Sunrise in Florence

by Kathleen Reid

  “I promise you, Jack, things here are really good. I’ve met lots of new people and I’m learning so much each day.”

  “What happened when he came to visit two weeks ago?”

  “Why do you ask?” The phone was not the place to tell Jack about the drawings and all the drama that she had dealt with.

  “He said that he came over and surprised you, but for some reason you don’t trust him. I’m still not quite sure I get the whole story.”

  “We had an awesome visit, Jack. Nothing more, nothing less. I just moved a few weeks ago. I haven’t even had time to adjust to my new life here in Italy. It’s been a bit chaotic with all the changes, but please don’t worry about me. I’m happy and well.”

  “Okay, great. Just checking on you, little sis. I’m really proud of you for going after your dreams.”

  “Thank you,” said Rose. “That means a lot to me. Start planning your visit. I have a spare room. And more importantly, how are your girls?”

  “We’re heading to the beach next week. It’s Laney’s first time seeing the ocean. All is well.”

  A longing for home swept over Rose, quickly turning to despair. Jack’s call seemed manipulative, but she couldn’t be sure.

  ***

  Rose returned home and decided to take the morning off to enjoy being back in Florence. She wandered around Santa Croce with no real destination. A gorgeous blush-colored wrap dress caught her eye, and she went inside the pretty boutique shop to try it on. While she browsed through the racks of silks and designer clothing, Dominique walked in and eyed her with a sneer.

  “Oh, it’s the little schoolteacher. I know Lyon is totally bored with you.” She laughed.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Ask Lyon why he came to see me yesterday.”

  “I’m sure you’d love to tell me.”

  “We’ve been together for years; our bond is unbreakable.”

  “So why are you still married to someone else if you two are so deeply connected?”

  “You are very naive, darling,” she chuckled. “My husband won’t let me go. Someone like you wouldn’t understand; he’s a very powerful man.”

  “Sounds pathetic to me,” said Rose.

  “You’re the pathetic one,” Dominque huffed. “Lyon told me he feels sorry for you. You know, a young woman with no family or friends in a new city. He has a good heart. He wanted to be helpful.” She looked Rose up and down. “Besides, why would he want to be with someone like you.”

  “Unlike you, I’m young and free. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

  Rose stepped away and asked the saleswoman if she could try on the beautiful dress in the window. Her thoughts became even more jumbled and confused. Why did Lyon get in touch with Dominique? Her run-in with Dominque was a chance meeting, after all. The woman hadn’t had time to formulate a story.

  She must have mistaken his feelings for her or lack thereof. Maybe Dominique was telling the truth and she had completely misread the situation at Lyon’s parents’ house. Feeling a sudden sense of embarrassment, Rose ran through the scenes of her time with Lyon in Tuscany, wondering if she had made a fool of herself. Regardless, a kernel of doubt crept into her mind while she considered the woman’s nasty comments. But what really bugged her was the fact that Lyon had a long-term relationship with an obnoxious married woman.

  The dress needed some minor alterations but was stunning on Rose. She liked how the silk fabric draped her body. Without hesitation, Rose splurged on the outfit and a great pair of nude patent heels; she wandered around other shops, indulging in some much-needed downtime. She had a fleeting thought that she should tell Lyon of her encounter with Dominique but changed her mind; she didn’t want to appear so vulnerable or naive.

  Doubt about Lyon seeped into her consciousness. Was he really her type? How could he be, given his relationship and lifestyle?

  She was walking home from the dress shop when she ran into Nicole, the owner of the leather shop whom she had met her first week in Florence.

  “How’s it going? I’ve been meaning to get in touch.”

  “So far, so good. I’m settling into my life here and painting and working on the apartment.”

  “Aha! So, I haven’t seen you since that first date with your American friend? How’d it go?”

  A wave of sadness assailed Rose and she brushed it off. “We had fun but I’m not sure the long-distance thing is going to work.”

  “Well, no problem. You may just find an Italian man here,” she said with a laugh. “Hey, I’m in the process of redecorating my shop. Would you have any interest in helping me?”

  “What exactly are you doing?”

  “I don’t know yet!” They both laughed. “I just think the front window could be prettier and so could our displays. We need to attract more tourists to come into the store. You get it.”

  “I’d love to help. Sounds very creative.”

  “We could work out some sort of payment.”

  “That sounds perfect. When and where?”

  “Bright and shiny tomorrow morning. Is seven too early?”

  “Not at all. I used to teach, so I’m used to starting work early.”

  “Wear something casual. We’re cleaning and mopping too.”

  “Sure,” said Rose. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

  ***

  The next morning, with a spring in her step, Rose made the twenty-minute walk to the leather store and knocked, thrilled to have a fun project. It took her mind off figuring out her life. She felt incredibly grateful and lucky. Thanks to the drawings, she had plenty of money in her bank account, so she could take her time to decide what was right for her. It was a true blessing and lessened a lot of anxiety.

  Rose greeted Nicole and her assistant, Ariana, who was dressed in ripped jean shorts, heels and a T-shirt. Rose suppressed a grin as she eyed her cute shoes. Ariana reminded her of one of her students and she said as much. She poured a cup of coffee from the pot in the employee area and listened as Nicole expressed her dissatisfaction with her lackluster store window.

