by Lise Gold
“It looks like my grumpy neighbor finally approves of someone. That alone, is worth a story of its own,” Nadine joked before she and Rome shook the woman’s hand.
“Hi, I’m Matilda. Thank you so much for meeting with me. I tried to get hold of you at the office last week, but you weren’t at your desk, so I figured the weekend might be better for you.”
“Yes, I’ve been very busy.” Rome didn’t ask how she’d tracked her down. It was important for this woman to take a liking to her, because perception was everything in this case. “Is it okay if we have a coffee here?” she asked, pointing at one of the free tables under Nadine’s apartment. “Nadine is my girlfriend, by the way, I’d like her to join us.”
“No problem.” Matilda had a curious look in her eyes as she looked Rome up and down while Nadine got the drinks. “You’re different to what I expected. You look much younger in real life than the pictures on the Nero website.”
Rome shrugged and smiled. “Well, I’m kind of small, so that might have something to do with it. I assume you’re here to talk about our case against Matteo Romano?” She was secretly relieved that the journalist was a woman. Matilda was in her fifties, she guessed, and didn’t look like she took crap from anyone. The deep grooves between her eyebrows told Rome she was suspicious by nature, but her eyes were friendly and open. She was casually dressed in jeans and a blouse, and her short, dark hair was combed back. A pair of black-rimmed glasses balanced on the tip of her nose as her eyes widened a little, snapping to attention.
“Our case?” Matilda swiftly produced a small device from her bag. “Is it okay if I record this?”
“Sure, no problem.”
“Great.” Matilda switched it on and started firing off a monologue about the location, the persons involved, and the time and meeting place as if she were running a police investigation. “So, you said ‘our’ case. I was under the impression this was your case. It’s very hard to get information regarding a civil case, but I was tipped off by an anonymous source.” She leaned in closer, resting her chin on her fist.
“Yes, it’s concerning myself and twenty-two other women.” Rome could tell Matilda was excited by her revelation, even though she was trying very hard not to show it. “Most of them still work at Nero, one has left.” She paused. “I’d also like to clarify that this case is against an individual, not the company.”
“And the twenty-two other women would agree with you on that?”
“Yes.”
“And is there any chance I could speak to these other women to verify your story?”
“Yes. Most of them have given me permission to give out their details. It’s hard to stay anonymous in a scandal, so we’d rather speak up and get the real story out there rather than have people speculating. I was waiting for someone from your paper to show up.”
Matilda tilted her head. “If it makes you feel safer, I’ve been a journalist for twenty-seven years and I don’t speculate.”
“That helps,” Rome said, and smiled as she looked up at Nadine, who came out with their cappuccinos. She took a deep breath and sat back, blowing into her cup. “So fire away. What do you want to know?”
61
Nadine stopped and picked up a vase, examined it, then put it back down again.
“Fifty Euros,” the dealer said. “The best Italian craftsmanship.”
Nadine raised a brow at him and let out a sarcastic chuckle. “Are you serious? It’s obviously fake.”
“No, it’s not. It’s a genuine Bitossi.”
“It’s made in China, is what it is,” Nadine said, picking it up and showing him the small stamp on the bottom. Her lips pulled into a smile as she watched him blush. “And if that was real, you could have charged over a thousand, so get your information straight before you try to rip people off.” She felt a little sorry for him and pointed to a vintage postcard with an Italian restaurant scene. “But I’ll take that one if you promise to give me a fair price.”
“Okay. One Euro.” He shook her hand and Nadine gave him an indulgent smile, letting him know there were no hard feelings.
Porta Portese market was busy as she and Rome scanned the stalls for treasures. She’d bought an antique ring and a small, silver jewelry box and Rome was currently haggling over a brooch she wanted to buy for her friend Barbara. Listening to her broken but extremely passionate Italian made Nadine laugh because Rome could put Moroccan souk traders to shame, throwing in a random curse here and there, making the stallholder cry with laughter. She eventually settled on a price that was a little too high for her liking, but it was just for fun, after all, and the brooch was unique and a perfect gift.
“Barbara likes dragonflies,” Rome said, holding up the antique dragonfly brooch so it shimmered in the sun.
“Have you spoken to her yet? Or to your father?”
“No. Barbara is busy enough as it is with her kids, and I’ll call my father next week, or whenever I feel like it.”
Nadine stopped in her stride and turned to Rome. “Rome, I know you two aren’t that close, but it’s your father we’re talking about. I’m sure he’d want to know if his daughter is suing someone for sexual harassment.”
Rome pursed her lips and sighed. “Honestly, I don’t have the energy right now. I just want to do things that take my mind off the case because I can’t stop worrying about the other women involved. They’ve put their careers on the line for me and I need this to be worth it, for them.”
“It will be. But still, I think he should know.”
“Please drop it.” Rome tilted her head and glared at her. “I don’t want this to be our first fight.”
“Okay, I’ll stop bringing him up.” Nadine gave up and put on her shades. She didn’t want to fight either. “Ice cream?”
“Thank you.” Rome’s expression softened, and she took her hand. “And yes, I’d love an ice cream. You always know the way to my heart.”
