by Patricia Mar
Daniel shook his head and disappeared into the kitchen.
“So tell me, what happened to you this morning? I’m intrigued.”
“Do you ever have those days when it feels as though you’ve ended up in the Bermuda Triangle? When everything seems to be conspiring to make your life some kind of living hell?”
Sara laughed as Daniel came back into the room wearing a pair of red checked oven gloves and carrying a steaming pan.
“Yes, I can confirm that I do,” he interjected, while placing a succulent looking potato dish in the centre of the table.
“I had one myself not long ago,” said Sara, “but I discovered that days like that can lead to good things.” Daniel’s eyes met Sara’s fleetingly.
“Hold it right there you two, we were talking about me and not how you two met!” Alessandro rebuked them, as he helped himself to a generous portion.
“So, what happened, then?” Sara prompted.
Alessandro served her, then continued. “It all started with this massive queue at the post office. I’m a patient guy, everyone who knows me knows that, and I even let an old lady go in front of me…”
“Aw, what a nice guy!”
“You can shut up, you bloody mannequin! Anyway, as I was saying, when it came to my turn to pick up the package I was there for, all hell broke loose. Fire alarm. Has the fire alarm ever gone off in a post office?! They kicked us all out of the building, post haste, called the fire brigade, etc. etc…. I was waiting outside, but it was getting late and I had to be at the surgery, so I had to run to the practice. Without my parcel, obviously. But I was late for my first patient, the owner of this sweet little poodle. She started screaming as if she was possessed, and while I was listening to her complaining and trying to calm her down, all the dogs in the waiting room started barking. It was like a bloody disaster movie. The end of the world is nigh!”
Sara laughed. “Wow, your friend is fun, Zoolander not like you, you’re always so boring.”
“Aw, thanks!” laughed Daniel, rubbing a piece of potato on her nose.
“Yuck,” she shouted, brushing it off as though it were an annoying fly that was buzzing around.
“Oh, sorry – I though you wanted me to be ‘fun’?”
Alessandro laughed as he sipped his wine. “I was really curious to meet you, Sara.”
“Me too – I thought I was going to meet you the other night at your uncle’s party.”
Alessandro took off his glasses, put them down next to his plate and grinned. “Oh, God forbid. You’ll never see me at one of those awful parties – all those zombies who’ve had so many facelifts their nostrils are up on their foreheads. Present company excepted, obviously!”
Sara laughed. “Obviously!”
“Joking aside, that type of stuff – glamour, the spotlight, parties – isn’t really my thing. I’m a reserved type, I like to sit and read on my own, even though you might not think it, given how open, friendly and personable I am. I’m a fun guy, aren’t I, Sara? You can tell me again if you really want to.”
“I’d say as mad as a hatter too.”
“I like this girl,” said Alessandro, turning to Daniel and rubbing his hands.
“She’s mine – hands off.”
“God, she’s right – you’re such a bore!”
They all laughed. The atmosphere couldn’t have been more relaxed, to Sara’s great relief.
Suddenly, Daniel’s cell phone started ringing. “Whoops – it’s my agent. What does she want at this time of night? Excuse me.”
As he walked away, Sara’s eyes followed him – she was still surprised that she was lucky enough to have him all to herself.
Alessandro leant over towards her with a serious, almost conspiratorial air. “You know what? Thank you for being in his life.”
She was surprised by his words – he’d been so direct that it knocked her off balance for a moment.
“I don’t…”
“Listen, Daniel is a great person, but I’m sure that you’ve already realised that. He isn’t the vain model everyone thinks he is – he’s a real person, and with you he’s happy. Happier than I’ve seen him in a long time. Actually, maybe happier than I’ve ever seen him. Daniel’s a bit like the brother I never had. We’ve known each other for years, but he’s never found it easy to open up completely with other people. Well, with girls, to be precise.”
“I know he had a lot of flings before me.”
She felt a twinge of jealousy, but she brushed it aside. It was pointless agonising about the past.
“You said it, flings… They didn’t mean anything to him. Daniel was looking for more, wanted more – and then you came along.”
A lump rose in her throat, a mixture of delight and amazement which stopped her from talking or showing any kind of reaction. But it wasn’t necessary. Alessandro wanted to continue. “I know he told you about his father, and you know that we’re the only two people who know that story. I’m saying this to make you realise how important your relationship is to him. Don’t be misled by the glossy world he lives in – that’s not him. It’s his armour. If I’ve read you right, from what Daniel has told me, you’re not one to be taken in by appearances. But be careful that the appearances don’t hurt you both, okay?” He broke off because Daniel was back in the room.
Sara was dazed. While Daniel was telling them about the phone call, she went over Alessandro’s words. His admiration and approval of her and most of all his happiness for Daniel. And that happiness was contagious. He hadn’t hesitated to defend his friend and their budding romance.
If first impressions were to be believed, Sara was now sure that Alessandro could also become her friend – one she could trust. Feeling much more confident than she had when she had walked through the door, she let herself enjoy the wonderful evening in the company of these two men who were so different but so special.
