‘Ah, but that’s not the Adriatic Sea. This trip will be something special.’ He turned her hand and kissed the palm. ‘But now I have to go, cara mia, Much to prepare and organise.’
‘Oh, but…’ Leanne started, glancing at the starry sky, the moon and the still water, reflecting it all. She had envisaged a romantic walk around the harbour and maybe a little smooching.
‘And you have an early start tomorrow,’ he said, pulling her up. ‘But there’ll be plenty of time for… friendship when we’re on the trip,’ he whispered as he held her tight for a moment, kissing her lightly on the mouth before letting her go.
Leanne smiled, reassured, her lips tingling from his gentle kiss. He was right. Tonight, despite the romantic setting, was not the right time for smooching. There would be plenty of opportunities when they were on the sailing boat. She couldn’t wait.
Three
There were a lot of comments about the photograph the following morning. In bed in the little hotel, Leanne read through them just as the sun was rising on the harbour and the seagulls’ plaintive cries began to fill the air. The photo looked even better on the blog; the contrast between Carlo’s dark looks and Leanne’s light-blonde hair and pale skin so striking. And the way they looked at each other was also quite revealing, especially his seductive smile in one of the shots. She smiled as she thought of that light kiss the night before. It had held a lot of promise. She looked at the screen again and laughed at the comments. She wasn’t the only one to find Carlo divine.
‘What a fab couple!’ one of the followers wrote. ‘A match made in Italy,’ another said, followed by: ‘these two are meant to have a sizzling love affair.’ The comments from her Dublin friends made her laugh and cringe at the same time. Especially the one that said: ‘that guy looks like a bit of a ride.’
Then there was an email from Brenda McIntosh, the editor of Women Now.
Fab photo. I see great potential for an online romance. Even if it’s not really happening, if you see what I mean? Could you keep that going for a while? It could be huge…
Leanne sighed. Brenda was so pushy. But to be fair to her, most of her suggestions had worked so far. This one was more challenging. Of course she was attracted to Carlo, who wouldn’t be? But to fake a romance just for business seemed cold and calculating. And if the romance she hoped for actually happened, it would be a little cheap to make it public. And in any case, he probably wouldn’t agree.
Leanne checked her watch and got out of bed. Time to get going if they were to arrive in Florence in time for lunch. Carlo had said it would take just under three hours, but they planned to see Pisa on the way, which might slow them down as it was a popular tourist attraction, bound to be busy.
Leanne pondered Brenda’s email and the reams of comments as she pulled on linen shorts and a black t-shirt. A fictional romance with a man she fancied was, at first glance, a fun thing to do. But the more she considered it, the worse it seemed. She would have to act out her true feelings pretending they were fake and then appear cool and a little distant in real life. She would, she realised, have to pretend to pretend. The thought made her dizzy. No, she said to herself as she went downstairs to the terrace for breakfast. No, no, no. It wasn’t going to happen if she had anything to do with it. But maybe they wouldn’t have to pretend after all?
* * *
Maddy and Carlo were already at their table when Leanne arrived on the terrace. They were chatting and laughing while drinking bitter black coffee from large cups and eating fresh bread and apricot jam. Bridget had sought the shade under Maddy’s chair and sat there panting. She wagged her tail when she spotted Leanne but didn’t move from her spot.
‘Good morning,’ Carlo said and rose to pull out a chair for Leanne.
‘Morning.’ Leanne sat down and reached for the coffee pot.
Maddy pushed the bread basket to her. ‘Sleep well?’
Leanne poured herself some coffee, inhaling the delicious scent as it filled her cup. ‘Very well, thanks. How about you?’
Maddy shook her head. ‘Not so good. It was too hot.’
‘Was the air-conditioning on the blink?’ Leanne asked.
‘I switched it off. I hate aircon in the bedroom.’
‘I’ll drive today if you want,’ Leanne offered. ‘Then you can snooze on the way.’
‘Thanks. Sure you don’t mind? You drove all the way here yesterday.’
‘It’s an easy drive,’ Carlo remarked. ‘And you can stop on the way. You wanted to see Pisa, no?’
‘If you think it’s worth it,’ Leanne said.
