One Summer in Positano

by Georgie Capron

  Later the midwife weighed and measured the baby before returning her to Luca and Libby with a little wristband naming her Morelli. Luca watched over both of his girls, leaving Libby to sleep when possible between breastfeeding.

  The next day they were allowed home from the hospital. Miriam and Helen were their first visitors. John had politely declined the invitation, not wanting to invade Libby’s privacy too early on. The proud grandmother and aunt took turns to cuddle the precious new addition to their family.

  ‘We’ve decided on a name,’ Libby told them.

  ‘Have you? What have you chosen?’ asked Helen.

  ‘Isabella,’ said Libby. ‘Isabella Morelli.’

  ‘Lovely,’ said Miriam. ‘That works just as well in England as it will in Italy – it’s just perfect.’ Both Helen and Miriam were clearly besotted, as was Luca. He couldn’t stop taking photographs and his phone was vibrating like crazy with all the responses from his family as he sent them more and more pictures of his pride and joy.

  Jules and Angus came the following day, laden with gifts for the baby and a huge bunch of flowers for Libby. Jules said all the right things and cooed appropriately over Isabella but it was Angus’s reaction that really moved her. He seemed to fall in love with the baby at first sight as he picked her up and cradled the tiny bundle against his shoulder. He was so tall and broad that Isabella looked impossibly small against him. It was a truly heartbreaking sight and Libby’s heart swelled with love for them both as she watched them, her daughter and her oldest friend, so desperate to become a father himself. He even seemed reluctant to part with her when it was time for Libby to feed her. Jules and Luca chatted in the kitchen making everyone cups of tea, while Angus asked her all about what her plans were in terms of establishing a routine for the baby. She loved how interested he was. It made it all the more clear just how wonderful he would be as a parent. She knew that it must be hard for him, that he was genuinely happy for her, despite his regret that he wouldn’t experience it himself unless Jules had a serious change of heart.

  Jules and Angus didn’t outstay their welcome, for which Libby was extremely grateful. She was so exhausted from the birth itself, not to mention the fact that she had barely slept a wink since. She was feeding Isabella every three hours and trying to nap when she could. She thanked god that Luca was there to do all the housework. He was a good cook but laundry and cleaning were not his area of expertise. Libby usually took care of all the jobs that kept the household running. Watching Luca struggle through, asking countless questions as to the whereabouts of basic cleaning products made them both realise just how much Libby did around the house. Not that she minded: having a fully functioning, well-stocked house was important to her and she enjoyed it. But now that Isabella had arrived there was no time for any of that. Feeding seemed like a full-time job in itself; as soon as she had finished, it was time to start the process all over again. Her mind boggled at the thought of how anyone coped with having twins.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The first two months of motherhood seemed to pass by in a blur of sleep deprivation, breastfeeding and laundry. Libby didn’t know if she was coming or going, and she would have been hard pushed even to guess what time of day it was. When Luca’s two weeks of paternity leave were up he had gone back to work, leaving Libby to cope for three days at a time without him. She had become increasingly dependent on his support, so his leaving had felt like an enormous wrench. She had burst into tears as the door closed behind him, looking at the clock to work out how long she would be alone with the baby until he came back. This was extremely unlike her; normally she relished restoring order to her home and she was usually pretty good at coping with only a little sleep, but the hormones had clearly taken their toll. Thankfully Miriam and Helen had really stepped up to the mark. Miriam usually came to visit during the day, staying with John at night now that the spare room had become the nursery, while Helen took to popping around at weekends and even for the odd evening, giving Libby and Luca a much-needed break.

  ‘I saw Henry again last night,’ Helen said one morning as she sorted out the latest load of washing to put in the machine.

  ‘Ooh really! He’s the one who took you bowling, isn’t he?’ Libby’s baby brain was just about keeping abreast of the developments in Helen’s dating life. Her sister had stayed true to her word and was determined to get herself back out there. The dating sites she was on were proving an excellent method for meeting new men. The past few weeks had seen her date a Mancunian plumber, a South African dentist and an IT consultant. The latter had apparently been worthy of a second date.

