by Jan Moran
“I can do that,” Ruby said, grinning.
They waited with nonchalance near a row that had open seats until the lights went down. Quickly, they scurried into the empty seats, stifling their laughter. But as soon as lights illuminated the stage, which was positioned between massive stone pillars, Ruby and Niccolò watched in rapturous awe.
Ruby loved everything about the opera—the music, the story, the performers, the costumes. The soaring passion of the performance reflected what she felt in her heart. Niccolò whispered a little about the story, but even without understanding a word, she comprehended the meaning deep within her being.
If given a chance, she vowed silently, she would bring these emotions to the stage and to film—in her way, of course, but she would be just as strong and memorable.
After the opera ended, the crowd erupted in applause and cheers. Ruby and Niccolò stood with everyone else, and Ruby was amazed at the outpouring of love.
As they made their way out, Niccolò snatched a program from a chair for her. Aida, Giuseppe Verdi, 1870. Taking a pen from his jacket, he drew hearts on a page before giving it to her. “For you to remember tonight.”
“How could I ever forget it?”
They splurged again and took a taxi.
“Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti,” Niccolò told the driver.
The Spanish Steps were near where Ruby was staying with the rest of the cast. Her pensione wasn’t as fancy as the Hotel Hassler where the stars were staying, but she loved simply being in Rome and having a chance to be a part of the production.
At the base of the broad steps, they lingered in the Piazza di Spagna, perching on a low wall near a large sculpted fountain. The sound of rippling water muted nearby conversations and the breeze off the water cooled Ruby’s bare arms.
Gazing at the fountain, Ruby recalled something she’d heard from a fellow cast member. “Baroque style, right?”
“You know art?” Niccolò smiled. “This is the Fontana della Barcaccia. Fountain of the boat.”
Ruby regarded it with a finger to her chin. “Aptly named, seeing as how someone left their boat in the middle of the fountain.”
Niccolò chuckled and drew close to her, lifting his arm around her shoulder. “You make me smile so much inside.” He’d removed his jacket in the balmy night air.
Ruby shivered in his embrace with anticipation.
Sliding his fingers under her chin, he tilted her face and grazed her lips with his in question.
Responding, she kissed him back, softly, but surely. This was her first kiss, here in Rome with a boy whose heart beat in rhythm with hers and whose eyes saw into her very soul. She would never forget this night.
“Anima mia,” she whispered.
Chapter 3
Los Angeles, 2010
* * *
Her heart thumping, Ariana flung open the door of the small church and raced outside. Gripping her flowing, hand-beaded silk skirt in her fists, she wedged herself and her bridal finery into her vintage MGB convertible.
“Ariana!” Phillip called out, but she dared not turn around.
Although she hadn’t planned to wear her dress in the car, going with a slim silhouette of a wedding dress over a billowing, crinoline-enhanced style was the right choice for a fast getaway. Even with the top down, a full-skirted dress simply wouldn’t have fit into the sportscar.
“Stop,” he called again.
No way was she taking time to change.
After the wedding, she and Phillip had planned to put the top down and drive up the coast of California. Phillip wanted to see the towering redwood trees and play golf with friends from school at Pebble Beach. Since she didn’t play golf, she’d be on her own for much of the time. As much as she’d looked forward to their honeymoon, that was his dream trip. Her aunt’s trip to Italy sounded more romantic.
“He can go there by himself for all I care,” she muttered.
With a glance in the mirror, she confirmed what she thought. Her cheeks were blazing through her carefully applied makeup with the crimson heat of anger and embarrassment. How could Phillip have done this to her?
Her veil tangled in the leather-bound steering wheel. She struggled to free it without damaging the delicate vintage Dentelle de Calais lace and tulle that she’d carefully sewn onto Ruby’s pearl and diamond hair comb.
Through the church’s open door, Ariana could hear the organ player dutifully playing wedding music for a ceremony that would never happen. She rolled her eyes over the irony.
“Ariana, I can explain,” Phillip yelled. “Please, I need you.”