‘Just for the tower, perhaps,’ Carlo replied. ‘But otherwise, not really. And you’ll probably think it’s small and a lot less spectacular than in the tourist brochures. Up to you, of course. I’ll be going straight to Florence.’
‘We’ll think about it.’ Maddy got up. ‘I’m going back to my room for a little rest and to put my things together. Give me a shout when you want to leave.’
Leanne glanced at her watch. ‘In about an hour at the latest, I think. It’s already eight thirty.’
‘Okay.’ Maddy crouched to retrieve Bridget from under the chair. ‘Come on, sweetheart. It’s cooler in my room.’ She gathered the little dog in her arms. ‘See you later, lads.’
Carlo smiled at Leanne when Maddy walked away. ‘“Lads?” Is this Irish for “guys?”’
‘That’s right.’ Leanne smeared the sweet, sticky jam on a warm roll. ‘You’ll be hearing a lot of Irish talk during the trip, so you’d better get used to it!’
‘I like the sound of your accent. And the lilt in your voice.’ Carlo’s eyes were serious as he looked at her. ‘I saw the blog post and the comments. Very flattering.’
Leanne managed to look back at him without blushing. God, he was even more gorgeous in the early morning light. ‘I know. I’m sorry. I hope they didn’t embarrass you.’
He laughed. ‘No. It confirmed what I was feeling yesterday. About how we look together. But…’ He paused. ‘What does “a bit of a ride” mean in proper English?’
Leanne giggled, her cheeks hot. ‘It’s Irish girl-speak for “hunk”.’
Carlo didn’t even blink. ‘I see. Good to know. The photo and the comments gave me an idea. I have talked to Lucilla about it and she’s very enthusiastic.’
Leanne frowned. ‘Enthusiastic? About me? I thought she might be still upset after your break-up?’
Carlo shrugged. ‘No. She was the one who broke it off. But neither of us are upset. So much conflict and jealousy. Not good for us or our business. Now we’re just friends, who happen to work together.’
‘So definitely no romance between you, then?’ They had looked quite close the first time she’d met them.
‘Not any more.’ He made a dismissive gesture. ‘Forget romance. This is about a business proposition.’
Leanne’s heart sank. ‘What kind of business?’ she asked, trying not to show her disappointment. He had been so romantic the night before.
‘Fashion. We’ve just signed a contract to market a brand-new label. They’re called Risorse Naturali.’
‘Never heard of them.’
‘That’s because they haven’t advertised much yet. They’re launching a new concept in clothing. All made with biodegradable materials. The name means Natural Resources. Very stylish and at the same time good for the environment. Very in vogue. Plus, I think you’d like their style.’
‘Oh. Okay, so what does this have to do with us? You and me, I mean.’
Carlo leaned forward and fixed Leanne with his green eyes. ‘You and me, wearing the Risorse Naturali clothes in your blog posts. Can you imagine the marketing potential? I mean, as your blog is growing in popularity all the time, if there were more photos of us together wearing that brand and you mentioned it now and then, it could be a fantastic chance for greater visibility for this new designer.’ Carlo’s eyes softened. ‘They are a young and talented couple and don’t have much money. I want to help them get
off the ground. I’m not going to charge them a fee, you understand. We have an agreement that we’ll just get a cut of their profits, should there be any. If not, they don’t owe us anything.’
Leanne blinked. ‘I see. That seems incredibly generous.’
Carlo shrugged. ‘Money isn’t everything. I like to support people I believe in. Especially if they’re young, poor and hardworking. The reward will be in seeing them succeed and begin to earn a living.’
‘I see what you mean,’ Leanne said, touched by the warmth in his eyes. ‘I’ll think about it. I have to talk to Maddy, too. And the Women Now people might not…’ She stopped. What was she saying? Of course Women Now would love it, if it made money for them. And Carlo dressed in any kind of get-up would make women all over the world drool into their lattes. But… ‘I’ll let you know what we decide,’ Leanne said, looking thoughtfully back at Carlo. ‘And I’ll have a look at their collection too.’
Carlo smiled and got up. ‘I see. Okay. I’ll send you a link to their website so you can take a look. It’s a little… well, avant-garde. But now you have to excuse me. I have to make a few calls and then I’m going straight to Florence. Has Lucilla sent you directions to her flat?’
