by SJ Molloy
“You mentioned in your press conference that Lexi hit it off quite well with your nieces and nephews. Seeing Lexi interact with them and having her tell you she was now considering having children must have been the greatest thing in the world. Can you tell us what you were feeling as you watched her with the children?” I ask cheerfully.
Lucca smiles, his eyes brimming with bright colour once again. “She stole my breath away and left me gasping. She is effortless with the kids. My knees almost give way watching her. She is an absolute natural and looks so fucking sexy holding and caring for our baby niece. Of course, I knew she would be attentive and motherly. There is just an obvious caring side to Lexi’s personality. My heart beat so fast when I heard her singing to our baby niece Antonia. God, she sings like a goddamn angel. Her gentle touch and warm, kind heart will make Lexi the perfect mother. The sweet, caring way she is, especially with the children, is indescribable. It makes me so happy to see her bond with them. I could watch her forever with the kids fussing and running around her legs, and she seemed so happy and in her element. It is simply breathtaking to watch. Fuck, I am a lucky man.” Lucca blushes and moistens his lips. I notice my ice has long melted so I sit my glass back down.
“That you are. What were you thinking when she said that she was considering have children after meeting your nieces and nephews?” I add before picking up my mug and sipping the fresh coffee I poured, as I let the last mug go cold and forgone drinking it to concentrate on my notes.
“Christ, I wanted to kiss the life out of her and then kiss her back to life. You could have blown me down with a feather. I am normally very good at reading people, but she completely caught me off guard. Lexi had always been so opposed to having kids of her own and then she told me she wanted to be the mother of my child. Jesus, I lost my man-card that day because it took me ages to get my head around it. It weakened my resolve and sent tingles down my spine. Although, it just felt right. Lexi is everything I have ever hoped and dreamed for, and those words nearly ended me. I can say it made me an extremely happy man. Family is very important to me, and Lexi … hell, she is my world.” Lucca sounds so full of passion while he fists his hand and clenches it against his mouth, almost as if he’s silently thanking his blessings and holding on to hope.
“I’d like to ask you about the first time you met Lexi. The very first time in December, outside of Casey Huddersfield’s office. I remember you referring to it in the press conference as the moment that left you entranced and wild with desire for the beautiful and mysterious woman. A woman you could not stop thinking about. Can you tell us what went through your mind when you discovered that Lexi was the mystery girl you met briefly? Your first initial thought?”
“Si. Love. My first thought was that I loved the look of this beautiful girl in front of me and the aura around her. I remember every single thing about that day: her shyness, rosy cheeks, soft plump lips, long, wavy locks, and those huge timid chocolate eyes. Not to mention that perfect little figure. I was instantly attracted to her; she intrigued and bewitched me. I remember she shivered … or seemed to be shaking and then looked down. All I wanted was to see right into those beautiful, adorable eyes and tell her she was beautiful and not to be scared. The minute I lifted her chin with my hands and met her eyes with mine, something happened. I cannot quite explain it, but I knew she had got inside me and ruined my eyes for other woman. I could have stood frozen on the spot all day just staring into her eyes, as they were gradually thawing me out; a heat rose inside me. I just wanted to hug her against me and keep her warm, and I hated the thought of her walking alone outside in that horrendous blizzard.” Lucca sucks in a sharp breath as if remembering the cold weather.
“I asked Casey about her, but of course she would not tell me because of patient confidentiality. It is funny how fate intervened. And of course Casey is a close friend of both our families; I did not even know Lexi existed before that day. But I thank my lucky stars for Casey Huddersfield, more than anyone will know, and for that cold winters day.” Lucca cocks his head towards Suzanne, who smiles softly with appreciation before fixing her spectacles on her face. I remember reading that Casey is Suzanne’s sister.
“If you were to ask my husband who I was to him, he’d say his best friend, the mother of his children, his wife, his everything, his soul mate. What’s Lexi to you?”