Chapter 23
News and Words
That morning she felt so light it was as though she could touch the sky and fly through the clouds. A date to write in her diary.
Exactly four weeks after returning from the mountains, Sara De Michele had found a job.
Now she could really say that her life was perfect. A successful blend of love, sex, and – now – duty. She could hardly believe that she could once again count on a monthly salary. Her rent had been bleeding her dry and it would have been only a matter of time before she would have had to ask her family for help. Even though he’d offered to help her, she would never have accepted any money from Daniel – it was a matter of pride. She was happy with loving moral support – and, of course, a bit of cuddling. She’d manage the rest by herself, because the brilliant graduate she was couldn’t accept defeat or handouts.
The idea of being a tour guide for the city didn’t displease her at all. Accompanying foreign tourists through the streets of the historic centre, recounting anecdotes and trivia and maybe pointing out the locations of films shot in Rome sounded pleasant enough. She was fluent in three languages and her cheerfulness had finally made inroads into the wall of indifference and allowed her to find employment. She would have to walk miles, which would be good training for a marathon, but if she were successful it would be fun too, and she would meet interesting people and have new experiences.
She wanted to believe in it and, more importantly, she wanted to tell Daniel.
She got on the first bus that came along and after about half an hour, as hot and wrinkled as a sheet fresh out of a washing machine, Sara reached the building that overlooked the Spanish Steps.
By now the hall, stairs and the landing of the attic in which Daniel lived had become familiar to her. Dreamily and joyfully she made her way up, feeling so emotional that it made her tremble. She found herself stopping in front of a mirror that hung in the long corridor, where she fixed her hair, applied some lip gloss and adjusted her suit jacket. She felt silly at times, but being with Daniel had taught her to care more about her appearance,
and even though nobody would have described her as being obsessed, she always tried to look neat and pretty. Daniel always looked at her as if she were the only woman in the world. It was a new sensation for her – nobody had made her feel like this before. He was thoughtful and sweet and knew how to make her feel like a woman. He was a formidable and gentle lover, who, though passionate, gave her unhurried pleasure and was attentive to her needs.
Sara often slept over at his house. In the mornings he held her in his arms, brought her breakfast in bed, or played the piano while singing some beautiful song or other for her. It seemed as if they were still on holiday, a four week dream that could never be forgotten. Every fibre of her being was alive.
She stopped at the door and placed her palm on it, feeling excited. A small part of her felt weaker and more exposed than ever before. Her attachment to Daniel was so strong that it scared her. But she didn’t want to think about the part of her which annoyed her so much. Why did it have to ruin everything? Well, she wouldn’t let it sabotage another relationship.
She opened the door and the smell of coffee hit her. She smiled, closed the door behind her and laid her bag on the table in the hall. A low and all too familiar growl caught her attention.
Spank was a just a few inches away from her and was staring at her with those bright eyes. She could make out her sharp little teeth glistening beneath her muzzle.
“Don’t you even think about it – you can’t jump up and ruin my trousers every time I see you!” Spank kept an eye on her while she tried to sneak past her. The dog moved towards her.
“Come on, dear Spanky, what have I ever done to you?”
Spank gave her a look that seemed to say, “You invaded my territory, Daniel is mine.”
They eyed one another for a full minute, two enemies who were still studying each other’s moves, looking for each other’s weak spots and preparing to attack, when Daniel’s voice distracted them. They both turned to look at him suspiciously.
He shook his head and laughed. “Sooner or later you two will get on – at least, I hope you will.”
“If you’d just explain to Spank that I quite like my ankles, we’ll get on just fine.”
Daniel reached out and put his arms around her waist, pulling her towards him and taking her in his arms, as he continued to look at Spank. “Be a good girl, I want to kiss my girlfriend.” The dog capitulated and walked away, her tail between her legs. Daniel found Sara’s mouth and kissed her passionately, and she abandoned herself to his enthusiastic welcome. Finally she lay her hands on Daniel’s chest, feeling the taut muscles beneath the grey linen shirt. She pulled away from him reluctantly, and stared at him with adoring eyes. “I have some great news.”
“Me too…” On impulse, he picked her up in his arms and carried her over to the big L shaped sofa.
“You first,” said Daniel curiously, holding her hand.
“I got a job today. Do you remember I told you about that agency which organizes guided tours of the ancient streets of Rome and of film locations? Well, they’ve taken me on, I start work in a week. I’ll have to do some training, studying the routes with a colleague first, and then I can take some groups of tourists around and speak to them about the beauty of Rome. Isn’t that amazing? Fortunately I already have a tour guide permit, otherwise I’d have missed a great opportunity.”
Daniel stood motionless for a moment, then smiled and embraced her. “I’m so proud of you!”
She hugged him back, but without enthusiasm. Had she done something that had bothered him without realising it? She looked at him. “Well, what’s your news?”
Daniel looked thoughtful. “I have to leave for the United States. I’ve been offered work doing some commercials for a famous local beer and after talking to my agent I accepted the offer.”
“But that’s fantastic, it’s…” Her smile faded and an ‘oh’ formed on her lips.
