Page 49 of Secret Match
The word love reverberated through her. She’d never sought out love. Never thought she needed it. Clearly she was an absolute fool. Adrenaline rushed through her as she watched the drive. She recognized the country roads and relaxed into her seat. Kiwi called his cell again, but again there was no answer. She left a voicemail. “Gio, I wish you’d answer. I went to your store and two of your workers are giving me a ride. I’m coming home now.”
She hung up the phone and realized the word home came so naturally. With Gio she felt like she belonged somewhere and in a family unit she’d chosen for herself. No man had ever made her feel like this. Love snuck up on her and now seemed so obvious.
She had to at least tell him, to his face that she was sorry and she loved him.
Before she knew it, she realized they were on Gio’s property already. Her hands shook as she stared at the gorgeous villa. The BMW car pulled onto the driveway. “Thank you!”
She hopped out of the car and rushed up the steps.
This morning felt like a lifetime ago. She knocked, her knees wobbly as she said to herself, “Please answer.”
The older maid with a tight gray bun answered and opened the door wide for her. Kiwi slipped inside, turning back to wave at the nice man before entering. The house seemed ominously quiet as she asked, “Where are Gio and his son?”
The maid blinked her brown eyes at her and closed the door. “Everyone left for the airport,signorina.”
Seriously? She’d just left there. Kiwi’s hand went to her hip. Was this some sort of prank? “You’re joking.”
The maid just stared at her blankly as she said, “No. They even took Francesca for her first trip to the US.”
“Who is Francesca?”
“Young Thomas’ new nurse maid.”
“That’s good.” Great. Maybe Gio turned his phone off for the duration of the flight. She closed her eyes and took a moment. Somehow she needed to talk to him. “Does the plane have a phone number?”
“Yes, of course.” The maid walked over to a side table and pulled out a small yellow sticky pad, writing the number down. Once she was done, she handed it to Kiwi. “Miss, you’re welcome to stay. You look exhausted.”
Kiwi nodded her thanks and pointed toward the library deciding to go in and rest her feet. “I am tired. Does Gio ever call and check in?”
“Your luggage is all still upstairs.” The maid walked with Kiwi to the library. “We’ll wake you if he calls. Get some rest.”
Her kindness soothed Kiwi’s nerves. Kiwi hugged her belly as if to protect her baby. “I will. I want to call Gio and my mother and then I’ll go up and take a shower. Thank you.”
The maid nodded her approval. “We need you to stay strong for your baby.”
“You’re sweet.” Kiwi never had an older Italian woman looking at her like she needed to eat more too though she didn’t say that at all. It was just a feeling Kiwi had.
After the maid left, Kiwi plopped into the seat and took out her cell phone. Once again it went to voicemail as she said, “Gio, I’ve been trying to get to you. I’m so sorry for walking away. I read the suicide note and freaked out. I’m at your house and I’m not sure what I should do. I wish you were here so I could apologize in person.”
She clicked off her phone and closed her eyes, resting her head. If Gio was here, she’d wrap her arms around him and tell him she was sorry.
Leaving had been the stupidest thing she’d done and he might hate her now. Thinking about him with another woman just left her so cold. Clearly she’d been delusional because she loved him.
Love was so obvious now that she looked back. And now her blindness might have ruined the best thing she’d ever had.
And love meant she needed to take a chance. She swallowed and then opened her eyes. The house was still so silent. She checked the time and hoped she converted it right. It was already late. She swallowed and realized her ten was probably her mother’s four AM, but her mother always woke at that time. She’d said for years that the early morning quiet time gave her peace of mind. Kiwi dialed, hoping her mother answered. A moment later she heard the click and her mother’s voice. Without a word, Kiwi opened her eyes and said, “Mom, oh thank you for answering.”
Her mother sounded like herself as she said, “I’m cooking breakfast.”
She’d eat at precisely five AM. Her mother was predictable and right now, thankfully so. Kiwi swallowed and said, “If Gio comes to your door today, please tell him I’m at his house in Italy.”
Her mother made atisksound and then put her spatula down with a smack. “You’re at his house and he’s not there?”
Kiwi could imagine her mother’s every move. She was making scrambled eggs and toast today. Her nose could almost smell the cheese she added. “Yes. I got lost and he thinks I went home, but I’m still in Italy.”
“Sounds confusing, sweetheart, but okay.” Her mother didn’t argue.
“Thanks, Mom.” Kiwi closed her eyes to pray again.
