by Noni Calbane
She and Luca had been inseparable for the last two days. He’d postponed business meetings so that she had his undivided attention. Although she missed Carmina’s company, Gaby was glad for her time alone with Luca in the Villa. They may have been surrounded by servants and the volunteers still packing up books, but it felt like they had the Villa to themselves for the most part. Gaby was positive they were closer because of it.
At her request, they had gone sightseeing and Luca had patiently battled the crowds alongside her at all of the attractions. Gaby could see his obvious dislike for the tourist traps she dragged him to, but he kept his opinions of the pushy and loud visitors they encountered to himself and behaved like a perfect gentlemen. Why, he’d even helped two little old ladies from Wisconsin find their way back to their tour bus when he saw them looking befuddled outside the Galleria dell'Accademia.
Their time together couldn’t have been more perfect, but Gaby still felt as though she was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Did he really love her? Or had it been just a slip of the tongue? The more she wondered about it, the more she hoped that it were true.
For Gaby wasn’t quite sure when it happened, but by the time their two days alone were over, she knew that she was not just deeply, but crazy in love with Luca. The kind that Carrie Bradshaw spoke about in Sex in the City. Real love. Ridiculous; inconvenient; all-consuming; can’t-live-without-you, crazy love.
Since blurting out his feelings at the picnic, she’d caught Luca constantly watching her, as if she may disappear into thin air. As they sat having breakfast on the terrace, Gaby once again felt his eyes on her as she ate. This was becoming ridiculous, so she decided to face the storm directly –no matter the consequences.
“You’re making me awfully self-conscious,” she remarked, eyes downcast.
“Scusa?” he replied cautiously. “What do you mean?”
Raising her gaze to his, Gaby smiled at him. “You keep watching me, like I may vanish at any moment.”
He chuckled nervously, “I’m sorry. I suppose I’m worried that like all dreams, you will.”
“I’m not a dream Luca. I’m real.” Gaby placed her hands in his and looked him squarely in the eyes and exhaled. “Luca, the other day, at the picnic, when you said what you said, I …,”
Putting his fingers against her lips he stopped her. “No, Gaby. I don’t want you to say anything you don’t feel … just because I said too much.” The notion that she didn’t feel the same way was eating him up inside. He’d rather she say nothing than say she didn’t care.
Removing his fingers from her lips, she tenderly kissed the tip of each one, then took his hand and squeezed it softly. “Can I speak now?” she asked with a grin.
“Certo,” he replied unsteadily. Her kissing his fingertips like that had him shaking all over, partly from arousal and partly from fear of what she wanted to tell him.
“I was going to say ... that the other day you rather caught me by surprise and I wasn’t sure that you really meant what you said. The truth is … that I hope you meant what you said; more than anything in the world.”
“Gaby …,”
Holding her palm up at him, she stopped him from speaking. “Let me finish … please,” she said softly. “If you haven’t already realised it, … I’m in love with you Luca. Even if you didn’t mean what you said the other day, it’s important that you to know how I feel. I know we got off to a rocky start, and I’m as surprised as you are by all of this. But, the truth is, I can’t imagine not having you in my life now.” Gaby let out a long breath. “So there it is. All my cards are on the table.”
Luca stared at her blankly.
Oh no! What was he thinking? Her cards were on the table, and his poker face was giving nothing away!
Gently, Luca took her hands in his. “Well, I have to tell you I’m not very good at cards,” he said solemnly. “But I think I can trump you by saying that, not only can I not imagine you in my life now, but that, you are my life now. I love you Gaby. Completely. Utterly. And forever.”
“Luca.” Gaby leaned across the table and kissed him with all the emotion and love she felt in her heart. He tenderly cupped her face and when they broke apart, the warmth in his smile had her stomach flip-flopping all over again.
“My, my, love is in the air!”
“Carmina!” Gaby squealed and jumped up from the table. “I’m so glad you’re back!”
“Oh, I’m sure you are,” she replied sarcastically. “Looks like you’ve been keeping busy and eating nothing but gelato for the last few days.”