They followed the market to the exit, walked underneath the ancient city gate and continued to the gelato shop by the river, from where they would walk back to Nadine’s apartment. This had been their Sunday ritual lately. An early visit to the flea market, then ice cream for breakfast before they picked up Luca for church. Rome was growing on him; she’d made him smile on multiple occasions but he still refused to admit that he liked her, and that amused them both. Nadine and Rome had fallen into an easy life together; enjoying the simple things and living every moment they were together to the fullest. Their nights were passionate, their mornings sweet, and although Rome was a little on edge right now, she tended to push it to the background, pretending everything was fine. Nadine wasn’t sure if that was the best way to handle things, and her mind went back to Rome’s friend and father once again, wondering if she should get involved anyway.
“What do you want?” she asked as they joined the back of the queue.
“Anything you feel like, I’ll share,” Rome said, pinching Nadine’s waist.
Nadine put an arm around her. “Okay, I like that. Should we get a pastry for Luca while we’re here?”
“He doesn’t deserve it if you ask me, but sure, go ahead,” Rome joked as she looked up at her. “Just to be clear, I’m not getting on the scooter with him again. It’s highly awkward being wedged between the two of you, not to mention illegal and dangerous, the way you drive.”
Nadine chuckled. “Come on, it’s not that bad.”
“Seriously, Nadine, it’s awful. This guy hates me, and he’s literally got his arms around me, cursing all the way to church. And then he grunts at me some more throughout the service for leaning back too far and accuses me of trying to kill him.”
“He doesn’t hate you, the fact he argues with you tells me he loves you.” Nadine laughed even harder now. “But sure, I promise you there will be no more awkward rides and we’ll take a cab. I don’t want to go without you; it’s too much fun to hear the two of you bicker. Finally, it’s not me who’s getting yelled at all the time anymore.”
Rome nudged her. “It’s not funny.”
“It so is.” Nadine pulled her in and shot her a loving smile. “I never thought I’d say this, but I’m going to miss that man.”
“I’m going to miss him a little too,” Rome admitted. “He taught me the best swearwords, even though they were directed at me. When are they picking him up?”
“Next month. I spoke to his son yesterday.”
“What will happen to the apartment?” Rome asked.
“I’m not sure. Why?” Nadine regarded Rome, who seemed to be in deep thought all of a sudden. “Do you want to be neighbors? Because I meant it when I said that I love having you in my space.”
“No, I want to move in with you, I have no doubt about that. It’s just that…” Rome bit her lip as she hesitated. “If it comes up for sale, then I’d certainly be interested. The location is fantastic and although his apartment is a little worn-out, it still has all these amazing original features, like yours, and it would be a fantastic investment. I could easily afford it now.” She met Nadine’s eyes and shrugged. “You might be in a position to buy yours too, soon.”
Nadine’s heart did a jump at that. She’d never thought about buying the apartment she lived in before, just because she’d always assumed that she wouldn’t be able to afford it. If her business kept running the way it was now though, it was definitely something to think about. She suddenly had visions of amalgamating the apartments to make one huge, joint home, but just like Rome, she didn’t dare voice it. “That’s true,” she said, then gave the woman behind the counter her order. “You’ve just given me a lot to think about.”
62
“Happy?” Nadine asked as they left Anton’s office. Rome had been asked to come in to finalize the settlement.
“Very.” Rome smiled. “Having Matteo banned from the company’s premises, combined with public humiliation, was exactly what I wanted. It’s the next best thing to having him sent to prison.”
“And don’t forget about the settlement. A hundred thousand Euros for each claimant. That’s a substantial amount… times twenty-three.” Nadine frowned as she did the math. “Two point three million. Ouch. That must have hurt. What are you going to do with your share?”
“I don’t want it,” Rome said. “I’m donating it to the women’s rights charity Rob mentioned in our meeting. I spoke to his wife just now, and she’s delighted.”
“That’s very generous of you.”
“It’s the right thing to do. It was never about the money for me; I just wanted him out of the office so the women working there can feel comfortable again. And as far as his other victims are concerned; most of them could really do with the money and I’m very happy for them. Salaries aren’t exactly high in Italy unless you’re at the top, like me, and they deserve a break after everything they’ve been through.”
“I think it’s time to raise a glass to acknowledge your victory, don’t you?”
“Yeah. I didn’t want to organize anything before the settlement came through because I was afraid to jinx it, but now it’s definitely time to celebrate. Any ideas on what we can do?”
Nadine was already ahead of her. “Hmm… I do have an idea, actually. Why don’t you come with me; I want to show you something.” She raised a brow when Rome stalled. “Come on, it’s right over there.”
“That place doesn’t seem nearly big enough to hold thirty people,” Rome said as she regarded the restaurant at the edge of the river with only a handful of tables outside. It was very cute, with red roses growing up against the sand-colored wall and red cloths draped over the small tables, but she wanted to invite the other women too, and celebrate with them. Her eyes narrowed as she suddenly spotted a familiar figure sitting at one of the tables and a strawberry blonde-haired woman in a deep purple sundress sitting beside him.
