Their next stop was Italy. They flew to Marco Polo Airport in Venice the next morning. As they planned their European journey, Carlee expressed a desire to spend more time in Italy, Andy agreed. They would be there thirteen days. Andy rented a convertible for their travels, and booked a suite over-looking the Grand Canal in Venice for the first three nights. The first evening they explored what was close by.
They crammed in walking tours, local cuisine, and crossed the Ponte Della Liberta to explore, and roam the Veneto Hills. As they hiked, they talked of the past and the future. Andy knew that he would miss that most, their talks. Usually, Carlee talked and he listened, but he knew he would miss that time with her.
They ate at a traditional trattoria, tasted wine, and enjoyed perfect weather. Their time in Venice ended with a gondola ride on the Grand Canal, and gelato at a sidewalk café.
Matthew called Carlee each evening and they talked for hours. Carlee checked in with her family often, telling them all about their travels, and sending pictures. She and Jenna spoke every few days, and Andy heard her gush as she told Jenna all about Matthew.
Departing Venice, they drove to Bologna, about an hour and a half away, and talked about all they had seen and done. It was another gorgeous day, “definitely the top down” kind of drive that Carlee requested. Known for some of the best food in the world, Bologna was about eating. They dined at a quaint old place that reminded Carlee of a grandmother’s dining room. The owners recognized Andy, and came by to say hello, offering them a taste of all of their specialties. They sampled pasta every way they prepared it. “I think my belly is gonna explode!” Carlee laughed when they left.
But she had room for Gelato, later. And Andy laughed, thinking about her always ‘starving!’ but eating just a little of everything.
The next day, they traveled south to San Marino to tour the Palazzo Pubblico and the Bascillica, and then continued south for a meal that included Cioppino, a local Italian seafood stew. Later, as they checked into their hotel for the evening Carlee sighed, “Papa, you are spoiling me with all these fancy hotels. I’m going to be going back to camp and then school, both of which include twin beds!”
Placing a tender hand on her cheek he told her, “I have to spoil you while I can.” Nestled into the hills over-looking San Marino, the hotel’s views were breathtaking.
The next morning, they made their way to Teramo. Marco’s family was from the region and had a villa there that they loaned them for the week. They made it a leisurely drive, stopping to enjoy the scenery along the way. Carlee loved sharing this time with Andy. They stopped at a little market Marco told them about to get groceries and supplies. When they reached the villa and settled in, both collapsed, and rested, preparing for days of roaming and exploring the area.
They spent the days hiking and roaming, seeing the incredible views within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. They visited wineries, choosing some to ship home and some to leave at the villa as a ‘Thank You’ gift. They toured, ate and drank wine until they would both fall into bed at night, exhausted.
Matthew’s nightly calls continued, and Carlee would sit with Andy in the common room of the villa, sharing details of their travels. She asked him about school and his days. Andy could see it blossoming. She was happy.
On the morning of Friday July 13th, Carlee rose and made french toast for their breakfast, while Andy made mimosas. When they joined at the table, the two of them toasted, talked and remembered, on what would have been Beth’s sixtieth birthday.
They were leaving the villa sometime the next day. They had a basic plan, but their trip had pretty much been what Carlee called, ‘flying by the seat of our pants,’ and Andy loved it.
“What’s next on your agenda, my dear,” he asked while they were sharing a dinner of fresh bread, local Italian meats, cheeses and fresh tomatoes that they’d gotten from an outside market in their travels that day. Carlee went to get her iPad.
Of course she had a plan, Andy thought and smiled.
She turned the screen toward him and scooted her chair around the table beside him, so they could both see. “It looks like Rome is about four and a half hours away,” she said. “Not being in a hurry,” she added, “because I do not want to hurry!”
“Whatever you’d like,” he replied.
“What I would like,” she laughed, “is to continue south and come up the other coast, but we are getting close to our four weeks and there is still so much!”
They were nearing the end of their third week, with a tentative plan to return to the U.S. July 18th. As far as Andy was concerned their plans were open. Their travel and return home could be whatever Carlee wanted it to be. He was enjoying this time with her.
“Do you want to extend it?” he asked her.
She looked at him, thoughtfully a moment, then asked; “Really?”
“Whatever you’d like, I’m enjoying it,” he said and added, “a lot.”
“Shall we go to Barcelona?” she asked.
“We can fly from Rome,” he said, not missing a beat. “I’d like to go to Bordeaux too. And of course we will fly home from London.”
“London?” her face lit up.
“Yes, it’s an easier flight home from Heathrow,” he smiled.
“Papa! You’re the best!”
“I know,” he laughed easily. “Let’s make our plans…”
After a tour of Rome, they would take a flight to Barcelona for a few days. Andy got on the phone and made reservations while Carlee called Matthew.
“Hello there!” she said when he answered and he thought of Longfellow; “Oh, there is something in that voice that reaches the innermost recesses of my spirit”
“Having fun?” he asked.
