Page 20 of Bella Rosa
We finish off our plate of grapes, and she grabs my arm as she stands. "Come on. Let's go take a walk. I think you need some fresh air."
I get up and smooth out the wrinkles on my sage green sundress. "Maybe we can get some photos for my new blog?"
I do know one thing for certain, I will have a difficult time getting on that plane in twelve days. No matter what happens with Matteo, it breaks my heart to think about leaving these amazing people.
13
Soaking Wet
Rosalie
MatteoandIaregoing to one of Juli's top picks for dinner tonight.
We're getting a later start than normal because Matteo had to finish something up at work. So I had plenty of time to kill waiting for him to arrive. Unfortunately, that means we won’t have much time at the restaurant.
I'm sitting in my room working on my next blog post when I hear his Vespa pull up out front. I save my progress, and take one last look in the mirror. I'm still in my sage green sundress from earlier, but I dressed it up with some strappy heels and a nice necklace. I smooth my loose curls out before I make my way downstairs.
Alda is standing outside talking to Matteo when I reach the front door.
She gives me a hug before I make my way toward the Vespa. "I was just telling Matteo it's going to rain tonight."
He shakes his head and smiles at her. "And I was just telling her the forecast is clear."
She shakes her head right back. "My knees have always been a better judge of the coming weather." She points at me. "Mark my words. You will be soaking wet when you come home tonight." She gives me a little wink and walks back inside.
Did she really just say soaking wet with a wink? I try my best to not make eye contact with Matteo. He just laughs and hands me my helmet.
Alda’s comment about the weather makes me realize something. "How long does it take to replace an engine anyway? Surely it should have been done by now."
"It should be done soon."
Well that wasn't much of an answer. Oh well. I don't even own a car, so what do I know?
I strap the helmet on and situate myself behind him. I thought the shock of being pressed against him like this would wear off, but I couldn't have been more wrong. It's like my entire body is humming when we touch. I reach my arms around his middle and lay my cheek on his back. We both let a small sigh slip free when I'm settled.
I breathe in the now familiar sandalwood and leather as he starts the engine. "Do you think we should be worried about the weather?"
He shakes his head and pulls out onto the road. He has to talk louder over the sound of the engine. "No. I think we’ll be fine. The skies are clear and I didn’t see anything on the weather forecast this morning." He pats my hands that are resting against his stomach. "Don’t worry, Rosa."
After making it to the restaurant we take our seats at a reserved table, because of course, Matteo knows the head chef. I suspect he is why we got a reservation in the first place.
The tension is thick as the hostess leaves us. Neither of us have said a word since we left Alda's.
I unfold my napkin and place it in my lap just so I can have something to do with my hands. I look everywhere but at him. I'm pretty sure if we make eye contact I will self-combust and that would be a horrible end to my lovely trip.
I decide to break the ice while I try the bread. "So, how is Luca?" I hope my tone of voice comes across more normal than it sounds in my head, like I’m desperate for a reprieve from the heat unfurling between us.
I make the mistake of looking over at him when he takes a slow sip of his water. I can't help but track the movement in his neck as he swallows, and the tightening of the muscles in his arm as he places the glass back on the table. He has the sleeves of his button-up rolled up to his elbows and his black watch stands out against his white shirt and light gray slacks. I can't take my eyes off of him.
I keep watching as he runs a hand through his hair and licks his lips. He finally answers my question. "Luca is good; he’s excited to be home for a few days. His mom is throwing him a birthday party next weekend and he asked me to invite you, Juli, and Alda. He's not thrilled to be making the trip again so soon, but his mom insisted."
I nod my head as I take a sip of my water. "I would love to come. I was hoping I would get to see him again before I go home. I'll let Juli and Alda know we’ve been invited."
The waiter arrives to take our order. I take Matteo's recommendation as always. After the waiter leaves, I excuse myself and go to the ladies’ room. I need to compose myself before I pass out at the table. I haven't even taken any photos of the restaurant tonight. I have to remember why I'm here.
I splash some cold water on my cheeks and pat them dry. I look at myself in the mirror. What am I doing? I need to focus. I can't keep getting so worked up over a guy like this. It will ruin my chances of getting the new position at Foodie.
I run my hands through my hair to smooth out the tangles from the ride here. After I'm done, I give myself a nod in the mirror. "You can do this." Geez. Now I'm talking to myself.