“Dad?” Rome slammed a hand in front of her mouth, and she gasped when she saw it was Barbara sitting at the table with him. “Barbara?” She glanced up at Nadine but was too overwhelmed to ask questions before she stormed toward them both to give them a long hug. “What are you guys doing here? Together,” she added with a chuckle.
“Your wonderful girlfriend contacted me,” Barbara said. “She told me what had been going on with you, and she thought you could do with the support today, no matter what the outcome of your settlement was. Why didn’t you tell me? I had no idea.”
“Neither did I. Nadine called me too,” her father said. “So, Barbara and I came together.” He took Rome into another hug. It was strange, because Rome and her father had never been physically close, but she let him, knowing they both needed it today more than they would ever admit.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” Rome sighed against his shoulder. “I just had so much on my plate, and I didn’t want you guys to worry about me on top of that.”
“You should have told me.” Her father stepped away and put his hands on her shoulders. “You didn’t even tell me you were in a relationship.”
“We don’t talk much in general,” Rome said quietly as she shrugged.
“I know, and I’m to blame for that.” Her father’s expression softened, and he gave her a smile. “But these are big things and I want to know what’s going on in your life. You’re all I’ve got.”
Rome felt her eyes well up at his words and she swallowed hard as she felt her bottom lip tremble. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine, we’re here now.” Her father looked emotional too, but he composed himself before he nodded to Nadine. “We met with Nadine this morning, after we arrived. You’re lucky to have someone who cares so much about you.”
“Yes, I feel really lucky.” Rome put an arm around Nadine and pulled her in.
“You can imagine how nervous I was to meet both your father and your best friend,” Nadine joked. “I hope you’re not angry with me for doing this behind your back.”
“Not at all. Thank you.” Rome shot Nadine a loving look and clasped her hand.
“We thought we could have dinner here together?” her father said. “Catch up, just the four of us?” He grabbed the two extra glasses on the table and poured wine for Rome and Nadine. “Apparently, Nadine has arranged something for later.”
“I’m not sure if I can handle any more surprises.” Rome shook her head again as she looked from Barbara to her father and back. It felt surreal to have them here, and she was pretty sure nothing could have made her happier.
“I’ve invited the other women to Angelo’s restaurant for drinks later. Anton is calling them now to update them regarding the outcome, he’ll be joining us too, along with Michael and his wife as they’re still here. And Eliza, of course.”
“You’re amazing.”
“She is. I get it now.” Barbara gave Nadine a wink. “I was telling Nadine how you were swooning over her when you were back home, packing up your things.”
Rome blushed profusely and covered her face in her hands. “Oh God, that is so embarrassing.”
“No it’s not, it’s cute,” Nadine argued.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Rome blush before,” her father said. “You must be something. I had no idea you were even gay, Rome.” He hesitated as he regarded his daughter like he had just seen her for the first time. He wasn’t being judgmental, just curious. “But from what I understood, you didn’t either.”
“I didn’t realize until I met Nadine. It was kind of like being struck by a thunderbolt; she just happened to me.”
“I can see that.” Barbara laughed. “It takes a lot to sweep you off your feet.” She sat back and her expression turned serious. “So, you’re happy with the settlement?”
“I am.”
“Do you want to talk about it? About what happened?”
“No. Maybe later, but not now.” A glimpse of sadness passed over Rome’s face but she then smiled. “How long are you staying?”
“One week,” her father said. “It would be great if we could spend some time together, but i
f you’re busy, I totally understand. You’re a workaholic like me.”
“And I’m staying for ten days,” Barbara added. “Ten wonderful days just by myself. No screaming kids, no nagging husband. Just me, the sun and the city.” Her eyes twinkled with joy. “And my bestie.”
Rome smiled, thinking how much fun this was going to be. “In that case, I’m going to take a week off. I’d love to spend some quality time with you both and I’d also love for you to get to know Nadine better.” She took a sip of her wine and turned to Nadine. “My lease is up soon, and I’ll officially be moving in with her.”
Barbara and her father stared at her in surprise. “Are you serious?” Barbara asked. “I’m happy for you; don’t get me wrong, but you’re not one to do anything on a whim.”
“I’m not doing this on some random impulse.” Rome shrugged. “We’ve known each other for a while. Almost six months, if you count our first meeting, and it just feels right, you know? But I get what you’re saying; the old ‘me’ would have needed years to make a big decision like that. I’ve changed, I guess.”
Barbara nodded slowly as she glanced at her with a curious look in her eyes. “I can see that. You have a glow about you.”
“Yeah, well, I have the city and Nadine to thank for that. Just wait and see; ten days here will make you appreciate life in an entirely new way.”
“I believe you.” Barbara held up her glass in a toast. “In that case, we have two things to celebrate. To love, and to justice.”
63
“Your friends are very nice.” Rome’s father joined Rome at her table in Angelo’s restaurant, after introducing himself to everyone.
“Yes, they’re wonderful women.” Rome nodded to Angelo, who was serving Aperol Spritz from plastic cups and handing out finger food wrapped in pieces of faux newspaper. “And so is he. I feel blessed to have met so many amazing people since I moved here.”