‘Well, it wasn’t all for nothing. Apparently everyone in Italy still thinks we’re a couple so the board’s none the wiser. And the company’s doing well after the festival. Conti’s still getting shocking press so that’s a bonus.’
‘You know what I mean.’
‘Yes. But I’ve done everything I can. Eventually everyone will move on to the next story and Ale’s and my relationship will fade into the past. And I’ve got to let it. I’ve just gotta move on.’
‘The best thing to do is keep busy. So get to it, sister.’ Sofia smiled as she threw a dishcloth playfully at Annabella.
She smiled back, telling herself that she should be happy with everything they’d achieved and satisfied that Sofia was well on her way to recovery. Besides, falling in love had never been part of the plan so she really shouldn’t feel like she’d lost anything.
Except she had lost. There was an indescribable emptiness that sat heavy in her stomach. Even the taste of the most sublime chocolate couldn’t rouse her appetite. The idea of moving on without Alessandro in her life was still beyond contemplation. While her head had accepted that he couldn’t forgive her and didn’t want her, it was going to take a long time for her heart to catch up.
***
Alessandro closed his eyes and inhaled deeply as he tasted the smooth ganache. Rich, earthy, bittersweet. His lips slowly formed a smile as the hit of chili chased the velvety sweetness around his mouth.
It’s the perfect combination, don’t you think? It challenges your expectations and rewards you with a delicious surprise. He remembered Annabella’s sparkling enthusiasm when she had first made it for him. It felt like an eternity had passed since that magical time.
He opened his eyes, reluctant to return to the present, alone in the De Costa kitchen. When he hadn’t been with his father upstairs, he’d been here everyday since Annabella had left. She’d been right, this was where he belonged.
But it was her kitchen now. She was everywhere. At first, after she’d left, he’d thought it was the last place he’d want to be, reminded constantly of her and their time together. But surprisingly it was where he felt most at ease. He couldn’t deny that his happiest moments had been in this kitchen.
He’d been working on all the recipes Annabella had left with his father, imagining her here with him, creating together. Coming here, just the thought of her with him, helped him get through each day. Like this, in his mind, she hadn’t lied to him. She hadn’t betrayed him. She was perfect.
No one’s perfect! His father had cried at him. Valentino had urged Ale to go to Annabella and claim their happiness. He was in good health and the business was doing better than ever and, thanks to Annabella, next season’s collection was already in production. There was nothing stopping him from taking a break. Taking a chance.
But Ale was almost happy. And for the last few weeks since Annabella had left he’d told himself that was enough. He’d prefer to be almost happy than endure the loss of her again. So he’d sent her that terrible email hoping he could convince himself that it was for the best. That time would heal them both.
But that was weeks ago and here he was, still conjuring her up through her recipes, longing she was here to create them with him.
He stirred the ganache and closing his eyes, he took another taste.
***
‘Quick,’ Sofia urged. ‘Suck it up!’
Annabella gasped as the prosecco overflowed the rim of her champagne flute. She quickly took a sip before the cool bubbles almost ran down her arm onto her delicate sequined gown.
‘Congratulations, Ann.’ Sofia laughed at her sister, raising her glass.
‘And to you, Sofia.’ They smiled and clinked glasses.
‘And remember, tonight’s about fun, okay? No sad faces. Now, go mingle, I’m going to check on the kitchen,’ Sofia said.
‘I promise.’ Annabella tried to sound convincing.
She looked around the crowded boutique, full of local and international chocolate connoisseurs, journalists and friends. Sofia was right, she should enjoy their opening night. They had worked tirelessly the last few weeks preparing for tonight and Annabella was so proud of what they’d achieved.
The sumptuous Art Deco inspired decor perfectly captured their vision. The intricately designed stained glass that framed the shop’s entrance informed the decorative aesthetic of the interior. Rich hues of red, emerald, gold and burgundy formed the perfect foundation for the glass-mirrored cabinets that lined the walls showcasing Bonaparte’s debut chocolate collection.