  ‘So, what do you think? Do you like him?’ asked Libby, who was flat out on the sofa enjoying a brief moment of respite while Izzy slept.

  ‘He’s not devastatingly handsome or anything, he just sort of looks normal. But he’s a nice guy, we get on well…’

  ‘There’s a lot to be said for normal, Helen.’

  ‘That’s very true. Alan was anything but…’

  ‘So where did Henry take you?’ Libby was intrigued. It felt like a long time since she had been on a proper date.

  ‘We went to a restaurant called Circus in Covent Garden. It was quite cool actually; there are loads of awesome acts to watch while you eat: trapeze artists flying overhead, fire eaters and cabaret singers, that sort of thing.’

  ‘Wow, that does sound cool! He seems like an interesting guy… Did you kiss at the end?’

  ‘Not really. He kissed me on the cheek. I think he wanted to kiss me properly, but I didn’t have the guts so I just said goodbye and went off to the Tube.’

  ‘Third time lucky perhaps?’

  ‘Yeah, maybe. I think we’ll see each other again. He sent me a nice text this morning saying that he’d had fun.’

  ‘Did he pay?’

  ‘We split the bill. But he did offer.’

  ‘You should have said yes!’

  ‘I know! I can hardly afford it. But I didn’t want him to think I was scrounging off him.’

  They took Isabella out for a walk around the park. Luca had escaped for his Saturday morning football with Lorenzo, and it was nice for Libby to have Helen’s company as they wheeled the pram along the pathways. July was fast approaching and the summer sun was finally making an appearance. She couldn’t believe it had nearly been a year since she had started at La Casetta. It was crazy to think about how her life had changed because of that place. She would never have met Luca without it, and she certainly wouldn’t have Izzy. She owed so much to Floriana and Tonio for giving her that job.

  Luca and Libby had booked their flights to go and visit Positano in September, deciding that Isabella should be able to cope with the travel by then. Though Libby realised it was actually more them than Isabella who would need to do the coping! She just hoped their daughter would behave herself on the flight. Overall she was a pretty good baby, but she certainly did have her moments. There were times when Libby just wanted to ram earplugs in her ears for the level of decibels emanating from her. Quite how such a tiny person could make such a loud noise never ceased to amaze her.

  Soon August arrived, and with it came a glorious heat wave. Libby and Luca, often joined by Jules and Angus, took Isabella to the park at weekends for sunny picnics. Miriam went away on holiday with John for a week in the middle of August. Libby and Luca took advantage of having an empty house and spent the week there, enjoying the British countryside, as well as Miriam’s beautiful garden. During the weekdays, while Luca was at work, Libby would often walk down to Angus’s studio by the river. It gave her a decent walk and saved her from feeling cooped up inside the flat all day. Angus would break for lunch and they would sit overlooking the river, eating sandwiches and chatting while Izzy slept.

  ‘Do you think Jules is coming round to the idea of having a baby now that she’s seen Isabella?’ asked Libby.

  ‘Sadly not,’ Angus replied. ‘We’ve actually had some pretty intense conversations recently. She refuses
to budge. It’s almost worse now that she’s so passionate about retraining in graphic design. All her energy is devoted to that and she doesn’t want any distractions. I almost wish she’d stayed in accountancy. At least then she might have thought of maternity leave as a welcome break.’

  ‘It’s a pretty terrible situation for you Angus. I’m so sorry it has to be like this.’

  ‘I just feel like I’m meant to be a dad. I can’t help but feel resentful that she is refusing to give me the chance.’

  ‘I understand,’ Libby said, giving his hand a squeeze. ‘In fact, now that I have had Isabella, I think I can understand even better.’

  ‘At least I’ve got Izzy, my beautiful goddaughter. She’ll just have to do for now.’ Luca and Libby had decided to make both Jules and Angus godparents, along with Gian Matteo back in Italy. Angus was a dream with Isabella and he clearly adored spending time with her. Libby knew she could call him if she needed help and Luca wasn’t around. His art was becoming increasingly in demand as word of his talent spread across the art world, yet he always made time for Libby when she needed him.

  By the end of August, Libby was over the moon to hear that Helen and Henry had become an official couple. She felt personally responsible for bringing them together. To celebrate the news, Libby invited them both around for dinner, having finally gained Helen’s permission to introduce herself to the lucky man.