  “What about painting the walls white, which would make it clean and fresh looking in here, and then adding separate shelves to display your colored handbags?”

  “Love that idea!”

  “Why not black?” said Ariana.

  “Black?” said Nicole. “That doesn’t seem inviting.”

  “It would be cooler.”

  Nicole shook her head. “I don’t think so. I’m thinking light and bright.”

  Rose added, “You can’t go wrong with high-gloss white. It wouldn’t be hard to roll on a coat of white paint today, and perhaps, in the front window, we could do something kind of modern, like hand silhouettes holding a handbag? One of my students showed me her project once on Christian Dior, and they did something along those lines.”

  “Excellent,” said Nicole. “Works for me. I certainly asked the right person to help!”

  Ariana rolled her eyes and began texting.

  “This is fun. I did tons of these kinds of projects with my high school students and I always enjoyed helping!”

  Rose plunged into the painting, feeling happy and at ease. It had taken the better part of the morning to purchase the white paint and prep the tiny store for its makeover. The day practically flew by as Rose wiped down baseboards, taped certain areas to get a straight line and filled in cracks. Nicole bought sandwiches for lunch and they sat in the back room talking and laughing. Rose didn’t check her phone or analyze anything, which was cathartic. As she took a break for a moment to peer outside, she looked over at a café across the street only to see Dominique and Lyon seated at a table. Her trust in him evaporated, and she wondered how she had almost fallen for him in the first place. Men, she thought, make my life complicated. She wondered about the costs of idealization.

  Turnin
g away, Rose attacked the painting with a vengeance, determined to get the first coat on the entire store. That night, Nicole insisted they all stop around ten and indulge in a pizza.

  “Hey,” said Nicole. “You must be exhausted from all of the painting, which you’ve done perfectly, by the way. This place looks fantastic.”

  “Oh, thanks,” said Rose, gratefully accepting a glass of red wine. “I’ve loved the project. It’s always amazing to me how much a coat of paint can change the look of a room.”

  “I can’t believe how light and bright it is in here now. Great idea!”

  “Yes,” said Rose. “I think it looks so much more inviting.”

  Ariana, who hadn’t exactly done that much, said, “I’ve never worked this hard.”

  Both Rose and Nicole suppressed a grin.

  “Sweetie, I’m so sorry this has been such a long day. Thank you for everything. Do you want a glass of wine?”

  “No grazie. I have a date with Roberto. He’ll be here in five minutes.”

  “Perfect.”

  When she left, Nicole peered over at Rose. “You looked upset this afternoon. Everything okay?”

  “Well, there was someone here that I liked a lot, but he’s been in a relationship for years and I saw him today with her again.”

  “Maybe it was nothing,” she said.

  “Or maybe they’ll always be connected.”

  “Well, you were certainly very excited to see your American boyfriend.”

  “Yes, we had a great time, but . . . ” Rose sighed.

  “What happened?”

  “He did something that made me not trust him.”

  “Did he cheat on you or hurt you in some way?”

  “It’s a long story, but he took something that belonged to me and I’ve been really angry about it.”

  “Maybe you should forgive him and give him another chance. It sounds like your Italian friend isn’t who you thought he was. But don’t listen to me. I’ve only been dating my boyfriend for a few months.”

  “I’d say that makes you an authority,” Rose grinned. They clinked glasses. “This place looks great.”

  “Thanks to you,” said Nicole. “You’re a hard worker. I’m impressed.”

  “I love being creative.”

  “I can tell. So, I think that purse over there has your name on it.”

  “Really?” said Rose. “I love it!”

  “Well, thank you so much for your help. Can you come back tomorrow? I need you!”

  “I’d be happy to help finish this up.”

  ***

  Rose grabbed an Uber ride home. She was feeling lonely and forlorn over seeing Lyon. So, she decided that she was ready to hear Ben’s side of the story and texted.

  Hi: So sorry for the delayed response. I was visiting friends in Tuscany. It was an amazing experience!

  B: I think we’ve had a misunderstanding and I know what you’re thinking.

  Do you?

  B: Yes, I can explain. Please sweetheart.

  Sweetheart?

  B: It’s not what you think. How many years have you known me? I don’t want to lose you over this. I swear to you that I will do anything to earn your trust back.

  Thanks. I appreciate that you would want to do that.

  B: Why wouldn’t I? I fell in love with you again and can’t get you out of my mind.

  Did you just use the L word?

  B: I did and I mean it. It was always you.

  I need some time to process everything. I’m feeling overwhelmed with all of the changes in my life right now.

  B: I completely understand. I want us to work, Rose. I mean that. Do you feel the same way?

  I don’t know what I think, Ben.

  B: I’m yours. Please believe in my feelings for you.

  I’ll try.

  His declaration of love was crazy. She was crazy. Her world felt crazy right now.

  All her life she had longed for a real relationship with Ben. She couldn’t let go of that part of her that still believed they were meant to be together—no matter what.

