with his back to me, leaning over to snap part of the kiosk into place and the boxes were on the table. Who was this and why were they messing with my things? I didn’t like it.
“Excuse me, what’s going on here?” I asked, trying to sound polite despite feeling edgy.
The man turned around and I froze but he didn’t. He gave me a huge smile and my legs immediately turned wobbly.
“Taylor,” he said, smiling brightly.
“Salvatore,” I said, although it was more of a question. “What are you doing here?”
Keep control. He looks so good.
“Well, this is in my neck of the woods and I heard about what happened with your father. I wanted to help. I’m really sorry about him. Is he okay?”
“Yes, he’ll be fine,” I said. I couldn’t hide my shock, though. As I looked at Salvatore, a man who I struggled with daily to keep out of my thoughts, I saw one sexy, sultry man. He was wearing a black cashmere sweater with a t-shirt under it, showing off his fabulous chest and arms, and a pair of jeans that made my mouth water. He had grown more muscular and broader in the few months since I last saw him.
Neither of us said a word for a minute but we just looked at each other, unable to avoid the smoldering chemistry between the two of us. A few months apart and an ocean in between us couldn’t keep our thoughts about each other from surfacing. I had never felt such a burning desire and I just wanted to go up and touch that wavy hair that hung barely over one eye. I knew if I touched him I wouldn’t want to stop. There are some things a woman can just tell.
Chapter 5
I stared at Salvatore, not able to talk and a million emotions were running through my mind that I had no clue how to process. My thoughts remembered all the nuances that had made me fall for Salvatore: the way he felt when I touched him, how his lips tasted on mine, and how every inch of him made me come alive in such an intense way that words really couldn’t describe it. So, since no words would come to mind, I just drank him in for a minute.
Finally, Salvatore spoke. “Taylor,” he said so softly that it was almost like he was praying.
“Salvatore,” I said. “I didn’t know you were here…I’m just surprised.”
“I didn’t realize that you were going to be here, either,” he said.
“That was nice of you to drop everything to help.”
“It was no hardship at all; it�
��s close to home. I’m glad I can help.”
I nodded my head, still struggling to find words.
“Your father, he’s okay, though?”
“He is still recovering but should be good,” I said. “Thanks for asking.”
Chase didn’t seem at all concerned, I thought. Then I scolded myself for starting that mind game again. It had cost me a lot.
Salvatore took two steps toward me and extended his arm out, gently touching my shoulder with his hand. It was innocent enough but it sent an electric current right through me. He must have noticed it too because he stepped back and took his hand off, looking like it had tortured him to touch me.
“If you want,” Salvatore said, “I can handle everything here so you can go back home and be with your father.”
“That a very kind offer,” I said, my eyes welling up and before I knew it, I was hugging Salvatore. I think I had initiated it but I couldn’t be certain.
I was tight against his chest and could smell him. He smelled so good and I wanted to melt away in his arms and relive the magic of those days when we were together this past summer. It seemed so long ago but his touch was as familiar as if I’d just felt it yesterday.
“Tay,” Salvatore whispered, pressing his full lips against my ear. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too,” I said. My voice was so soft and quivering that it almost didn’t seem like mine. I’d been immediately impacted by his presence.
“My heart, my life, seems so hollow since leaving you, Tay,” Salvatore said. “Seeing you here is a special gift, something that was meant to be. Nothing could give me more joy than this moment. Just to touch you, hold you, and hear you.”
Why does he always have the perfect words to say?
I tried to clear my head, shaking it and regaining my senses. “Salvatore…” No other words came out because just saying his name made me be transported into my desires.
Stop! I have to keep my wits about me.
I wanted to kiss the man in front of me more than anything else. Everything was a blur and I prayed for some clarity. Thankfully it came. The less pleasant thoughts about why we were separated in the first place came flooding into my mind. The business. Our parents. Our futures. I was with Chase now and we were having a new start. I could not cheat on him and jeopardize things again. We’d come too far.
“I can’t do this,” I said, pulling away quickly. The less physical connection the better.
“I know,” Salvatore said. “I want you so much, though. I dream of you every night. I still can’t get you out of my mind.”
“What about your fiancé?” I asked. “Aren’t you two together?”
“Not really. We don’t know each other very well and I think of her as more of a sister than a lover, Taylor. Not like you. No one can replace you in my heart. There will never be anyone like you for me.”
“Salvatore, please…”
The tender expression in Salvatore’s eyes quickly changed. He looked at me with a bit more scrutiny. “You are with him again, aren’t you? The one who cheated on you and doesn’t even respect you.”