“Yes, I have Carmina,” Gaby retorted with a grin, hugging her friend tightly. “And you know what else? Broccoli can be gelato!”
“No?” Carmina laughed back at her.
“What?” Luca shook his head confusedly.
“Never mind brother. Private joke,” Carmina answered. “Well, I hate to interrupt this love fest, but Nonna will be making her presence known in the next five minutes.”
Gaby couldn’t miss the tell-tale look that passed between Carmina and Luca. Within seconds, the jovial mood had changed on the terrace to one of apprehension and anxiety.
“Where is she?” Luca asked hesitantly.
“In the rose garden, giving the gardener hell over the state of the flowers. Apparently they’re not blooming quite as big as she would like them to. She’s ordering them to behave, as they’re Manetti’s now.”
Luca snorted, and glanced momentarily at Gaby. “Sounds like she’s in fine form.”
“Yes, she is,” Carmina replied with a sober look. “So, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go upstairs and unpack. I prefer watching fireworks from a distance.”
“Thanks for your support, little sister,” Luca wryly commented.
“Don’t mention it,” she grinned, waving back at them as she exited the terrace.
Turning back to Gaby, Luca smiled a dazzling smile. “I think it’s time for a shopping trip.”
“Huh?” she blurted out in confusion. Having taken in all that had been said, and the looks of dread passing between brother and sister, Gaby couldn’t understand the swift change of attitude and subject.
“You need a dress for the charity event on Saturday, and I know the perfect shop to take you to,” he rapidly replied, getting up from the table and obviously eager to be on their way.
Gaby narrowed her eyes at him. The light finally dawned on what Luca was doing. He just wanted to get away before his Grandmother had a chance to meet her. Was he really that concerned and afraid that she would embarrass herself or him?
“Sit down Luca,” she said firmly. “I want to meet your Grandmother. What were you planning on doing with me the rest of her visit, lock me in a closet?” How could one little old lady actually scare the bejesus out such a big strapping man?
Luca sat without dissent. Looking sheepishly back her, he knew she was right. There was no putting this off. If Gaby were to remain a fixture in his life, they would eventually have to meet. “Sorry,” he uttered. “I guess I’m nervous. She makes me that way.”
“She’s the cat’s mother, Luca. Who is it that makes you nervous?” an imperious voice chimed.
Luca and Gaby turned their attention to the doorway to the Villa.
“Nonna.” Luca quickly rose and walked to her. Holding her hands and kissing the air beside both cheeks, his Grandmother quickly extradited herself from his touch and he escorted her towards Gaby.
Whoa! Not especially affectionate with her only grandson, Gaby thought. A severe case of frostbite could develop if she were to be left in Grandma’s company for even a short period of time. The woman was pure ice. You could well add “Grandma” to Luca’s list of life issues to be dealt with.
“Um, Nonna, this is Gabriella,” Luca said, tenderly wrapping his arm around her waist for effect. He wanted no misunderstandings in his Grandmother’s mind as to what Gaby meant to him.
“It’s very nice to meet you,” Gaby said in perfect Italian, hoping to
make a good impression.
The Contessa eyed her suspiciously. “There’s no need to play games my dear, I speak English,” she retorted spuriously. “She’s very pretty Luca. Not quite in the same league as Cristina Lugana. Tell me, why did you end it with Cristina again?”
“There was nothing to end Nonna. You know that relationship was all in your mind.” Glancing at Gaby, he could see she was shaken.
“Still,” his Grandmother continued, “She was a good match.”
“How was your trip Nonna?” Luca enquired warmly, changing the subject.
“We need a new chauffeur. The one we have goes too fast. I could have been killed,” she replied dramatically.
Luca’s eyebrows hit the sky. “But Filipo has been with us for fifteen years.”
“I still say he goes too fast.” Walking to the doorway, she turned and commanded. “Dinner will be at Eight. I’m tired now. See that my bags are taken to my room. I’ll rest in the adjoining bedroom until their unpacked.”
