Page 24 of Wicked

I toss gear in my day pack, and I walk along the village’s main street. Fresh air is what is needed. There are only a dozen small shops, and few cars and people around. It really is a great location and perfectly quiet to write.

I pass a gentle older dog under an olive tree, and we eye each other with caution. He is shaggy, black-haired, and he has a kind face.

As I stroll around the village, I see my crashed red rental. I decide to deal with it in a few days, and I walk on.

For whatever reason, I feel inspired to write, and far more than ever. I guess it’s the new sights, smells, and the new sensations. And being in a land of such creativity, and history.

The village is perfect for completing my novel, and there will be no distractions at all. Not even him.

There and then, I decide to take the week off work tofinish my novel.The novel I started years ago, before my current dull day job.

The week will allow me to complete it, once and for all!

After running excitedlyalong the road, I find Maria in her apron inside the villa.

“I’d love to stay a week if that’s okay. I’m going to write!”

Maria grins, the smell of olive oil and fresh bread in the air. “Bravo, bella. I will book you in!”

I yell happily, and I run up the old wooden stairs.

It doesn’t take long to move my things from the arrogant grump’s suite into my own, and it is a nearly identical room. Sitting, I write and leave a message for the brute.

Sir!

Thank you for saving my soul and not penetrating me. I believe it is bad form to sleep with the help, so I doubt I will see you again. Good luck with your caretaking job, and I bid you farewell.

I slip my old fashion note under his door with a grin, finally feeling free of the rogue. I sit in the villa’s old-fashioned dining room, and I think about my novel.

As the fire crackles, I stare at the beach in the distance. I have my laptop, notepad, a half-completed novel draft, and my mom’s first novel as inspiration.

I am in heaven, but before I dig in, I want to clear all my admin. I message Parker in NYC, and I keep it short.

Staying in Italy for novel. At coast for a week. Send dating adventure details as they unfold. Love, The Virgin

I have just leaned back to get into my writing when Parker messages back.

Get some!

I laugh, sigh, and type fast.

As if!

My phone chimes fast, and I look down.

And come home soon. Miss you at yoga and happy hour!

More messages then come in.

Not that I miss you…

Much…

At all!

I smile, look down at my novel, and sigh. The novel is slightly personal, and it relates to how people move through life and how the universe is almost like a flowing river. A meandering river of energy with paths crossing and people going through all kinds of things. It touches on people’s lives intertwining, and like time, everything moves forwards. I also touch on fate and destiny.

For whatever reason, it is oddly an enjoyable time for me here in this village. Also, a good time to finish it, once and for all.

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