The only things Ariana needed were to feel the warm sun on her shoulders and a cold iced tea on her lips.
She turned the key in the ignition and stomped the clutch with her handcrafted high heels. She’d taken such care with her bridal outfit and accessories, but now she couldn’t wait to take it all off. How could she have missed all the signs in her relationship with Phillip?
Swiftly reversing out of the parking space, Ariana spotted their friends and Phillip’s parents gathering outside the modest church on Coldwater Canyon in Studio City. Many celebrities and regular folks had married at the Little Brown Church, a knotty-pine paneled church that predated most of the development in the area. An intimate wedding, she’d insisted.
Thank goodness.
Shock lined familiar faces outside the chapel. Phillip’s parents wore expressions of apology and embarrassment, which is what Phillip should have been feeling. Her great-aunt Ruby stood away from the others by the doorway, imperious as always in an extravagantly plumed hat that she’d probably worn in some film decades ago. Raising her manicured red nails to her matching lips, Ruby blew a kiss toward Ariana and smiled.
Only Aunt Ruby understands. In retrospect, Ariana should have listened to her. She could have saved herself this embarrassment.
Ariana slid the stick shift into gear and gunned the engine. At once, Phillip loomed before her, his arms outstretched. She slammed on the brakes. Her nearly-husband-to-be bounced off the hood.
“Ariana, for heaven’s sake, stop.” He pushed himself off the hood. “I’m here now. Let’s do this.”
Lifting herself in the seat, she jabbed her finger over the windshield. “You were late. You had second thoughts. You stayed out all night with some woman you met in a bar. Now you’re sure?”
“Come on, nothing happened.” Looking infuriatingly handsome in the tux she’d designed for him, Phillip spread his hands. “Lots of guys get cold feet at the last minute. It happens, babe.”
“Not to me, it doesn’t. You’re either in this relationship, or you’re not. And you gave me just enough time to think.”
Everything Phillip had to do was more important than anything in her life. A cocktail party he suddenly had to attend trumped an awards dinner where she was nominated for a prestigious costume design award. A romantic weekend she’d planned was canceled because he’d promised to play basketball with the guys on Saturday morning at Beverly Hills High School. She could go on, but what was the point?
He’d kept her waiting at the church for more than an hour because he couldn’t decide if he was ready to get married. No call, no text, nothing. His best man had admitted that Phillip hadn’t returned to the hotel before they left for the church.
“When did you last see him?” Ariana had demanded.
His best friend, who was so hungover his face was green, admitted Phillip had left with another woman.
Last night, as Ariana watched the clock for hours and repeatedly punched the redial button to his mobile phone, the truth had dawned on her.
And as she’d waited for Phillip today, she decided she didn’t want to be a bit player in his life. She wanted a real partner. Despite everyone else’s supposedly better judgment—her matron of honor, Phillip’s parents—Ariana was taking charge of her life.
Now, with one foot on the brake, Ariana slid the stick shift into neutral and revved the engine.
“
Alright, alright.” Phillip held his hand. “Kid’s probably not even mine. I was doing you a favor, you know.”
“That’s it,” Ariana cried. She tugged off his gaudy ring and heaved it toward him. The weighty diamond tumbled across the hot asphalt, and Phillip dove after his investment.
He grabbed it and stood up, holding it up like a trophy before turning toward their guests and waving a finger beside his temple. Crazy woman.
Now he was going to spin this his way.
With her heart pounding, Ariana lurched forward in the car. As she wheeled from the lot, a gust of wind caught the veil she’d tossed into the vacant seat behind her. Billowing in the breeze, the veil took flight.
Cursing under her breath, Ariana whipped the car around to retrieve the veil. If it weren’t attached to a treasured piece of Ruby’s jewelry, she’d be careening down Coldwater Canyon right now.
Before Ariana could get to the veil, Ruby stepped forward and opened her arms. The tulle and lace tumbled into her arms.
Ariana pulled the car beside her aunt, who was wrangling the exquisite fabric and fluffing it like cotton candy. The plum feathers on her hat rustled in the breeze, and Ariana couldn’t help thinking that this looked like a scene from one of her aunt’s comedies.