  Chapter 15

  HER DAY STARTED OUT with a piping-hot cup of coffee on her balcony as she savored the view of terra-cotta rooftops. She still couldn’t believe that she actually bought a place and lived in this amazing city. Each day she felt an inner confidence that she had never known; everything was so new—and sometimes a bit overwhelming. Rose had to admit to herself that she was a little homesick. She rubbed her temples and realized that she had no real structure in her life. A vision of her teaching days at Bellfield crossed her mind, and she missed her morning chats with Zoey.

  As she contemplated her options, Rose decided that she was ready to enroll in formal painting classes so that she could take her art to the next level. She went online and made a list of requirements, determined to figure out which program would serve her best. It seemed like she would need to complete a bigger body of work to have a chance at some of the more prestigious institutions.

  As she packed her art supplies in a bag, her phone buzzed, and she saw it was a text from Ben.

  Can you meet me at the entrance to the Boboli Gardens in a half hour?

  What? You’re here?

  B: Surprise! I think we need to talk in person! It has been ridiculous trying to communicate via text.

  Okay great, I’ll see you soon.

  Rose didn’t understand her own racing heart or her excitement at knowing that Ben had flown to Florence, again, to see her. She didn’t analyze or second-guess. It was Ben, and he never failed to captivate her. In a rush, she changed into a white blouse and sandals, thinking that looked far more presentable than her stained painting clothes. Vanity won out and she brushed her hair and left it loose and flowing the way Ben liked it.

  The brisk walk to the entrance seemed suspended in time. Ben was waiting for her, and she smiled at the thought of seeing him again. Everything else was forgotten as she spied his tall, handsome form in the distance. Something made her slip into a slow jog, and he held his arms open when he saw her again, effortlessly twirling her in the air.

  He kissed her passionately the same way he had the first time he came to Florence.

  Moments later, they were walking hand in hand through the entrance gates into the lush expanse of gardens peppered with timeless statues and fountains. Finally, Ben stopped and turned to her, getting down on one knee. “I never thought I would say this to anyone again, but, Rose, I can’t live without you. Will you marry me?”

  “What?”

  “I want you to be my wife, Rose. That’s what I’m saying. We’ll figure out a way to make things work. I’ve been so upset since I left Florence, and I realize that you are my everything.”

  “Ben, I’m overwhelmed.” She gulped, feeling a desperate need for air. “Can we please sit down for a moment and talk?”

  “I know what you’re about to say . . . and I can explain!”

  His words touched her heart and she felt a sense of relief. “Go on.”

  “My plan was to take them to a contact I had in New York and get another appraisal of their value.”

  “Why didn’t you share your suspicions and ask me?”

  “It’s not right and I’m not proud of it, but I did everything for Angie and, well, I guess I’ve become a bit heavy handed. You are so smart and different than her. I made a poor assumption. I am so sorry.” He continued. “When Paul Klonadis said they were worthless, I knew he was lying. So, I wanted to bring the drawings to New York and have them appraised there by the folks I know at Christie’s.”

  “So, you knew Klonadis was lying but you didn’t tell me?”

  “I really am sorry, Rose. I was embarrassed and felt responsible. And I should have talked with you first about it and not decided for you . . . for us. Again, I was wrong. Please don’t
let this get in the way of what we have.” He paused. “Don’t ever forget that when I boarded that plane to come and see you, there were no drawings. It was all about you and me before we started dealing with your discovery.”

  “But they do exist, and it was my right to figure out how I wanted to handle the situation—not yours.”

  “I completely agree. I was heavy handed and I made a mistake.”

  Rose sat quietly for a few minutes. She wanted so much to trust Ben, and his story seemed plausible.

  “I forgive you,” she heard herself saying.

  “I love you and I promise never to do anything to make you distrust me again.” He pulled out a gorgeous diamond ring that shimmered in the Florentine sun. “Marry me?”

  “Oh my God!” Her heart pounded. She felt dizzy. She thought of Lyon. “Yes!” she blurted.

  They embraced, Ben hugging her tightly.

  Is this really happening?

  “Your parents are back at the hotel. Shall we go and tell them?”

  “Wait, my mom’s here? I can’t believe Doris came to visit.”

  Ben gave her a cocky smile, and Rose raised her eyebrow at him. “Don’t say it,” she said. “I already know how she feels about you.”

  “About us,” he corrected, pulling her closer.

  Rose looked again at her hand and the beautiful ring, an absolutely perfect solitaire set in gold with two baguettes on either side.

  Ben kissed her passionately, and Rose forgot everything else in that moment. The drawings ceased to exist, and Lyon . . . She pictured his handsome face and realized that they were not meant to be. It was always Ben.

  ***

  The whirlwind began at the hotel. Doris began to cry, practically clutching Rose to her.

  “I’m so happy for you both. This was always meant to be. You know how much I’ve always adored Ben!” She paused to take a breath. “And you’ll be a mom to little Emily!”

  Rose gulped, realizing that she had somehow just catapulted into a whole new reality. Ben came over and took her hand. “I’ve made arrangements for us to head to New York in a few days so Rose can spend time with Emily.”