“Lexi is my life. She is all of me. My breath-stealer, love at first sight, and instant attraction. She is my angel. And everything you have mentioned. I am glad your husband refers to you as all these beautiful things, Rebecca. I believe a man should remind the love of his life of this often. It is very important, si?” Lucca asks.
“Oh yes. You are right, Lucca. My husband and I have been together a long time, but he still reminds me.” I blush. I don’t know why I’m telling him these things but I feel comfortable doing so.
“And so … you are all of him and his life,” Lucca says casually while he holds his wrist and runs his thumb over his cufflink. I pause and stare at my engagement and wedding rings, a sappy smile framing my face. I think back to my husband proposing and our wedding day, and how wonderful it felt. It still feels wonderful, but those moments were blissful and extra special, and it reminds me to ask Lucca about his engagement.
“Let me offer you and Lexi my congratulations on your engagement. Did you think Lexi would say yes so easily?”
“Grazie, Rebecca, che è molto gentile … Thank you Rebecca that is very kind of you. Actually, if I am honest, I am always a very confident man but I have never been as nervous as I was that night in Florence. I was afraid she would say no because I asked her very quickly after meeting her. Lexi is a very cautious and careful person, and I was worried that I would be pushing her too quick too soon. I knew I wanted to make her my wife, but Lexi seemed nervous about going home to Scotland and returning to her ordinary life, and I was worried that facing her life would intervene and she would become distant or withdrawn. I seized the moment and it was the perfect opportunity. It was extremely unexpected for her, and I knew that others would question how quick our relationship progressed, especially those close to Lexi who know her on a personal level.”
Lucca sips his coffee before resting his mug on the edge of the sofa. “In my mind, there was no real question about time because it felt right and I know how my heart felt. I expected her to say no, and I planned to do something exceptionally romantic for her on the sixteenth of every month until she said yes. I proposed on June sixteenth … the night of the Luminara candle parade and festival. I thought it might take me a year of asking, and I had even thought about venues and places I could take her to every month until she said yes.” He grins, his lip curling up at one end.
“But she said yes. That must have made you exceptionally happy,” I add.
“Si. Extremely happy. God, that moment was just so special. She surprised me by saying yes. My knees buckled, and I am not afraid to admit I wept with tears of joy. I was hoping she would say yes, but it was always in the back of my mind that she would object. It was a feeling of complete utopia; I was floating for days afterwards. Of course the good thing is all those special, romantic things I planned for her … I can still give her when I can. She deserves all of me and everything I can give her.” He winks playfully.
My husband proposed to me after a short period of time, and I remember he was petrified when he met my family. It must have been daunting for Lucca, too, because he had a massive task of gaining Lexi’s family’s trust, which prompts me to ask, “You’ve met Lexi’s grandparents and mum. Was there one you were more nervous about meeting than the other?
“Actually all of them.” Lucca laughs.
“Did you have any worries about meeting them?” I need more from him.
“I was nervous about meeting Alexander, her grandfather, because I knew how close they were and he is the father figure in Lexi’s life. I had visions of him sitting me down and interrogating me and forbidding her to be with me. Alexander
surprised me. He believes in Lexi so much that he knew if she trusted me and loved me, then that was good enough for him … I was one to trust.” Lucca glances towards Lloyd giving him another one of his code nods. One with authority.
Lloyd lifts his hand to his mouth to speak into the mouth piece. I assume that Lucca has asked for regular updates on Lexi because I remember he did turn his phone off after his last check in with her. Lucca does not break eye contact with him. After receiving his code nod back, Lucca crosses his leg, resting a foot on his knee, letting his jacket swing open, casually placing his hand in his trouser pocket.
“Equally, Rebecca. I was nervous about meeting Elizabeth, her grandmother, because she is the boss and a firecracker. She has a tendency to smother Lexi and that worried Lexi. Then it worried me. I have worked Elizabeth out now and know exactly how to charm her. Of course there was beautiful Grace to consider. The thought of gaining her mum’s trust completely troubled me because of what she has been through, and from what Lexi had told me.”