“Chase,” I said, not sure why I had to say his name. Maybe it was so I’d remember him and not go off on a passionate whim instead of a logical direction.
“Sure, if that’s what you call him.”
“We’re sharing an apartment together at Harvard.”
Salvatore closed his eyes. “I see.”
“I’m trying to do what’s right, Salvatore,” I said, hoping to explain myself so it made sense. The only problem was that I knew it wouldn’t make sense and I didn’t have a very convincing argument. “My parents and his have building up on this for years. There are expectations of us. Chase and I…we make the perfect couple for Chase’s future political career.”
“What about what you want?” Salvatore sneered, making it look like he’d just smelled something very foul.
The fact that I’d just had a similar conversation involving that question with Chase didn’t elude me. The only one who really seemed to care about what I wanted was Salvatore. I’d even tossed it aside to do the right thing.
I breathed in, trying to muster up the courage to even say it aloud.
“Well?” Salvatore asked, folding his arms now and looking at me with his head tilted.
“I want to take it slower. I want to explore the world, go on archaeological digs, have a career of my own,” I said.
“Not be some man’s arm candy,” Salvatore said bitterly.
I felt stung by it and being the way he was, Salvatore noticed and softened his tone. “Any man would be proud to have you by his side.”
His words made my longing for him return. The way he stared at me made me feel like I was the only person in the world and selfish or not, Chase had never come even close to looking at me like that a single day in his life.
I stepped back because if I didn’t, I would surely kiss Salvatore right then and there. He was my addiction and once I got that taste of him I wouldn’t want to stop even if I was getting eaten alive with guilt for doing it.
“Salvatore…I can’t be here with you at the same booth, with you looking at me like that.”
“I can’t help it, Tay,” Salvatore said.
“Then I’ll have to go home, as you suggested. You’ve got it covered here.”
He stopped me before I could go. “Please don’t go. I’ll keep it professional. I just can’t help it. You know I love you, don’t you?”
I nodded and internally I was shouting back that I loved him, too, but I didn’t dare let the words escape my lips.
“Please stay. At least let’s have coffee together and show that we can be friends.”
I nodded and couldn’t help smiling at him. He was so full of good intentions and optimistic that things could work out favorably on sheer will power alone. I was normally that way but I had a record of showing I wasn’t trustworthy when it came to my responses to Salvatore. It was time for me to prove myself wrong and show that I can look at the most gorgeous man in the world without being tempted to stray from my boyfriend.
“Ok, let’s go get coffee.”
“Wonderful, I’ll show you the best place to get coffee in Rome, and hopefully you have time today for a little tour of my hometown. I want to show you around, be hospitable as you were to me when I visited your hometown.”
“I don’t know. I’ve got to get this set up,” I said, waving my arms to the tradeshow display.
“I have it almost done so you have extra time on your hands,” he said with a cheeky smile. “So, you have no god reason to turn down my offer.”
“You know what, Salvatore, you’re right. I don’t. Let’s go get that coffee.”
Salvatore grabbed my hand and led me out of the conference center and out onto the streets of Rome, ready to give me my tour. I couldn’t wait.
Chapter 6
I enjoyed all three sips of my coffee with Salvatore and suddenly I found myself going full out in an amazing evening of adventures to see what Rome was like.
“You must see the Coliseum as the sun is setting,” Salvatore said.
“Why is that?”
“It’s beautiful. You trust me, don’t you?”
“Of course,” I said with a smile.
It seemed that Salvatore was just like the cab driver. Everything was wonderful, exciting, and a must-see in Rome. I wondered if all Italians who lived by the majestic, ancient city felt that same way. I had to admit, I could see why.
After the Coliseum, Salvatore’s eyes lit up again. “We must go see San Paolo Fuori le Mura.”
“What’s that?” I asked, not having heard of it before.
“It’s a basilica.”
“Like St. Peters?”
“Yes, that is the most popular one but not the only one. This one is my favorite?”
“Why?”
“It is where my grandparents got married, as well as my parents.”
I didn’t want to ask the nex
t logical question: and where you will be married some day? It was too perfect a day to spoil it with anything like that.
We hopped on a metro bus and pulled up just a block away from the basilica.
The streetlights were all on now and even in the darkness of the impending night, the beauty of the exterior of the basilica couldn’t be hidden. The grass and shrubs that lined the pavement were green and perfectly manicured and the basilica looked majestic and beautiful, a place where one could feel truly connected in a spiritual way.