“I really wanted you to come with me. It’s going to be three weeks at least, Sara. But I have to go. The money is great. It’s a great opportunity.” He was apologizing.
They both looked sad. Reality had come knocking on their door. Daniel was a man who travelled for business, Sara a girl who had just found a job that would allow her to maintain her economic independence without having to feel like a failure. No more trips together like the one to Chamonix, except during Sara’s holidays. They would often be miles apart, work would take him away from her. Her heart ached.
You could tell by their eyes that they understood each other.
“We should be happy – they’re fantastic opportunities for both of us!” said Daniel, trying to regain his enthusiasm.
“Yes, you’re right, and we can’t always be together – it isn’t healthy for a relationship.” Okay, it was bullshit, but she could cope, it would help her regain her balance because at that moment in time the idea of Daniel in America without her was like a knife in the chest and it made her want to cry. But she kept herself under control and hugged him. “We knew this would happen sooner or later.”
He stroked her back, with tenderness and patience. “I’m afraid so. I’m always travelling for work and you’re no longer free to. I really wanted you to be with me. I’d already imagined being there together. But it’d be selfish to insist. It wouldn’t be right for you.”
“I need this job, Daniel.”
“I could…”
Sara put a finger to his lips. “No. Don’t say it … You know how I feel. It’s not the way I do things.”
Silence fell between them for a moment, then Daniel said “I think I love you, Sara. In fact, in this moment I’m sure of it.”
She remained silent, the sadness that had fallen upon her a few moments ago swept away by a few simple words. The only words she wanted to hear, words that gave her hope for their future, despite the difficulties that she could see on the horizon. Would their relationship become a long distance one, where they spent more time apart than together? But she wanted to forget about potential difficulties for now after having received the declaration of a lifetime.
She clung to him, feeling the tears that until that moment she had kept in check, start to fall.
“Shouldn’t you say something to me, too?” he whispered, as his lips kissed her hair with such tenderness that she felt emotion overwhelming her.
Sara, her eyes filled with tears which were ready to soak Daniel’s shirt, suppressed a smile. “What makes you think that I have anything to say?”
“Sara De Michele, I’m waiting.”
Daniel knew, and it filled her with joy that he understood her better than anyone else. How was that possible? He was a true miracle.
“It would be obvious if I told you now, don’t you think? And I never want to be obvious. You’d get bored of me.”
“Ah, so that’s how it is? I open my heart to you and you make fun of me? You want to fight, eh?” Daniel was cheerful again – sadness couldn’t last long in someone whose frame of mind was as optimistic as his. It was a blessing for both of them. He began to tickle her and Sarah found herself suddenly sandwiched between the couch and Daniel’s warm, exciting body. “Do you give up?”
“Never, you bloody supermodel!”
Daniel nibbled her earlobe and she felt small shivers run up and down her body. She murmured in pleasure.
Daniel began to unbutton her jacket and with curious hands began to feel under her blouse. With his fingers he caressed the lace bra and moved it out of the way in order to touch her sensitive, pulsating skin.
“It’s not fair, you’re cheating, you just want me to give in!”
Would she have been more credible if she hadn’t sighed as she’d said it?
“By any means necessary, however unfair! You’re not leaving here without declaring your undying love for me!”
“You vain thing!”
“Honest thing!”
“You’re amazing!”
“You’re wonderful!”
“I love you, Daniel,” sh
e admitted gently, stroking his face.
Daniel smiled at her, and his expression revealed the depth of his feelings. But he continued to play with her. “Not so fast. I’ve got a few other tricks up my sleeve. I’m not letting you give in that easily!”
“What more do you want? I’ve just told you that I love you!” she teased, pretending to sulk but wanting him to continue torturing her.
“Then prove it – we can talk later.”
His words made her tremble with a sensuality that was ready to explode.
He played with her and savoured her, showing her that making love was a sublime act of passion, love and altruism. He made her forget everything else – they and what they felt for one another were all that existed in the world. The rest could wait. The rest didn’t matter.
Chapter 24
There’s Never a Fire When You Need One
Sara had begun her new job. Now she no longer had to search the wanted ads for a job worthy of her talents every day – now she could point to her alarm clock with pride. A new alarm clock, one that actually went off when it was supposed to! And then away to work. What an amazing word!
The night before her first day she had thoroughly prepared the route around the capital she was going to take with her first group of English tourists. She wanted to come across as professional, friendly and confident. Keeping twenty-five people interested was no small feat, so she’d decided to unite the sacred and the profane – history and cinema – in a mix that she was sure they would love. She’d spoken to her boss about it and he’d been enthusiastic about the proposal. It was a good first step for her. She wanted to make it clear that she was resourceful and efficient – an excellent addition to the company that he wouldn’t regret.
Yet there was a shadow hanging over things and it just didn’t want to go away. The next day, Daniel would be leaving for Los Angeles – the Mecca of cinema and celebrities – and they would be separated for three weeks. She was aware that it wasn’t really such a long time that she should be worried about their relationship – but it was an incredibly long time if you thought that they were still at the beginning of it.