“May I ask, what did Lexi tell you to prepare you?” I ask in a serious tone, knitting my brows together. My skin pricks with nervous energy and anticipation. This question can go either way. Lucca removes his hand from his pocket and rests it on the arm of the sofa.
“Lexi had warned me Grace is a worrier, understandably, and that she would be upset about our relationship. The full flight back to Scotland, it was all I could think about, but I kept those thoughts from my dolcezza, she needed me to be positive. I worried that her mum’s influence and concerns would reflect on Lexi and make her reconsider our relationship.” Lucca nonchalantly shrugs his shoulders and frowns, giving the impression he was entering into Lexi’s family blind. His honesty insinuates that their approval of Lucca and Lexi’s relationship was a guessing game for him.
“Yes, I can imagine that would have worried you. How did Grace warm to you? Was it difficult gaining her trust?” I ask.
“Good question. In a way, Grace was exactly like Lexi was when I first met her … withdrawn, vulnerable, and apprehensive. They are very alike. My dolcezza was not feeling well and needed a nap so I used that opportunity to talk to Grace and spend time with her alone. I listened, was patient and extremely gentle. I guess that I was honest with her, and there is no mistaking how much I love Lexi. I think she appreciated my honesty. Grace realised very quickly how deep my feelings are for her daughter, and that I would never hurt Lexi. I made Grace a promise and that in itself was very important to her. That was the turning point for Grace and me. The respect I showed her, my compassion and understanding, along with the devotion and love I showed Lexi, all helped Grace relax and trust me more. We have a very good relationship now.”
There is so much more I would like to ask Lucca, but our editor and director are both giving me signs to wrap things up. The enthusiasm and excitable smiles from them reassures me that I have done a good job today, and I feel so relieved I did not screw this up.
“Lucca, I am afraid we are almost out of time. We wish you and your dolcezza a lifetime of happiness. Do you have any advice for the gentlemen out there wooing their dolcezza’s? What advice would you give the gentlemen who already have their dolcezza?” I ask playfully as I would like to end this interview upbeat, and I feel gregarious after my time spent with Lucca. My eyes are big and hopeful.
Lucca blushes. “Um … err … Well, I guess this stands for both questions. I would say, if a man loves a woman as much as I love mine, then treat her as if she is your life line. Your first breath when you wake up, your last breath when you close your eyes … but do not keep them closed for long. Admire and look at your dolcezza every minute that you can with love and intensity. Drown in her. Study her. Love her and cherish her. Listen to her. Whisper against her skin when she sleeps, keep your hands tangled in her hair, brush your thumb gently over her eye lashes, wipe her tears and trace her lips. Kiss her wounds and blanket her in your protective arms.” Lucca takes another sip of water and waves his hand around. I glance to ensure our note taker is getting all this down.
“Ensure you keep her close to you and never forget to tell her that she is your something special and never let go. Show her heightened pleasures that render her weak and spent, and worship her body every day. Indulge her. Connect and join with her, taking her to a place only you and your dolcezza can share. Find that place and explore it and keep travelling in your blissful utopia to experience more of your heavenly delights together. Make it yours, keep her there in paradise and never let her fall from it.” He oozes charisma and sexy male confidence. Sweeping his hair across his forehead and grazing his jaw again with his thumb, he smiles showing that obvious dimple on his cheek.
“Wow, oh my. I am sure women all across the world will hope that they are lucky enough to have the man in their lives show and do everything that you have mentioned, Lucca. You make it sound so effortless. That is wonderful advice,” I add, picking up my notes and begin to fan my face and neck with them.
“It is effortless, once you find the right dolcezza. For me, it is all about keeping my love in my light, and when I found Lexi, I knew she was the love … L’amore. If I am honest, I never knew it could be like this ... that loving a woman could come so naturally to me. Lexi is the first and last woman I have ever been blessed with sharing these precious things with … all of me, and I vow to give her a lifetime of this and more. She deserves nothing less,” Lucca says, dragging his lips between his teeth.