Waiters floated around the intimate space as they offered guests aperitifs with matched samples from the artisan chocolate range. They looked like they’d stepped out of a 1930s Italian vintage poster; dressed in tuxedos with slicked back hair, they were an image of refined glamour.
An oversized teardrop chandelier hung low over the hexagonal display case in the middle of the room. Inside it, Annabella’s sculptural works shimmered on little plinths in the soft glow of controlled lighting. Intricately designed chocolate delicacies that she’d perfected until the early hours each morning.
She’d had to keep busy. For the sake of the new business but also her sanity. Alessandro was never far from her thoughts. He invaded every quiet moment.
Annabella caught a glimpse of herself in the mirrored background of one of the cabinets. Despite her couture gown and refined make-up, she hardly looked the happy hostess. Instead of a welcoming smile she saw a furrowed brow. She took a step closer to her reflection and tried to relax her face. Think happy thoughts.
The last time Annabella had been to a party like this was with Alessandro at Caffé Torino on competition night. Similar decor, dress, crowd. Her stomach had been a knot of nerves then too. But Ale had held her hand and told her You’re perfect. And they’d won.
Of course she wasn’t perfect and he knew that now. And all she had of Alessandro were memories. But when they didn’t make her cry, they made her smile when nothing else could.
She took a sip of prosecco and closed her eyes as she absorbed its fortifying effect. The sweet bubbles transported her back to her sofa celebration with Alessandro after they’d submitted their showpiece for the competition. Not now. She flicked her eyes open, banishing that memory for a more appropriate time.
But despite the surrounding buzz and distraction of the party, Alessandro continued to play in her thoughts. She even imagined she saw him in the reflection of the cabinet mirror, standing only metres behind her. Like James Bond on a mission, he was scanning the room with unmistakable intent. This was ridiculous. Now she was suffering hallucinations as well?
‘Buonasera, Annabella.’
She spun around and there he was.
Alessandro bent down to kiss her on each cheek. His touch at once awakening her dormant heart and reassuring her he was in fact real.
‘Alessandro? What are you doing here?’ she asked disbelievingly.
‘I have an invitation.’ He smiled.
Sofia must have sent it. At this stage Annabella wasn’t sure whether to praise or curse her sister. While Ale’s mouth formed a smile, his eyes remained as serious as ever.
‘I didn’t think you’d want to come,’ she said quietly. She daringly held his gaze, afraid of what she might see; had he come for her?
‘I wouldn’t miss it.’ Alessandro glanced around them coolly. Everyone was watching this reunion. No doubt some were even filming it. He leant down and tenderly swept her hair over her shoulder as he pulled her in gently by the waist. ‘Is there somewhere we can talk?’ he whispered in her ear.
Annabella’s skin tingled all over at this sudden closeness, her heartbeat quickened as her sensory memory awakened. Her body hadn’t forgotten the effect Alessandro had on her. And neither had her heart that was thumping in her chest with hope, but also dread that this intimate embrace was for the benefit of the cameras.
‘Follow me.’ Annabella smiled at the onlookers and grabbed Ale’s hand as she led him thro
ugh the crowd to the privacy of the kitchen. They had to sort this thing out once and for all.
***
‘Don’t mind me,’ Sofia said, looking up surprised as she made the finishing touches to a tray of hazelnut noisettes. ‘I’ll be done in a jiffy.’
Alessandro and Annabella smiled at each other, relaxing for a moment in the shared memory. But Ale quickly broke eye contact, releasing her hand as though suddenly remembering all that had happened since then.
‘Please, don’t rush on my account,’ Alessandro said, moving further away from Annabella as he slowly paced around the large industrial space. ‘I’ve been very interested to see your kitchen in action. You must be Sofia,’ he said as he approached the central counter.
‘And you must be the infamous Mr De Costa.’ Sofia grinned cheekily. Alessandro smiled at her briefly before continuing his appraisal of the room. With his back turned, Sofia made a face at her sister indicating she was very impressed with what she saw.