“Don’t stare. Open the door.” Ruby inclined her head. “Or I can drive.”
Ariana dared not look back at the small crowd chattering behind her. “I wish you could. But it’s a stick shift.”
Ruby smirked. “What do you think I learned on, sweetheart? Let’s get you away from here.”
“But your ankle…and Stefano.”
“Relax, it’s not my clutch foot. And Stefano knows the way home. Andiamo, darling.”
“You’re on.” Ariana flung open the door to change places with her aunt.
After shoving the armful of bridal finery into Ariana’s arms, Ruby whipped off her plumed hat. “Here, put these in the boot.”
“Boot?”
“It’s an English car, so that’s only proper.” Ruby sighed. “The trunk, dear. And get on with it. That photographer you hired is trying to earn his wages. You don’t want to see this day immortalized, do you?”
Ariana opened the small trunk, which contained two small travel bags. Tossing Phillip’s designer luggage to the ground, she tucked in the veil and Ruby’s hat before sweeping herself into the passenger seat. As soon as Ariana slammed the door, Ruby squealed into traffic, leaving a trail of tire smoke and gaping guests.
Ariana slid down in the seat and covered her face with her hands. “I don’t know whether to cry or scream or laugh.”
“Celebrate,” Ruby said, deftly changing lanes with a finesse that belied her age. “You’re free, and he definitely wasn’t worth it.”
“I know. But the baby…” Ariana breathed through the panic curling in her chest.
“We’ll figure it out.” Ruby set her jaw and shifted gears.
Ariana knew her aunt had performed driving stunts in a film years ago, but seeing her whip them away from the church was impressive—even for someone half her age. “How’d you know Phillip was wrong for me, Aunt Ruby?”
Ruby shot her an incredulous look. “Experience. Count yourself lucky. Men, unlike wine, don’t necessarily improve with age.”
She might wish he’d be out of her life forever, but with a child on the way, it was unlikely. Second thoughts nipped at her mind. “What have I done?” Ariana flung her head against the seat.
Ruby shot her a triumphant look. “You’ve done what a million other women wish they’d had the guts to do—leave that old goat who mistreats them at the altar. Just imagine them cheering you on.” She raised a fist in the air and let out a whoop.
Ariana matched her and immediately felt a little better. “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” With her fist in the air, she noticed the wide-eyed stares from cars they were passing. “I can’t believe I did that,” she said, dissolving into hysterical laughter.
She’d been dating Phillip so long that she’d forgotten why she’d been attracted to him in the first place. Well, almost. He was the best-looking man who’d ever asked her out, and he had confidence enough for both of them. But she’d excused his selfishness long enough. Ariana wiped tears of hysteria from her eyes.
“That took guts,” Ruby said, extracting a delicate handkerchief from the pocket of her nubby suit and handing it to her. “Proud of you, sweetheart. Now, come back to Palm Springs with me,” Ruby said. “No sense going back to your apartment.”
“Which is packed and ready for movers anyway.” Ariana made a face and tilted her head against the seat, still feeling overwhelmed. “The movers are coming tomorrow.” Phillip had paid a company to move and unpack everything in their absence, and his personal assistant was managing the effort. Ariana had already donated her post-college furniture.
“I just realized I’m homeless and pregnant.” Ariana gave a wry laugh. “New tenants are moving in next week, and they’re paying considerably more than I was.”
“Too small for the baby.” Ruby dismissed this with a wave of her hand. “The movers can put your belongings in storage until you find something else.”
“You make it sound so easy,” Ariana said, slipping her feet from her shoes.
“Sure beats the alternative.” Ruby shot her a wry grin. “Since you’re blocked out of work for a month, why not use that vacation time? Dr. Lettie would certainly approve.”
The physician that Ariana had seen in Palm Springs at Ruby’s urging had given her a physical. While Ariana was healthy, the doctor had told her that she had classic stress-related symptoms. Dr. Lettie had suggested exercise, yoga, and a therapist. You have to find methods of dealing with the stressors in your life. Fortunately, the baby was fine.