A stunned silence followed her departure. Gaby was incredulous. “Wow,” was all she could say. Round one over; everyone to their corners.
“I’m sorry Gaby,” Luca replied, taking her in his arms and hugging her. She perceptibly relaxed in his arms and he breathed out a sigh of relief. “I know that my Grandmother is old and set in her ways, and I know that doesn’t excuse her behaviour, but she and Carmina are really the only family I have. You can change a lot of things, but you can’t change who you come from.”
Gaby thought about that. She knew all too well about having a Grandparent whose behaviour was not particularly exemplary. But one thing was for sure, people could change. Maybe his Grandmother didn’t like her now, but she’d change her mind. She’d make her like her. Hell, she’d make her love her by the time she was done. Until then, she’d just have to deflect any oncoming attacks.
“I get it. Really I do. But what was all that about some Cristina woman; her being a good match for you,” Gaby stated, playfully punching him in the shoulder, “Like you’re a sock or something.”
Luca chuckled at her remark. Trust Gaby to tell it like it was. With her by his side, he felt like he could do anything, or take on anyone. What was he worried about? His Grandmother didn’t have the power to stop him from seeing Gaby. He was his own man. She could try and cause trouble, but really, what could she do?
*****
Tapping on the door to his Grandmother’s bed chamber, Luca was filled with dread. Considering they spent most of their time together making polite conversation and never delving into anything other than prerequisite small talk, her summons could only mean one thing. He was in for a lecture. Or a tongue-lashing. Or more likely –an ultimatum.
He knew that if push came to shove, that he would tell his Grandmother in no uncertain terms that Gaby was non-negotiable. He wouldn’t stand for any interference in her regard.
“Come in.”
Luca took a deep breath and entered with trepidation. “You wanted to see me Nonna?”
“Yes, I did,” she replied authoritatively. “Sit.” Motioning to the chair opposite her, Luca did as he was told.
“This Walker woman. What’s going on Luca? You can’t possibly be serious about her.”
Nothing like cutting to the chase, Luca thought. Guess he shouldn’t beat around the bush either. “I love her Nonna.”
Looking genuinely shocked she spoke calmly but surely. “You love her? You barely know her. And since when has love factored into any relationship a Manetti has ever had.”
“I can’t help how I feel,” he said getting up and pacing the floor in front of her. “Love will factor into it this time.”
“Don’t tell me you’ve proposed to this … this schoolteacher?”
“Not yet. But I plan to. If she’ll have me”
“If she’ll have you? Luca, you’re out of your mind!”
“Yes, yes I am. And I’m quite certain I’ve never been happier.”
“And this woman. This American. Does she love you? Or your title and fortune?”
Low blow. He stopped pacing and faced her once again. “I’d like to think I’m quite lovable for myself alone Nonna.”
“Of course you are caro. But remember what happened to your father. Led around by the nose by that so-called actress. I warned him, but no, he wouldn’t listen to me. To allow such trash to enter the family like that –it was an abomination.”
“I won’t have you saying such things. My father’s relationship was just that –his relationship,” he snapped. “I love Gaby and I trust her. She would never do anything to knowingly hurt me. She is nothing like my mother.”
His Grandmother was completely unruffled. “And how would you know? You didn’t even know your mother. And she cared so little for you; she left without as much as a backward glance in your direction.”
Luca flinched and was silent.
His Grandmother stood and placed her hand on his shoulder. She could feel his immediate tension at her touch. “Luca. I’ve never seen you this way. This woman is making you act most unlike yourself.”
He shook his head. “No. I think maybe I’m more myself than I’ve ever been. I like the way I am around her –she makes me happy. She makes me want to be a better man.”
“Ha. You’ll always be better than others – you’re a Manetti!” she sniffed. “I heard that she wants you to go to a counsellor. No Manetti has ever or will ever need a psychiatrist.”