  ‘Henry,’ said Libby as she flung open the door. ‘It’s wonderful to meet you! Nice to see you too, Helen.’ She kissed them both and ushered them inside. ‘Izzy has just gone to sleep, thankfully. Let’s hope she stays that way so we can eat uninterrupted.’

  Luca came over to shake Henry’s hand and kiss Helen hello. Libby was cooking one of Antonio’s recipes, a huge mushroom risotto, and the flat was filled with mouth-watering smells.

  They had a lovely evening, covering a wide range of topics from politics to travel.

  ‘This is absolutely delicious,’ said Helen as she tasted the risotto. ‘Is it an authentic Italian recipe?’

  ‘Yes, it’s one I learned while I was in Positano,’ said Libby. ‘I’ll give you the recipe if you like.’

  Henry accepted a top-up of wine from Luca. ‘Do you miss Italy?’ he asked.

  ‘Terribly,’ said Luca. ‘Though London has its advantages, of course. But there is no place like Positano.’

  Libby hated hearing him say that. It reminded her of just how much he had given up to be with her and Izzy. She knew that his heart would always lie in Italy, and that London would never be able to make him anything like as happy as he was back home.

  Henry seemed like a very nice guy. He was jovial, polite and interesting to talk to. Libby thought he would be extremely good for Helen – a steady, calming influence on her, which was exactly what she needed. She just hoped that it would work out. There had been too many guys who had let her down, too many disappointments. Another one would probably be too much for her to handle. She was glad that her antidepressants seemed to have had such a positive impact on her, and was so grateful that Helen had been brave enough to give them a try.

  Chapter Eighteen

  In September, Luca and Libby set off for Italy, their suitcases stuffed to the brim. A large amount of baby paraphernalia was crammed into Libby’s hand luggage to help them survive the journey. They arrived in Naples in good time, and were greeted at the airport by Luca’s parents, Mario and Chiara, who were waiting with open arms to embrace their son, his fiancé and their baby granddaughter.

  ‘Oh my goodness, she’s so beautiful!’ cried Chiara. ‘More beautiful than in any of the photos.’ She hugged Libby and looked at her ring. ‘I can’t believe we haven’t seen you all for so long. Congratulations; so many congratulations! The engagement, the baby – we have so much to celebrate!’

  ‘Hello little granddaughter!’ said Mario, peering at Isabella’s sleeping face, content in her pram. ‘And Libby, it’s fantastic to see you too. We’re so happy to have you!’

  ‘We’ve got your bedroom ready. We’ve borrowed a cot from Antonia and it’s all set up waiting for you,’ said Chiara as she led them out to the car.

  ‘That’s so kind, Mamma, thank you,’ said Luca.

  ‘I’m so excited to get back to Positano,’ said Libby. ‘I have missed it all so much. London just doesn’t compare—’

  ‘You should move back,’ announced Mario, getting a shove from Chiara with a pointy elbow. ‘Sorry, sorry! I am under strict instructions not to put any pressure on you…’

  ‘I don’t think I’ve ever been away this long,’ said Luca. He seemed so happy to be back on home turf; it was clear just how much he had missed it, something Libby was only too aware of.

  They piled into Mario’s car and set off along the coast, Izzy sleeping peacefully beside Libby. She had cried on and off for most of the flight, much to the irritation of their fellow passengers. Libby had been worried that the change in air pressure was hurting her ears, but she seemed to be fine now, so any discomfort must have only been temporary. Soon they were whizzing along the open roads, drinking in the scenery and chatting away, catching up on all of each other’s news. It felt amazing to be back. After about an hour they arrived at Mario and Chiara’s house. It was cool and spacious, with wonderful views overlooking the sea. They both ran to the balcony and gulped in huge lungfuls of sea air, feasting their eyes on the jewel-bright sparkling water, the pastel houses and the familiar backdrop of coastline that stretched as far as the eye could see. Luca hadn’t looked so happy all year… he whooped loudly and kissed Libby on the cheek, spinning her around in delight.

