by T A Williams
The reunion was joyous. As the car splashed through the puddles into the courtyard of Jack’s house half an hour later, the Labrador appeared in front of her, gave one solitary woof at the unfamiliar vehicle before realising who the driver was and then almost knocked her over as she climbed out, his delight to see her again threatening to overflow. She made a tremendous fuss of him and as she straightened up again, she heard a familiar voice.
‘Anna, my dear, welcome back. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to see you back here so soon.’
Anna looked round and saw Jack standing in the doorway of his house.
‘Jack, how wonderful to see you again. Thank you so much for inviting me back.’
‘Thank you for coming, my dear.’ He held out his arms toward her.
She hurried across to hug him warmly and kiss him on the cheeks, genuinely delighted to see him again.
He led her into the lounge and tried to insist that she sit down while he went off to fetch a bottle of champagne, but she gently pushed him into his armchair and went into the kitchen herself, the frisky Labrador bouncing up and down at her side, tail still wagging furiously. His master’s voice echoed down the corridor behind her.
‘Giovanna’s prepared some bits and pieces to eat. It’s all in the fridge.’
It took Anna two trips to ferry the champagne, glasses and no fewer than four heaped plates of food into the lounge. As usual Jack took charge of opening the bottle and filled two glasses, handing one across to her.
‘Cheers, Anna. Seeing you has brightened up my whole day. What am I saying? Your arrival has brightened up my whole month, my year.’
She stayed with him and chatted for almost two hours until she could see he was starting to look tired. In the course of their conversation she told him all about what she had been doing since she had last seen him and he shot off a few insightful comments about the mineral structure of the Carpathians. He then told her today’s rain had been badly needed but that the forecast for the rest of the week was good. She told him about the weather in Ukraine, but neither of them mentioned Marco’s name and she resisted the temptation to ask about him. She would be here for two weeks so she would have plenty of time to get all the news – if there was any to be had.
While they chatted, Jack insisted she help herself to the wonderful selection of bruschetta as well as prawn, goat’s cheese and salami sandwiches prepared by Giovanna, accompanied by cocktail sticks loaded with ham and melon. Giovanna had even made little individual fruit tarts as dessert and by the time Anna stood up to leave, she knew she wouldn’t need anything else to eat tonight. Jack insisted on getting up to see her out.
‘It’s all prepared in the old stables – your bed’s made up – and you know where everything is. If there’s anything you need, just shout. Giovanna will call in to see you tomorrow morning at nine and she’ll be happy to make breakfast for you.’
‘I’ll be absolutely fine, Jack. Please, tell her thanks, but there’s no need. Now, can I invite you over to my place for lunch tomorrow? Or would you prefer to go somewhere else?’
They arranged that he would come across at noon the next day and she knew that would give her ample time to go out and buy supplies, although when she went down to the old stables she immediately made two discoveries: the fridge was jam-packed with food and drink and it was as warm as toast in the house. Somebody had turned the heating on and there was no need for her to go out and buy a thing.
After bringing her stuff in from the car, she located the controls and turned the heating off before throwing the French windows open and walking out into the loggia. She stood there for some minutes and breathed deeply, just as she had done on her final night here two weeks ago. It was still raining and the wind was swirling around the side of the house but it felt remarkably welcoming all the same. She could see the lights of Marina di Campo flickering in the distance and a few other pinpoints here and there in the darkness. These weren’t fireflies but the lights of remote farms and cottages dotting the hillsides. The sound of the waves below was familiar and soothing and she had a real sense of homecoming.
Back inside, she sat down at the kitchen table and called her mother, telling her she had arrived safely and promising to stay in regular contact. A second or two after ringing off, a text message appeared. It was from Toby and it made interesting reading.
Hi Anna. Are you really back on Elba now? If so, why don’t we meet up again? Salvatore tells me we can be in your area in a couple of days’ time on our way back to Cagliari. Could we have dinner again? Maybe you might like to come out for a day’s sailing with us? Please say yes xx
Anna sat back and stared down at her phone for several minutes in silent contemplation. Come out sailing with us? No prizes for guessing to whom the we referred. So, how did she feel about the prospect of socialising with Toby and Ruby?
Chapter 22
She was still trying to make up her mind when she got up the next morning and walked across to the window and gazed out. The sun was shining brightly once more and as she pulled the window open she could almost hear the landscape sighing as it gratefully soaked up the long-awaited rain of the past couple of days. Although noticeably fresher than it had been a couple of weeks ago, the air temperature was still very pleasant so she put on her bikini and set off for the beach. To her great pleasure when she opened the door she found a damp Labrador waiting on the very damp doormat to greet her.
‘Ciao, bello. Coming for a swim?’
