Page 98 of Electric Kiss

Cynthia waited for Bailey to follow the solicitor out, then sank into the chair, grinning. She would live out her days on Lake Como with Jonathan. They were young enough to enjoy it.

The door opened again, and Jennifer came in, shutting the door behind her.

“Are we still catching that flight?”

“Yes, we are,” Cynthia said and hurried across the worn carpet and hugged her lifelong friend. “And we’re never coming back.”

Jennifer smiled at Cynthia. “It’s about time.”

Chapter Thirty-Six

Five years later

Cynthia looked across Lake Como. Behind the hills, the fiery sun was slowly descending.

She would never tire of looking at the rippling waters with a dazzling orange hue. The air was filled with a serene stillness that was only broken by the distant hum of a boat engine. It mirrored how she felt in her heart.

Five years had passed since her father’s death and five years since she left Copper Island.

She felt like a new woman. The sweet aroma of wildflowers, mingled with the scent of the lake, created a heady fragrance that filled the senses. It was a different kind of scent from her gardens and conservatory. It was a different air than the Atlantic Ocean.

A better kind. Different enough that there were no reminders of the old life she had left behind. As the night approached, the lake seemed to hold its breath as if savouring the last moments of this stunning sunset. She didn’t have that kind of view of Copper Island or a sense of calm.

Cynthia stood at the metal railing of their palatial villa, her bare feet cooling on the marble floor. Her high-heeled sandals were to her left, ready to put on when it was time to leave for a late dinner with their friends.

She could hear Jonathan coming down the staircase. Turning, she watched as he ran down the steps to greet her. He didn’t delay and kissed her. Deeply. Wrapping her arms around her back in the long purple silk dress they’d chosen that afternoon as they strolled around the town. Their passion had not dwindled with time. It was like they were still making up for lost time.

“I won’t be long,” he whispered over her lips. “Benny needs a lift to the other side of the lake. I’ll be right back to pick you up. Be ready.”

“I am ready, honey,” she replied and pressed her lips to his again. They stayed like that until Benny rounded the side of the villa and scoffed.

“Honestly, don’t you two ever stop?”

Cynthia and Jonathan chuckled as they pulled apart. Jonathan pressed his lips in a quick kiss and then twirled the boat keys on his index finger.

“Trying to show you that love can last a lifetime, Son,” Jonathan said. “Perhaps this lady you’re seeing will be the one to tie you down?”

“Maybe,” he replied, grinning at Cynthia.

She knew better. Benny had no intention of marrying until he was forty. Then the women of Milan had better watch out. When Benny set his mind to something, he got exactly what he wanted.

“Have fun. We’ll see you for lunch tomorrow?” she asked.

“Highly likely, but no promises,” he replied, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “I hope you guys have a great time at the restaurant. I hear great things about the new chef.”

“I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow when you come for lunch,” she replied, giving his hand a squeeze.

Benny rolled his eyes and gave her a wink. Then father and son were trotting down the stone staircase that led to the narrow dock where their motorboat was tied up. They both hopped in, and Jonathan started the engine, then carefully backed the boat away and drove it slowly in a circle to head in the right direction. They gave her a wave from the boat with big smiles, and she did the same back, her arm high in the air waving back.

“Benny looks happy,” Jennifer said at her side.

“He does. We’re all happy. It’s a good time to be alive.”

“Yes, it is,” Jennifer said and handed Cynthia a martini glass filled to the brim. “Your eyes are shining. What’s so special about this evening?”

“It’s the anniversary of the day we met.”

“Wow, I can’t believe fifty years has gone by.”

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