Page 197 of Play of Love
“Yeah?” he looked excited.
“Yes.” I hugged him again. “Thank you, Gage. You're the very best thing that's ever happened to me."
He held me close to his heart and kissed the side of my head. "No Evie. It's you. It was always you."
* * *
The fog had cleared substantially across the sea front by the time the ferry pulled into the docks in Procida. The sun was just beginning to warm up the place and revealed its beauty. It was breathtaking to look at, and I could feel Lucy's excitement and anxiety.
I felt anxious and excited for her too. I wondered what Angelo would be like, and how he would react when he saw Lucy. I wondered what would happen next.
It took us about fifteen minutes to get to his house. It was one of the cottages by the pier and overlooked a lighthouse. The scene reminded me of a painting with its intricate structure and artistic design. A beautiful garden of roses adorned the front and sides, looking similar to Lucy's in Chicago except there were roses of different colors and types.
"Are you okay?" I asked her. Lucy had her arm linked in with Gage's.
"I'm nervous." She smiled. "But I can't wait to see him. I can't believe I'm here. I can't believe we're here." She chuckled.
"Well, we certainly made it," Gage stated with a bright smile.
We stopped at the entrance to the garden path.
"Should we come with you?" I asked.
Lucy nodded. "My legs feel like water. I don't even think I'll be able to make it to the door." She gave a nervous smile. I could see poor Lucy's hands trembling.
"Come on let's go."
We walked with her to the door. Lucy rang the bell, and we waited for what seemed like forever for the door to open, but it was actually less than a minute.
Lucy wobbled, and Gage held her up as the door opened revealing a tall elderly man with short white hair and a neatly kept full beard the same color. He saw Gage first and looked at him curiously, but as his eyes landed on Lucy they widened, and held her gaze. I watched the realization form on his face, along with disbelief.
Lucy opened her mouth to talk, but no words came out. Gage released her arm as she attempted to reach into her purse. Her hands were shaking so much I had to hold her bag for her.
Lucy offered me a grateful smile and retrieved one of the letters. She held it up to Angelo and smiled.
"I just got your letters." Her voice shook, thick with emotion as she spoke. "I'm so sorry I'm late." She told him.
I looked at Angelo and watched a lone tear run down his cheek. Seeing his reaction got to me and I felt very close to tears myself.
"Lucy?" He brought his hand up to his head and pulled in a deep breath. "My Lucy."
The energy of love drew Lucy into his awaiting arms. It was so beautiful to watch, showing that love could last.
It didn't matter how much time passed because if something was true, it would always be true.
"I'm so sorry I'm late," Lucy repeated.
"Don't worry. You made it," Angelo replied stroking my head.
He released her and looked over at Gage and I. Lucy looked back too.
"This is Gage, my dearest grandson." She pointed at Gage. When she looked over at me she paused and sighed. "And this is my..." I paused again. "What can I call you dear?" Lucy's eyes widened.
Her breath caught as I looked at the woman who meant so much to me. I wouldn't know what to call Lucy either. Aside from my mother, no one had meant as much to me as Lucy did. There wasn't a fitting definition to fully describe her greatness.
Lucy reached out and touched my cheek. "You have been my student, my muse, my friend, my everything. You are like a daughter to me. Thank you so much for believing in this."
I nodded. "You are extremely welcome."