  After a delicious lunch of cold meats, mozzarella and salad, Luca strapped Izzy to his back and they set off for the beach. As soon as they got down to the sea front, Luca wasted no time getting straight into the water. After he had had a good swim, they swapped over. Libby swam out into the deep water and turned back to look at the beach. She watched Luca with Izzy. He was so sweet with her. He bounced her on his lap, rubbed sun cream into her pale white skin and made sure she had enough shade, chatting away to her all the time. Later Chiara and Mario joined them. Mario’s hip was suffering after so many years of climbing up and down Positano’s steep steps; he could no longer get down to the beach that way without a great deal of pain, so Chiara and he took the bus to the centre instead and walked from there. The five of them spent a happy afternoon on the beach. Chiara and Mario were just as besotted with their granddaughter as their son was, and Libby had the luxury of a nap in the sun with so many willing babysitters to entertain her daughter.

  The rest of Luca’s family were all meeting them that evening for dinner, as well as a few of his closest friends. Antonia and her husband Matteo were hosting the party because they had the biggest terrace and enough space to accommodate the whole group. Before arriving at Antonia’s, Luca and Libby dropped into La Casetta to see Floriana and Tonio and introduce them to Isabella. ‘It’s so good to see you!’ said Floriana, having given both Luca and Libby enormous hugs. ‘And this must be little Isabella?’

  ‘Yes it is,’ said Libby, unclipping her from the pram and passing her over to Floriana for a cuddle.

  ‘She is divine!’ Floriana cooed over the baby as they were joined by Giulia and Maria, both of whom greeted them warmly. It seemed Giulia had finally accepted Luca and Libby as a couple; perhaps the baby and engagement had convinced her that Luca wasn’t about to mess Libby around. Or maybe she had just moved on from whatever residual feelings she might have been harbouring. She seemed genuinely happy for them, and both Giulia and Maria were absolutely sweet with Isabella. Tonio cracked open a bottle of prosecco to toast the engagement and the baby.

  ‘To our first La Casetta marriage,’ he said, his blue eyes crinkling with happiness.

  ‘To Isabella,’ added Floriana.

  ‘She is beautiful,’ said Maria, as she bounced Izzy up and down on her hip. ‘Congratulations guys!’

  It felt strange to be back at La Casetta after so l
ong. Libby remembered the first time she had laid eyes on Luca on her very first day there. She would never have guessed she would end up marrying him. She remembered sitting in the bathroom next to her little bedroom doing the pregnancy test. Looking at Isabella now, it was so strange to think of how it all began. ‘It’s so weird to think how much we owe to this place,’ she said to Luca as they closed the yellow front door behind them.

  ‘Just imagine – if you had never taken the job here, we would never have even met!’ Luca kissed her. ‘Thank god you came into my life. Otherwise we would never have had you, would we?’ he said to Izzy, bending down and kissing her cheek as she sat in her pram looking quizzically up at him.

  Luca pushed her up the hill to the main road and they continued walking further up the steep slope for a good twenty minutes or so, until they reached the steps that led down to Antonia and Matteo’s. Luca carefully carried the pram down the precariously steep steps. Not for the first time, Libby realised what a nightmare it would be living in Positano with a baby.

  There was a huge cheer as they opened the door and came inside the house. All of the family were gathered together, a noisy gaggle of a party that appeared to be in full swing already, with the prosecco and beer flowing. Izzy was swept into a tide of hugs and passed from one aunty or uncle to another. Libby left them to it, always keeping half a watchful eye on her daughter to make sure she was all right.

  ‘Darling Libby, I have missed you so much,’ said Nicola. ‘This is Francesco,’ she introduced Libby to her new boyfriend, who seemed lovely and who also happened to be extremely good-looking. This was unsurprising considering how beautiful Nicola was. They made a very striking couple indeed. Luca came over to introduce himself to Francesco and the girls left them to chat. ‘No doubt Luca wants to give him a good grilling,’ laughed Libby.

  ‘I’m sure he’ll want to make sure he is up to his exacting standards!’ agreed Nicola. She caught Libby up on all the local gossip. Antonia and Giovanna soon came bustling over to join the conversation, keen not to miss out on a moment of their future sister-in-law’s company.