“Yes! Actually, we are having such a wonderful time that we’re extending our stay! It’s so beautiful here, and we’ve spent so much time enjoying our drive through Italy that we decided to stay a little longer. We’re driving to Rome tomorrow for a few days. Then we’ll fly to Barcelona and drive through the southern part of France to Bordeaux. Papa is making our return flight from London.”
“I hope I’ll get to see you when you come through here,” he said, anxiously.
“I reckon that’s why we are coming through London,” she laughed.
Matthew only knew he couldn’t wait to see her again.
While Carlee and Matthew chatted, Andy made anther call.
“Good evening, White’s Hotel of London.”
“Good evening, Andy Stevens, I’d like to speak with a manager please.”
“Damon Ware, how may I be of assistance Mr. Stevens?”
Andy made reservations for their return to London and talked to him about Matthew and left a number for Matthew to return a call.
Later, as Andy and Carlee relaxed, his phone rang. “Excuse me,” he told her. “I need to take this.” He went in the other room and a plan was made…
CHAPTER TEN ~ Back to London
As they prepared for their journey to Rome, Carlee packed a picnic with the meats and cheeses they had left from the night before. She wrote a thank you note to leave with the wine they were leaving at the villa. She looked around, and wished that they could stay, just a little longer.
They squeezed in as much as they could in the three days they were in Rome, and then were off to Barcelona. When they exited the terminal, Carlee’s phone vibrated in her pocket.
Look up, look down, look all around… it said. It was a text from Matthew. She had a puzzled look on her face.
“What is it?” Andy asked.
“Silly message from Matthew,” she laughed.
Showing Andy her phone, he said, “Maybe you should.”
“Should what?” she asked, and about the time she did, Matthew was approaching. “What are you doing here?” she yelled, excitedly, as he grabbed, and hugged her.
He came by train and was at the airport waiting for them, waiting for Carlee, when they exited. “He’s a special guest,” A
ndy laughed. Andy had a limo meet them at the station.
“I’m so happy to see you both,” Matthew said, hugging Andy too.
Andy booked a suite on the beach and that afternoon he stayed in to “rest,” allowing Carlee and Matthew some time alone. They went to the beach, and when they reached the lounge chairs Carlee removed the cover-up she wore. She was wearing a bright yellow and white polka-dotted bikini.
Matthew noticed every curve of her body. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She was small, and she was beautiful. He was struggling to keep his mind from wandering, wondering…
Carlee noticed him too. He wasn’t buff, but he was built. He was lean, and a tall, dark, and hunk thought popped in her head.
She noticed him watching her. “Are you staring at me,” she asked him and laughed.
“Uh hunh, I think so. I’m connecting dots,” he laughed, a reference to the polka dots. “Carlee…”
“Yes?” she smiled at him.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at polka dots again without this vision popping in my head,” he laughed, shaking his head in an attempt to clear his thoughts. He was so glad to be ‘together’ there with her.
She smiled back at him. “Behave yourself, Papa’s watching you,” she laughed, cocking her head toward the hotel where Andy was on the balcony ‘reading.’
They walked to the water. The sun was hot, and the water was warm as they swam. After a while they went back to the lounge chairs and stretched out. Matthew reached for her hand. As their fingers twined together, Andy noticed, and smiled.
Later that evening, the three of them shared dinner at a traditional Spanish restaurant, including a Flamenco show. They drank local wine, and brought Spanish Churros back for a late night snack.
When they returned to the hotel, Andy said good-night, and went to bed. The suite was one big open space with two lofts, one for him and one for Carlee. The sofa made into a bed for Matthew. Lying in bed reading, he listened as Carlee shared their trip. She was showing Matthew all the pictures she’d taken. Her excitement was a pleasant sound.
“When Andy called and invited me, I was so happy. I hoped I’d see you again, soon,” Matthew whispered in her ear.
“Me too,” she said and snuggled closer.
“I have holiday from university the end of August. I’ll be going home to see my family. I was wondering if I might get to see you while I’m in the states.”
“I have camp the week of the 17th, move in at Flagler is the 28th, and classes start for me on the 31st,” she replied, disappointment in her voice.
“Could your camp use any more volunteers?” he asked with a smile. “I’m pretty good with a camera. I looked it up on-line. It seems like a good experience.”
She turned to look at him, and said excitedly, “It is! I’m sure we could find something for you to do with your photography!”
“I’d love that…”
“Me too! Papa is coming to teach music for a day or two, aren’t you, Papa?” she asked, just a little louder, knowing he was listening.
“Go to sleep,” he replied with a laugh.
But they were too excited to sleep. They whispered into the late hours of the night, eating Churros, and sneaking kisses. Finally, Andy heard quiet and leaned to look over the loft. He found them stretched out on the sofa, Carlee’s head on Matthew’s chest, his arm around her, both of them sound asleep.
After breakfast Wednesday morning, the three of them were off to tour the city. Later that evening, Carlee and Matthew took a walk on the beach. He was leaving the next day, and dreading it.
“I’m serious about seeing you when I come home. If you can use someone to teach photography, or chronicle the week, I’d love that. I never went to camp as a kid, plus,” he added, taking her hand, “it’ll give me a chance to see you again.”
“I’d like all of that,” she replied.