The water was as warm as ever and she had a delightful time with her four-legged friend. It felt so good to be back here. After a vigorous swim out towards the headland and back again, she rolled over and floated idly, staring up at the big puffy white clouds that announced the return of good weather. As she lay there, her brain was debating how to reply to Toby’s invitation. How did she feel about breaking bread with him and Ruby? After a lot of consideration she decided to say yes, although she felt sure it would turn out to be an awkward encounter. The reason she agreed to meet up was so as to show them that she was able to rise above petty jealousies – and so she could tell them what she thought of their behaviour. When she got back up to the house she sent him her reply.
Hi Toby. It would be nice to see you again and to hear all about your trip. Let me know which day suits you.
She did not, however, add any kisses at the end of her message as he had done. Yes, she was prepared to meet them, but she didn’t want to give the impression things hadn’t changed for good.
After a long walk with George along the coastal footpath, she made a quiche for Jack and planned to serve it with a mixed salad. As a starter she filled a plate with a selection from the mountain of ham, salami and sundried tomatoes she found in the fridge. Even so, there was probably enough left to keep her going for at least a week. Jack arrived punctually at noon and by that time the sky was completely clear and the temperature had risen once more. They sat outside under the loggia to eat, and the conversation, after inevitably involving mining and rare metals, finally turned to somebody a bit closer to home.
It was Jack who brought up the subject of Marco.
‘I haven’t seen much of Marco over the past couple of weeks, but I got a very brief call from him earlier this morning. He sounded as if he was in a big hurry. He tells me he has some big news.’
‘Really, what about?’ Anna tried not to sound too interested.
‘He didn’t say, but I’ve invited him round for a drink tonight at six. I thought you might like to come. Would that appeal to you?’ Seeing the uncertainty on Anna’s face, he carried on. ‘I didn’t mention that you’re back so if you prefer not to see him, there’ll be no harm done.’
Anna’s immediate reaction was to say no. Wouldn’t it be too awkward to see him again? But then, after a few moments’ consideration, she decided to take the plunge. If she was brave enough to see Toby and Ruby again, she was brave enough to see Marco. Apart from anything else, seeing him one more time would hopefully g
ive her some sort of closure.
‘That would be lovely, Jack. I look forward to it.’
By the time six o’clock came round, Anna was having serious doubts about the wisdom of agreeing to see Marco again, but it was too late by now. She deliberately didn’t dress up for the occasion as there was no point. At six on the dot she left the old stables and walked up the track towards Jack’s house. As she reached the paved courtyard, she heard footsteps approaching down the track and her heart gave an involuntary hiccup as he walked in through the stone arch.
‘Anna, hi. What a pleasant surprise. It’s good to see you again. I didn’t realise you were back; you should have said.’
‘Hi, Marco, it was a last-minute decision.’
He was looking as gorgeous as ever and she couldn’t sense any great change in his attitude towards her. The cheeky grin had been replaced by a simple smile and when they embraced, he kissed her on the cheeks rather than the lips but, otherwise, there was little to show that he now knew she had deceived him. While they walked round to Jack’s loggia side by side she tried to make sense of it. Had the roles been reversed, she felt quite sure her reaction would have been different.
‘Ciao Anna, ciao Marco. Come and sit down.’ As they appeared around the corner, Jack hauled himself to his feet to greet them while George appeared from under the table, tail wagging, to add his welcome.
Anna and Marco sat down on opposite sides of the table with Jack at the head. There was a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket already on the table along with a plate of nibbles, but food was the last thing on Anna’s mind for now. Jack dispensed the drinks and then sat back.
‘So what’s your big news, Marco? Tell us all about it.’
‘I’ve made a big decision. I’m selling up.’
‘What? Selling the villa?’ There was genuine incredulity in Jack’s voice. ‘But where will you live?’
‘I’m going to Auckland.’
‘New Zealand?’ Anna as equally surprised. ‘Why there?’
‘I’ve decided to do a course at the university. They do a very good Masters in Biosecurity and Conservation and, if all goes well, I’d like to stay on and do a doctorate. It’s something I’d really like to study, so I’ve decided to go for it. They’ve offered me a place and I can start what they call the fourth quarter.’
‘And when does that begin?’
‘It actually started today, but they’re allowing me to miss the first week.’
‘So that means you have to be in New Zealand by next Monday?’ Anna didn’t know how to feel about this news.
‘I’m flying from Pisa to London on Wednesday morning and onwards from there. I should be in Auckland on Friday.’
‘You’re leaving the day after tomorrow?’ Anna exchanged glances with Jack.
The old Canadian looked as surprised as she felt. ‘So what happens to the villa? Are you really going to sell it?’
Marco nodded. ‘I had the real estate agents round at the weekend taking photos and shooting a video and it’ll all be going live on the internet today or tomorrow. In spite of the economic crisis in Italy they sound confident of getting a quick sale and a good price.’