Luca smiled knowingly. “Your spies are correct. She thinks it would benefit me to talk to someone. Carmina thinks it a good idea, too.”
“May I remind you that Carmina is not a Manetti.” Noticing that she was getting nowhere with him, she softened her tone, “Listen to me Luca. You hardly know this woman. If you’re smart, you won’t make any sort of commitment to her until you do. The event tonight will show whether or not she can fit in with the people you know. If not, isn’t it better to find out now, rather than later?”
Leading him to the door, she spoke calmly and coldly, “Don’t make the same mistake your father did. You are a Manetti. It’s a noble name to live up to. Don’t disgrace it with any more … missteps.”
*****
The party was in full swing when Gaby ventured out of her bedroom. She could hear the faint rumbling of voices from the main reception area as she descended the stairs.
Luca had tried to hurry her along all evening, but she had purposely kept him waiting while she fiddled with her hair and makeup. He finally gave up and left her to greet his guests, telling her that he expected her downstairs “pronto”.
The incessant fear that she would disgrace him in front his Grandmother and friends had her shaking in her way-too-high heels.
Her dress was the personification of class. It harked back to the days of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn with its simplicity and elegance. Made of silk, it was strapless, floor-length and the exact same shade of emerald green as Gaby’s eyes. Her hair was done in a stylish, loose French chignon, and as she made her way to the bottom of the staircase, all eyes were on her.
Immediately, Luca was by her side. “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting,” she said simply, somewhat embarrassed by all the attention.
“Nonsense, you were definitely worth the wait,” he whispered in her ear. “As much I’d like to keep you to myself this evening, I guess I’d better introduce you to some people. They’re all dying to meet you.”
“Let’s get this party started then,” she replied with grin, linking her arm with his.
As the evening progressed, Gaby was engaged in conversation in turn with a wealthy Swiss banker, a famous Italian actress and the French Ambassador. They were all extremely impressed that, although she was an American, she could speak in both Italian and French fluently. Through it all Luca stood at her side, smiling and proud that she was such a big hit. Gaby had to admit that she thought she carried it off with much aplomb.
The cold eyes of Luca’s Grandmother watched her from across
the room and Gaby did her best to ignore their glacial stare. Talk about if looks could kill! As the throng of partygoers thinned toward the midnight hour, Luca tugged her toward the terrace and the moonlight.
Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her till they were both shaking with need. “You were wonderful tonight.”
Gaby put on her best Mae West impersonation, “I’m always wonderful at night,” she winked and wiggled her hips enticingly.
“You amaze me,” he murmured in her ear, “How can you look like such a lady, but have such a wicked sense of humour?”
“Just lucky I guess,” she replied tartly, turning to face the view from the balcony. Gaby’s smile fell as she contemplated the icy looks she’d received all evening from the Contessa. She’d never be a lady or a proper consort for a Count in his Grandmother’s eyes –that was for certain. Luca put his arms around her from behind and she sank back into his embrace. “She’ll never accept me, you know. I’d hoped to make her like me, but I don’t think there’s anything I can do or say to change the way she feels.”
“She doesn’t know you the way I do. If she did, she’d love you too.”
Gaby shivered. She had the terrible feeling that something calamitous was about to happen and there nothing either one of them could do about it.
“Cold?” he asked, squeezing her tighter.
“No.” She turned on her heel and faced him. “Take me upstairs Luca. I need to be with you. I need you to hold me,” she pleaded.
“With pleasure.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
When Gaby received the message from Luca’s Grandmother to meet her in the library, it had her stomach flipping in nervous anticipation. The woman was nothing if not completely cold to her, and no good could come of meeting her alone, especially in the library. She’d been avoiding that room like the plague. There had been no word that the necklace had been found, so she assumed it was still in there –somewhere.
She hadn’t seen Luca all day. He’d called in the early afternoon to say he had to work late to catch up on the work he’d missed by spending the last few days with her. Gaby sighed at the memory of the sweet words he’d said over the phone. He missed her. He loved her. And when he got home, he’d show her how much.