He turned her toward him to kiss her. In a soft voice that sent shivers through her body, he whispered in her ear, “Carlee, I like you, a lot.”
“I like you too,” she smiled and responded with another kiss.
Thursday, Andy rented a car and they took Matthew to the train station. Carlee stepped out of the car to say good-bye. “I can’t wait to see you again,” she said as he hugged her.
“Four days…” Matthew said. “I can’t wait either.”
After Matthew entered the station, Carlee and Andy started their journey to Narbonne, in the south of France. It was about a three and a half hour drive, and when they arrived they found the Food Market and went in for a look. The outside of the building was old and beautiful. Inside was a conglomeration of anything and everything; from gourmet baked items to cheese and wine. They bought cheese and wine to take with them, and found a place to grab sandwiches for lunch.
On the road again Andy had music playing. Carlee heard Zane’s latest release, “Love Drunk”.
I lose my head when you are near
You kiss me drunk
You kiss me high
Don’t need nothin’ else
To make me feel the way you do
Sometimes I just gotta stay clear
It’s the way you move
It’s what you say
I can’t control it
You make me feel this way
Your kiss leaves me breathless
Your touch makes me reckless…
After a while, Carlee asked, “How come you didn’t record that song?” She knew he wrote it, he had a treasure trove of songs stashed away.
“Just didn’t feel like something I would sing anymore,” he looked at her, and smiled.
Thoughtful a moment, she asked him, “How come?”
“I don’t know, Carlee; for me, I have to feel it to sing it. I don’t feel that one. Zane can pull it off, I don’t think I could,” he smiled.
“Yes, you could. But Papa,” she hesitated and Andy waited. “How come you don’t date?”
“I see women,” he started but she interrupted him.
“Not counting Addy, I mean, you didn’t date.”
“How about this,” he said glancing at her, “when I do go out, I haven’t met that person that I want to date. Very seldom do I even have a second date. Just not feelin’ it…”
“Well, I hope someday you do.”
He smiled and said, “Oh, are you gonna be one of those people?”
She scrunched up her nose thinking, “What people,” she asked.
Andy loved that face she made when she was pondering something. “Those ‘I’ve met someone who makes me happy and now you should too’ people.”
“He does make me happy, Papa,” she smiled. “I just think you would make someone happy. It’s been a long time.”
“They gotta make me happy first,” he said and patted her knee.
They made several stops for pictures and exploring. He loved the travel time they were sharing, there was nothing to interrupt or distract them and the conversation was good. Later, as they drove, Andy asked her; “Were you serious about the music thing for camp?”
She turned sideways in the seat and looked over at him. She loved him so much, and she could tell he was thinking about it, and it made her happy. “Would you do it?” she asked.
“That’s not answering my question,” he laughed.
“Answer mine and then I’ll answer yours,” she replied.
“I would.”
“Then, I’m serious,” she laughed.
“Question,” Andy said.
She looked at him and smiled. “Yes.”
“Yes?” he looked puzzled.
“Yes, I already said you would do it! Sucker!” she laughed.
“Oh geez,” he laughed.
“I knew you would, if I asked,” she said. “I’m thrilled that Matthew is going to come too!”
“Carlee,” Andy said, “I like that young man.”
“I know,” she smiled. “Me too, Papa! Me too!”
They continued on to Bo
rdeaux. Stopping for ‘photo ops’ along the way, their trip took a total of nine hours. It was late when they checked into their hotel. After settling in, they had some of the fruit, cheese and bread from the market in Narbonne.
Enjoying their last days, they toured and visited wineries, and the sights of Bordeaux. Neither was really ready for it to end, but Carlee was excited to get back to London to see Matthew again. They continued their daily calls, and she loved getting to know him.
Back in London, they were staying at White’s for three nights before heading back to the states. Matthew took those days off work to spend time with them. He met them at the hotel after his class. When she heard the knock on the door, Carlee ran to get it and flew into his arms.
“Oh man, I’m happy to see you,” he whispered in her ear as he hugged her. Andy noticed and smiled.
Matthew made arrangements with his friend, Cook, to have a pepperoni pizza made, and room service delivered it to their room and the three of them spent the evening talking.
“Andy, I’d like to show you and Carlee a good time tomorrow evening. I’d like to take you out to dinner, to thank you for all you’ve shared with me this summer,” Matthew said.
Carlee didn’t give Andy a chance to object, or to tell her he ‘had a headache.’ “We would love that!” she said.
“Good, I’d like to share one of my favorite places with you,” he said. “Porters serves the best comfort food in London. When I miss my family I go there and indulge in one of the meat pies and homemade ice cream. I’ll look forward to sharing that with you tomorrow evening.”
After a while, Andy said ‘goodnight’, and Matthew and Carlee were alone. She snuggled against him on the sofa. “I think this is one of my favorite places,” she said.
“London?” Matthew asked.
“No, right here, in your arms,” she smiled up at him.
Carlee and Andy rested the next morning while Matthew was in class. He came afterward to spend the afternoon with them. Later, they went to Porters; Matthew liked showing them part of his life there in London.
When I Look to the Sky Page 14