Stressors. That would be Phillip and her work. Well, one down. Ariana unhooked the top eye on her strapless wedding gown so she could breathe easier.
“I should probably save my vacation time for the baby.” Ariana thought of all the plans she’d have to cancel or change right away.
She had been looking forward to taking a break. Her boss, Kingsley, had a perpetual scowl on his face, and little Ariana did could make him happy. When she paid attention to period details in clothing for a film, he dismissed her as too picky and insisted she was running up costs, even when she found vintage store bargains. There was no making him happy.
Ruby shifted through the gears with ease. “I think you need a vacation now more than ever. I’ll have Stefano book a couple of tickets for us. I’d been planning to surprise you soon with a trip anyway.”
“Just us?” Ariana sat up, intrigued by the idea. She hadn’t traveled with her aunt in years, not since her college breaks, but they’d always had such fun. “Where?”
Ruby lifted her chin. “Lago di Como.”
Ariana frowned. “Isn’t that where you just went?”
A smile bloomed on Ruby’s lightly lined face, a testament to decades of diligent skincare. “I’ve been dying to take you to Lake Como. And I have a surprise for you.”
“What’s that?”
Ruby laughed and wagged a jeweled finger. “Oh no, my darling. Not until we get there.”
Chapter 4
Lago di Como, 2010
* * *
“What would I do without you and Stefano?” Ruby rested her hand in the crook of Ariana’s arm as they exited the airport in Milan after a long flight from Los Angeles through New York to Milan.
Not that Ruby needed the support—her ankle was practically healed. Still, she enjoyed being close to Ariana, and not having to hurry to keep up with her niece’s lovely, long-legged stride. Now she preferred to enjoy the time she had left with intention.
Besides, taking one’s time was so much more elegant.
As they walked, Ruby noticed that several men turned to watch them. “You’re attracting admirers, Ariana. Oh, I just love Italian men.” One in particular, of course.
“I think they recognize you,” Ariana whispered.
/> Ruby patted her niece’s arm. “Don’t minimize your considerable charms, dear.”
While Ruby hadn’t expected to return to Italy so soon, she was thrilled to have a month here with Ariana. Dear Stefano had arranged the entire trip for them. Why, just two days ago, Ruby had spirited Ariana away from the little chapel, never looking back at the poor girl’s gaping groom who didn’t deserve a treasure like her. Or the child she was carrying.
As soon as they had reached Palm Springs, Ruby had told Ariana to pack her swimwear and a couple of casual outfits. They’d buy whatever else she might need when they arrived. Ruby wanted to take her niece shopping in the villages that lined Lake Como and spoil her as much as she could, especially after what Phillip had put her through. Ruby was sure that Ariana had made the right decision.
“Signora Raines, it’s a pleasure to see you again so soon.” A driver in a slim-cut dark suit greeted them and took their carry-on items. “Your assistant, Signore Stefano, retained me for anything you might need while you’re here.”
“Why, Matteo,” Ruby exclaimed. “How lovely to see you again.” She turned to introduce Ariana. “This lovely man was my tour guide on my last visit here.”
Because they had flown upper class, their suitcases were among the first on the baggage carousel. Matteo collected their luggage, and minutes later, Ruby and Ariana stepped out into the sunshine and followed the driver to a sleek black car.
Ariana grinned. “I’d forgotten how nice it is to travel with you. First-class all the way.”
“I earned every penny, so I might as well spend it as I wish,” Ruby said. “And I want this to be a trip to remember. For both of us. I told Stefano to make it extra special for you.”
“All these years, Stefano has been your substitute husband,” Ariana said. “Maybe I should follow your lead.” A frown creased her smooth complexion. “But I worry about handling a baby on my own.”
“Today, you have plenty of options.” Ruby squeezed Ariana’s arm, emphasizing her words. “And if that’s the biggest disappointment over Phillip, then you made the right choice.”