“That is poetic. Gosh, I feel very emotional now,” I admit with a lump in my throat, swatting my hand quickly beneath my eye to wipe a lone tear. Lucca studies me cautiously.
“I am sorry, Rebecca, if I have upset you. Are you okay?” Lucca asks softly. He reaches across the table and passes me a tissue. I am so angry at myself for getting emotional during an interview and for not acting professional.
I have been working away from home now for two solid weeks and it will be another few days before I leave Italy to return to London. I miss my husband. Lucca’s sweet words have tugged on my heart and left me feeling needy and pining for my husband. For his touch and well … all of him. I am desperate to see him and be with him. My heart feels crushed.
“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what has come over me. I’m normally very composed and I feel really embarrassed,” I croak, trying to suppress the vulnerable emotions rising in my chest. I wipe my eyes, apologise again, then glance toward my editor and director, expecting to get a stealth warning. Instead, they all smile sympathetically, my editor giving me a thumbs up, mouthing a silent are you okay? I nod and smile.
My colleagues know how transparent I am about my time away from home and how much I miss my husband, so they will understand why I am teary. Lucca also appears to be receptive.
“Rebecca, please do not apologise. Take your time. I was thinking that instead of your work colleagues joining you on your trip to Club di Energia and Luminara, perhaps you would appreciate taking your husband with you? Sound good?” Lucca knows.
“Yes, I would like that a lot. We have not spent much time together lately; it would be good for us. Thank you,” I sob, picking up another tissue.
“No need to thank me. Why do you not make a weekend of it? I can arrange accommodation for you as well to stay in Glasgow city centre.” Lucca cocks his head and smiles widely. I wipe my cheeks again, soften my eyes, smiling big and goofy like.
“That settles it. The weekend will be about you and your husband,” Lucca adds, signalling towards Suzanne again. I am lost for words.
After I gather myself and finally thank Lucca again, we then spend the next few minutes casually talking between us while our magazine team moves around the suite tying things up, all shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries.
Our director chats with Omari, both sign some more documents, and Suzanne makes some calls. Lucca reaches for his phone now we are almost finished. Our director and editor join Lucca and me on the sofa taking a minute to thank Lucca and commend us both on a suc
cessful interview. After another ten minutes of chat explaining our publishing procedures and the release date, the men all stand, Lucca lifting his phone from his suit jacket before buttoning it again and smoothing his blue tie.
Before Lucca switches his phone on and attends to his business I add, “Lucca?”
Taking my hand, he helps me to my feet. I leave all my notes on the table and stand. “Yes, Rebecca?”
“I’d like to thank you for taking time out of your busy day to sit down and talk with me. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you better. Please tell Lexi we said thank you for letting us borrow her fiancé for a little while and I pray for her wellbeing and safety.” I say it off record. No note taker. No interview façades. Just us. Honest and casual.
“Thank you, Rebecca. That is very kind of you to say. I will pass on the information. It has been a pleasure being here, and you have done a great job. You were very tactful and turned what could have been an awkward interview into a very relaxed and light-hearted one. I will be sure to let your office know in writing. I hope that you enjoy your weekend with your husband. Hey, I am so sorry you got upset today. Look, if things were not as they were right now, I would have brought Lexi in here with me. I am sure you two would have got on like a house on fire. She would really like you,” he adds, standing next to me, towering above me in his handsome glory.
“I would have liked that, but I understand things are difficult for you right now. Hopefully things in the future will …” I don’t get to finish. Lucca has become rigid staring straight at Lloyd, who is speaking quickly and loudly into his mouthpiece. Lucca switches on his phone and it pings several times. I shift my weight, not sure what to say or do. He’s restless. Making a quick call, he murmurs, “Come on, baby, pick up. Please pick up, baby.” He groans and redials. “Jesus, baby, pick up your damn phone,” he shouts at his phone then runs his hand through his hair, the colour draining from his face.