‘Yes, she did. We had a long chat on the phone before we left and she sent me a map and full instructions.’
‘Good.’ He leant down and kissed her cheek. ‘Ciao for now.’
‘Oh, uh, ciao,’ Leanne stammered, his light kiss still warm on her cheek as he walked away. She mulled over what he had just said. His suggestions seemed crazy, but at the same time, it could be fun and a great opportunity. Why was she hesitating? Posing with a drop-dead gorgeous guy in Italian designer clothes, what’s not to like? Leanne let out a giggle. Her friends would be sick with envy. Especially those who had been swanning around boasting about their fabulous weddings, while she’d been single the whole time. It was worth it only for that.
Four
‘So what do you think?’ Leanne asked Maddy when they were driving on the autostrada, the roof closed and the air-conditioning going full blast.
Maddy woke up from her snooze. ‘What? Oh, the… Could you tell me again? I wasn’t really listening, sorry. Must have nodded off there.’ She turned to the back seat as Bridget started to whine. ‘I’ll take her on my knee. She wants to look out the window.’ Maddy hauled Bridget onto her lap, and the little dog settled happily, looking out the window and licking Maddy’s hand now and then. ‘She loves being part of the action. But go on, what was that you were saying?’
‘Carlo wants us – him and me – to wear designer clothes in the photos I post on the blog. It’s to market this new label he’s handling for his firm. He thinks it has huge marketing potential. If you saw the reactions to the photos we posted last night, you’ll know what I mean.’
‘I see.’ Maddy sat up. ‘And where does this leave me? Don’t get me wrong, I see the benefits for you. It’s just that the blog was supposed to be our great escape and our amazing trip through Europe. How will you posing in some new fashion label with an Italian hunk tie in with that?’
Leanne glanced at Maddy, startled by her annoyed tone. ‘Uh, well, it’ll change things a little. But you weren’t too hot on the blog in the first place. I still remember how angry you were when you found out about it.’
Maddy stared straight ahead. ‘Yes, but that was also because you hadn’t told me but went ahead without asking me first. And then I had to find out about it from that Brenda woman when she called me the very first day of our trip. But after a while I grew to like it. It’s fun. I love reading the comments from all the women out there. How we’re inspiring them. And some men too. People who’re having vicarious fun through us.’
‘I know. But won’t the women love seeing me with Carlo? You saw the comments, didn’t you?’
‘I did. Maybe including Carlo in the posts would be a fun thing at first. But it could also become boring and then we’d lose followers.’
‘Boring? Carlo?’
‘Yeah. He’s a little too into himself, don’t you think? He might try to take over the whole thing if we’re not careful. Why doesn’t he start his own blog?’
Leanne shrugged. ‘I suppose he could. But it takes a long time to get enough followers—’
‘Hey, I have an idea,’ Maddy interrupted. ‘How many followers do you have on Instagram? Your own account, I mean.’
‘I’m not sure.’ Leanne thought while she stepped on the accelerator and changed lanes to overtake a red Fiat Bambino. ‘Around fifty thousand or something.’
‘That’s a lot. How about using that account for your fashion fling with Carlo? You could mention it on the main blog and then those who want can follow you on Instagram if they want to drool over you and Carlo. Wouldn’t take long for that to take off big time.’
Leanne glanced at Maddy, shooting her a big smile. ‘You’re a fecking genius, girl!’
‘Sure I know,’ Maddy said, flicking her hair back. ‘But it’ll mean extra work for you.’
Leanne let out a raucous laugh. ‘Work? Smooching with that ride in designer clothes? That’s the kind of work I like.’
‘Stop calling him a “ride”. I hate that word.’
‘I know, but that’s what gorgeous guys are called in Ireland right now. Your suggestion is a great idea though. This way we don’t have to involve you, and the Euroscape blog will go on as always, keeping its universal appeal.’
‘But you have to make some sort of agreement with Carlo and his firm,’ Maddy said. ‘This would mean free advertising for him otherwise. You don’t want to be a pushover, do you? Even if you’re madly in love with the guy.’
Leanne felt her face flush despite the air-conditioning. ‘I’m not in love,’ she protested. ‘In any case, I think Lucilla still thinks she owns him, even if they broke up.’
