Page 35 of I Think Olive You

My GPS brings me to the closest town, a mere fifteen minutes away. Finding the nearest clothing store, I grab outfits for tomorrow for each of us and some things to serve as pajamas for tonight. I’m guessing at her size—can only hope the clothes will be okay. Since I’m not as well versed in women’s clothing when I’m not taking it off, I figure a dress is the best bet. More forgiving if I get the sizing wrong. I can’t afford to have her know what an idiot I am, how reckless I was in my deception, and how far I’m going for this ruse.

Not your first rodeo, pal. You’re halfway through another con… one you keep trying to pretend isn’t happening but she’s going to find out at some point and you’ll?—

SHUT UP.

Clothes and toiletries rung up, some more nicotine patches and gum tucked into the bag, I find what I need next. The jewelry store is nestled between a bakery on one side and a law firm on the other. Kind of fitting.

Lawyer…

Fuck.

I haven’t checked in with Alan since that phone call in the grove and I haven’t convinced myself to take a real step toward betrayal. The biggest blessing since then is we’ve gotten rid of the real volunteer. Otherwise, it’s been long days in the grove learning and long nights in bed yearning. Giuliana’s had me all knotted up, twisted until I barely recognize myself anymore. The thought of her is enough to pull my mind from Alan and the lies piling up behind me like a car wreck.

Back to the task at hand. I make my choice within ten minutes, as if I knew the moment I saw it. This time they accept my card—no small purchase limit here. Swiped for an obscene amount of money—the biggest perk to having it, getting what I want when I want. I head back toward the grove before the hour is out. Not bad. Not bad at all.

When I make it back Francesca hands me my own room key and points me toward the room I’ll be sharing with Giuliana. She waits inside.

Although “waits” is an understatement. Giuliana paces the thin passage between the two beds, stopping short when she hears the door click with my entrance. I hold up the bag as a peace offering.

“Clothes and some toiletries.”

“Where have you been? And what have you gotten us into? I can’t afford this room! It was supposed to be a lowkey group tour to get a feel for things.” The words tumble from her, as if she’s been ruminating on them for a while and can’t keep them inside anymore.

“Look, I’m sorry. I had to put up a bit of a show for Francesca. I told her I messed up and this was supposed to be a very special outing for us. The tours were all sold out today because of a wedding happening at the villa tonight. She was nice enough to offer a package including the tour, so I booked it.” I settle down on my bed, the one closest to the door, and fight the urge to recline. Lying is tiring.

“So, you decided to make me your girlfriend in this little “show” of yours?” She slumps down onto her bed, facing me, knee bouncing in what I assume is irritation.

“It was easier than admitting the alternative: you’re technically my boss and we’re here to spy on them.”

“You said it wasn’t spying!”

“It’s not. I just didn’t want to take the chance of having her misunderstand me.”

“Instead, you lied to her and we have to spend the time pretending.” Giuliana folds her arms across her chest, pushing those plush breasts up and I swallow. Her mouth turns down and her eyebrows pinch into a frown.

“It’s one day. We’ll be gone by tomorrow afternoon. Surely you can manage to endure my company for one day?”

She’s done it before and to my recollection she hadn’t complained then. Contrarily, Giuliana had made a good show of very much enjoying it. Pulling in a deep breath, air huffing out of her nose as she exhales, some of the tension drains from her body.

“That’s not how I mean it. It’s just… unprofessional. And I don’t like deceit!”

“No one knows but us. You don’t even have to talk to anyone about us. It’s just some hand holding every now and then, maybe a peck on the cheek. Think you can handle it?”

She nods, her mouth turning up in a reluctant smile when I reach out my hand. Giuliana slips her palm into mine and I give a little squeeze.

“I should warn you, I may have said it was our anniversary. And I brought you here to surprise you. Just remember to trust me and go with it.”

You’re the worst, you know that? Asking her to trust you when you haven’t decided whether or not you’re going to fuck her over… pulling her into another falsehood you know she’d never go along with.

I ignore the inner asshole, though at this point I’ve got to wonder if he’s making too much sense. Giuliana starts to tug her hand away, but I hold on gently.

“Matteo, sarai la mia morte.” She rolls her eyes, her shoulders slumping a little.

“I don’t know what you said, but I’m going to pretend it was good! For now, let’s see what they have for food options because I don’t know about you, but all that excitement has me starving.”

I rise, bowing to place a kiss on the back of her hand before heading downstairs to bother Francesca again.

This is either going to go very well, or Giuliana’s going to kill me. Regardless, things have just gotten a lot more interesting.

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