Annabella wished she had Sofia’s confidence, she clearly thought Ale was here to sweep her off her feet. But Annabella wasn’t so sure. She’d given him her heart and he didn’t want it. Many thanks for your efforts. He’d written. What had changed?
‘So, a boutique at the front and training kitchen in the back. Brava.’ Alessandro nodded approvingly as he scanned the room. He was in business mode, his default setting. He wasn’t giving anything away. Other than the fact he’d flown thousands of miles to be here. ‘May I?’ He motioned to a plate of miniature dark chocolate mille feuilles.
‘Please,’ Annabella said. Maybe he was nervous?
She watched as he closely studied the delicate pastry, inhaling its sweet aroma before slowly placing it in his mouth.
‘Bellissima,’ he said appreciatively as he finished the sweet. ‘You really are amazing.’ He locked eyes with her and at once Annabella was weak at the knees. His penetrating aquamarine stare still had the power to floor her, in spite of her resistance. ‘I have an offer for you, Annabella.’
Her heart immediately sank. Was this really about business?
‘I might just—’ Sofia started to make a move for the door.
‘No, please stay, Sofia. It’s an offer for both of you, actually,’ Alessandro said.
‘What do you want, Alessandro?’ Annabella asked directly. She was so tired of trying to read between the lines. She needed answers before her heart, at least what was left of it, was sacrificed again.
‘As you know, my company is doing very well, largely in part to your recent work, Annabella.’
Who was this man? Why was he acting like she was no more than a business colleague?
‘Following your recent … performance.’ He grimaced slightly as he said the words. ‘The world is anxious to know what you’re up to. And you’ve certainly drawn attention to what’s happening here in Melbourne. So, we hope to expand our business and open a De Costa Cioccolato branch here.’
‘You want to open in Melbourne as our competitor?’
‘No, no. We’re very interested in your operation here, the boutique combined with a training school. And your story, your mother’s story, it’s very unique.’
‘What do you mean by interested?’
‘We’d like you to consider a merger with De Costa Cioccolato. With the extra resources it would mean you could return to Turin and Sofia could run the business from Melbourne. You would be able to expand your little company all over the country, the world in fact.’
‘Excuse me? Little company? Can you hear how condescending you sound right now? You of all people know what we’ve sacrificed to build this little company.’
‘Mi perdoni. I understand what you’ve sacrificed and believe me I know what the Bonaparte name means to you. I was watching after all, Annabella.’
‘Oh yeah, I know. I got your email.’ Annabella stared at him, unable to suppress her anger, her hurt. She breathed heavily, wanting to scream at him for waiting this long to come to her. And with what? A business deal?
‘I’m not going to play on the red carpet again, Alessandro. The board will soon forget our engagement. The success of the company is all they’re interested in. And you’ve got that.’
‘Annabella, that’s not what I—’
‘Look, I’m done. And you don’t need me. Just keep it in your pants and pretend you’ve got some capacity to feel and your reputation will be just fine,’ she snapped.
Annabella could virtually see her words pummel into Ale’s chest, each one pushing him further away from her.
She didn’t mean the spiteful words, but how dare Alessandro ignore her for so long then think he could have her back on his terms so easily. She wasn’t even sure exactly what he was offering, but she was done with contracts and business deals.
‘Okay then. I understand,’ Alessandro said calmly. ‘I won’t waste anymore of your time.’
Before Annabella had the chance to comprehend what was happening, Ale turned and strode towards the showroom. He hesitated briefly by the kitchen door, and without looking back he placed a brown paper package on the counter and left.
‘Ann, what was that? Why did you say those things?’ Sofia asked incredulously, running over to pick up the package.
‘I don’t know. But how dare he suggest I should just pack up and go back to Turin and pretend to be his fiancée again?’
‘I don’t think that’s was what he was proposing.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Ann, that was a pretty amazing offer for us. He’s right, we are a small company and we could have Bonaparte Academies all over the world with De Costa’s support,’ Sofia said as she sat down at the central counter again and began to unwrap the parcel.