‘Yes, but she’s been perfectly friendly to you, hasn’t she?’
‘Oh yes. And she was very enthusiastic when we talked about the sailing trip back at Dad’s house that night of the party. And she invited us to her place in Florence and everything.’
‘Seems okay, then,’ Maddy remarked. ‘Maybe it’s all in your head – I wouldn’t worry about it. She might just be a little sad about having broken up. She could still have feelings for him. But I’d say that’s all.’
‘I hope so,’ Leanne sighed. ‘I’m not sure I want to get involved in some kind of cat fight with her.’
Maddy laughed. ‘Yeah, right. I can see that look in your eyes.’
‘What look?’
‘The one that means you won’t give up until hell freezes over. I just hope you won’t get hurt in the process.’
‘Hurt? As long as I get laid, I won’t complain,’ Leanne said with more bravado than she felt.
‘Is that all you’re after?’ Maddy studied Leanne intently. ‘Just sex? Yeah, okay, he’s drop-dead gorgeous and any woman’s dream date. For a night. If that’s all you want, fine. Can’t blame you for being attracted.’
Leanne took her eyes off the road for a second and glanced back at Maddy. ‘No, that’s not all. There’s a lot more to Carlo than a pretty face. Anybody can get laid, but love’s a different matter. And I’ll get it all, even if it takes forever.’
‘With Carlo?’
‘I’ve only known him for like five minutes,’ Leanne replied. ‘I need to test drive him first. Maybe he’ll be the one – or not, who knows? Love is out there, though. Waiting for me.’ She stepped on the accelerator and the car surged forward up the motorway towards Florence.
* * *
‘Pisa,’ Maddy said as they swept past a set of road signs. ‘It’s the next exit. We take the E76 and then go on the SS12, it says on the map. Doesn’t look too far. And we’ve made really good time as you drive as if we’re in a rally.’
‘Pisa?’ Leanne glanced at Maddy. ‘You want to go there?’
‘Sure, why not? Just a quick look to take few fun photos for the blog.’
‘Okay.�
�� Leanne nodded, indicating right at the next exit sign and driving up the slipway. ‘The leaning tower had better be leaning.’
‘It does. In fact, it seems to be leaning more and more each year, I’ve heard.’
‘Then it’s good to take a peek before it falls over,’ Leanne remarked. ‘Like my great-aunt Maureen when she’s had one too many.’
Maddy laughed. ‘She sounds like a lot of fun.’
‘Fun? Not sure, but she never says no to a pint or two. Or five.’
‘I don’t believe you.’
‘I swear. The women in County Clare know how to put away the booze. Worse than the men.’
‘Scary.’
‘You bet. My auntie Maureen has a hollow leg when it comes to drink.’
‘How old is she?’
‘Eighty-five. And she can still do a handstand when she’s sober.’
‘You’re pulling my leg.’
Leanne grinned. ‘Yes. Just about the handstands. But the rest is true. I swear.’
‘I want to be like her when I grow up,’ Maddy said, laughing.
‘Oh, yeah, me too. I want to be wild like her if I get to live that long.’
‘You’re well on the way,’ Maddy remarked. ‘I was wondering where you got it.’
‘Hehe, now you know,’ Leanne chuckled. ‘So where’s this tower, then? Can’t wait to see it.’
Maddy pointed ahead. ‘I can see the tip of it, just there.’
‘Oh yes.’ Leanne focused on the view. ‘There it is. Leaning like my auntie on a Saturday night…’
* * *
The famous leaning tower, standing on a patch of grass beside the cathedral, was much smaller than it looked in the pictures. But there was a great buzz in the air, as they got out of the car, with tourists milling about, chatting in all kinds of languages and buying ice cream and hot waffles, the sweet smell filling the air. They pushed through the throng and joined the happy crowd taking selfies in front of the tower, laughing, pretending to be drunk. Photos taken, they were about to leave when Leanne declared she simply had to have a plastic replica of the tower sold in the stalls near the tower, along with other souvenirs like gaudy scarves, straw hats and postcards.
A Holiday to Remember: An absolutely hilarious romantic comedy set under the Italian sun Page 3