Page 43 of Bella Rosa
Matteo motions for me to sit in the captain's chair and begins pointing at each screen. "I had all these put in a few years ago. This one shows me a video of the anchor while it's being raised or lowered. This one is a map that tracks all nearby boats and the depth of the water. It also allows me to plot my course."
"That's really cool!"
"I'll show you around the cabin and we can take her for a spin!"
I can't keep the smile off my face. This is so much cooler than I expected. I don't know what I was expecting to be honest. An older ship like Jack’s that was in horrible condition? I have no idea.
Matteo takes me below deck where the sleeping quarters are and a small restroom. He goes back up to prepare for our trip while I change into my swimsuit.
When I return to the top deck I find him sitting in the captain's seat. His hair is wild from being tossed about by the wind. He seems just as natural in the captain's seat as he does in the kitchen.
I come up behind him and run my hand down his back, his soft shirt gliding under my hand. He leans his head back and smiles at me. His sunglasses are hanging from the collar of his shirt. "Everything is ready to go."
He moves over in the seat to give me room to sit next to him. "Let's do this!"
The way he maneuvers the boat through the marina is amazing. It's a busy day with boats darting here and there, so we move slowly as we exit the marina. As soon as we exit the marina I feel more at ease. Thankful to be out of the crowded docks.
As soon as we start picking up speed, I exit the main cabin to go to the front of the boat. The wind is causing my hair to whip around the back of my head. The salty water splashes up to lightly mist my face. I close my eyes and let myself be in the moment.
27
It Doesn't Hurt Any Less
Matteo
Alonetimeisimportant.It's one of my most valued things.
I never thought I could enjoy my alone time more with another person. Sailing is normally my time. That's why I worked so hard on improving this boat so I could sail alone. Now though—the thought of sailing alone terrifies me. The thought of her not being here is worse.
I watch her through the windows of the cockpit. Her hair is whipping around her. She has her arms stretched out, her palms facing the sky. She's beautiful like this. So carefree.
Bringing her here was different than I expected. I didn't expect to feel so sad. I used to come here every weekend. I don’t know how I let myself get so caught up in work that I let myself forget how important this place is to me.
I take a moment to look out at my grandfather’s legacy. She’s not a fancy yacht like you see so much of on the Amalfi Coast. She’s a classic sailboat, having been built in the 1950’s. I'll forever be grateful my grandfather entrusted her to me.
I can't help but wonder what would my grandfather think about me now? Would he be proud of all I have accomplished or would he be disappointed in how much life I have given up living because of work?
I begin lowering the sails as we reach our destination. Rosa lowers her arms and turns to watch the sails descend. I lower the anchor and join her on the deck. "Want to go for a swim?"
I picked this spot because I knew we would be alone. The tourist's boats don't come this way. The water is still crystal clear though. She nods her head and starts walking to the front of the boat to jump off.
I grab her arm as she passes. "You never asked me what was on my bucket list, Rosa."
She raises her eyebrows. "What's on your bucket list?"
A smile encompasses my face. "Skinny dipping."
She shakes her head. "Won't someone see us?"
I shake my head right back. "No one comes out here this time of year."
Her apprehension morphs into a smile. After a few moments she nods her head. "Okay. Let's do it."
I smile as I race to take my clothes off. We toss our clothes toward the cockpit and turn toward the water.
I hold my hand out to her with a smile still on my face. "Together?"
She takes my hand and squeezes it. Her smile lights up her eyes. "Together."