‘I don’t know what I was thinking, but after everything that’s happened I really wasn’t expecting him to talk about business.’
‘Ann, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that merging with De Costa would allow you to work for our company and be in Turin at the same time. That part wasn’t a business proposal.’
‘What are you saying?’
‘What do you think?’ Sofia passed Annabella the unwrapped package.
‘Mum’s journal?’ Annabella couldn’t believe it was back in her hands again. ‘I don’t get it. How did he find it?’
She flipped through the pages that were so familiar to her. Recipes that had defined each stage of her childhood. Her mother’s beautiful cursive handwriting and sketches from her amazing imagination. Then Annabella’s own recipes that she’d added, continuing the journey her mother had started.
A swell of emotion gripped Annabella as she suddenly realised how much she’d missed this precious keepsake. This tangible and irreplaceable connection to her mother. Her heart lurched at the thought that Ale understood how much it meant to her and he’d travelled all that way to deliver it personally.
She turned to the back of the journal and saw a new addition had been inserted. A photo of her and Alessandro at the Turin festival with their winning showpiece. Two proud, smiling faces, their arms wrapped around each other. Anyone would have thought they were a couple in love.
Annabella caught her breath as she read Ale’s familiar handwriting below the picture: Bella mia, amore mia, a recipe made for love, in love. Now and forever.
‘He’s probably halfway to the airport by now, do you think it’s too late?’
‘Never.’ Sofia grinned. ‘Go.’
***
Alessandro paced back and forth in front of the entrance to Bonaparte’s. He raked his hands through his hair. How had he let everything get so out of control?
He’d thought starting with business would be the right approach. In his comfort zone he’d be confident and forthright.
But somehow his words hadn’t come out the way he’d planned. He’d never meant to trivialise the success of Annabella’s business; he was so proud of what she’d achieved. He certainly didn’t want her to come back to Turin to pretend to be his fiancée. He’d wanted he
r to come back as his partner in business and life. Why hadn’t he just said that, straight up?
‘Ale?’ Alessandro halted, and turned at the sound of Annabella’s surprised voice behind him. ‘You’re still here,’ she said quietly.
‘Yes,’ he said.
She closed the shop door behind her, muting the loud noise of the party inside. She turned and took a hesitant step towards him, then stopped.
To anyone else, Annabella would have looked like a powerful shining goddess, radiant in her sparkling silver gown on the dark urban street. But to Ale, in this moment she seemed so fragile and vulnerable. His heart ached at the thought that he had undermined her confidence. He wouldn’t be misunderstood this time.
They held each other’s gaze, an intense invisible connection drawing them together though neither of them moved. The busy night crowd bustled around them but it was as though they were paused in time, alone in a quiet bubble.
‘I was coming to find you,’ Annabella said softly.
‘I’ve been trying to think of a way to come back in,’ Ale said, taking a cautious step closer to her.
‘Why?’
‘You know why.’ He smiled softly, gesturing to the journal in her hand.
‘Where did you find it?’
‘My father had it. It turns out he’d organised for one of the staff to take it that night at the degustation. He figured without it we’d need to work together and he hoped you’d convince me to get back in the kitchen. It was a risk, but it worked, no? In more ways than one.’
‘That’s crazy.’ Annabella looked down at the journal, shaking her head disbelievingly. ‘Do you think he knew? That we weren’t for real?’ She looked up at Ale.
‘He said he could tell we were in love.’ Alessandro took another step closer, holding Annabella’s gaze. ‘We just didn’t know it yet,’ he said, smiling as he took her hands in his.
‘And was he right?’ Annabella whispered looking up at him, her question taking them both to the edge of no return.
Alessandro looked into Annabella’s deep, nurturing eyes where he’d been lost so many times before. But now he wasn’t lost. In her eyes he saw peace, home, love.
Hot Chocolate Page 16