‘Well, I’ll be very sorry to see you go, Marco, but I wish you well. New Zealand’s a lovely country.’ Jack raised his glass and reached across to clink it against Marco’s and then Anna’s. ‘Here’s wishing you success with your studies.’
‘Yes, good luck, Marco.’ Anna managed to produce a smile for him.
She took a sip of champagne and gradually digested the news. Of course, she told herself, it made no difference to her where he went, but it was a massive step all the same. She couldn’t help feeling a little shiver of disappointment at the discovery that he was only here for another thirty-six hours. Deep, deep down inside her there had probably still been a tiny flicker of hope that maybe in the course of her two-week holiday things between them might have picked up again – obsessive or not, womaniser or not, divided by the conservation issue or not. But that was now irrevocably not going to happen. She took a bigger sip of wine as Sensible Anna told her to get over it. She had been hoping for some sort of closure and she had certainly got it now.
She spent a pleasant if slightly surreal hour with the two men, chatting about all manner of things but without a single mention of geology or her job. Partway through, she felt a touch on her leg and looked down to see a big black hairy head resting on her thigh, sorrowful brown eyes staring up at her. Clearly George had sensed something in her and wanted to help. She stroked his ears and it really did help. By the time she stood up and said goodnight, however, all she wanted was to have some time to herself. She thanked Jack, wished Marco well and returned to the old stables.
Still dazed, she made herself a strong black coffee and slumped down at the kitchen table. She hadn’t even started to drink it when she heard a tap at the door. It was Marco.
‘Hi, Anna, could I come in?’
She stepped back and beckoned him inside. ‘Can I offer you a coffee?’
He shook his head. ‘Thanks, but I’ve got to get back. There’s so much I’ve got to do before Wednesday morning. I just came to ask if I could see you tomorrow. Maybe we could have a drink together? I’d like to have some time with you, just the two of us.’ He raised his eyes towards her face. ‘Please?’
Anna didn’t answer immediately. She knew it would be better just to say no, rather than prolonging the agony. He was leaving, there was no longer anything between them – maybe there never had been anything – and she should just let him go. That was the opinion of Sensible Anna. Naughty Anna, however, had already fallen victim, once again to his hypnotic gaze. For a few seconds his eyes held hers and she heard her own voice, sounding as though it belonged to someone else.
‘As you’ll be in a rush, why don’t you come here? Come whenever it suits you. Come for lunch if you like.’ As she made the offer, Sensible Anna was silently wringing her hands in despair while even Naughty Anna could hardly believe her ears. Had she really invited him into her house… alone?
‘I can’t manage lunch, I’m afraid, but if I popped in late morning, would that be all right?’
‘That would be perfect.’
* * *
After a surprisingly good night’s sleep in spite of the confusion still swirling in her head, Anna took George for a long walk, as much to give her something to do as anything else. They walked back along the track to the road, crossed it, and carried on up a little path that climbed steadily upwards. The only signs of the weekend’s rain were occasional damp patches where puddles had formed but were fast drying out. She soon found herself walking along between two vineyards, the leaves on the vines already turning rusty brown. The ground was strewn with leaves and twigs and it was clear the vendemmia, the grape harvest, had just finished and she wondered how it had gone. As she reached the top of a steep incline, she stopped and perched on a dry stone wall for a little rest. George stretched out at her feet, panting like a steam train.
From up here she had a fine view down over their bay and along the coast in both directions. Now that the sun had come out again the sea was once more a magical transparent aquamarine colour close to the shore and a deep rich blue further out. The wind had dropped almost completely and there were only a couple of motor yachts visible. Otherwise, the sea was entirely empty all the way to the horizon far to the south. The morning sun was reflecting on the water and the last little waves left over from the weekend sparkled in the light. It was an enchanting view and she soaked it up. This was an idyllic spot and she felt privileged to have got to know this lovely island and its inhabitants. Including Marco.
He came round late morning. He turned up wearing shorts and another windsurfing T-shirt, looking as desirable as ever. Despite all her doubts and everything that had happened, she couldn’t help the frisson that went through her as she saw him.
‘Hi Marco, come and take a seat. I can make tea or coffee, or would you prefer a glass of wine?’
But instead of sitting down he came over to where she was standing and caught hold of both her hands, looking down at her with those clear blue eyes of his. She suddenly felt her throat dry in anticipation.
‘I have many regrets at leaving Europe and one of them will be not seeing you again. I’ve really enjoyed meeting you, Anna.’
‘And I’ve enjoyed meeting you, too. A lot. Do you really have to go?’
‘I’m afraid so. I need to make something of my life and try to do something good and positive for the planet. I’m convinced this is the way to do it.’
‘But what about everything and everybody you’ll leave behind? Won’t you miss Elba?’
‘Of course, but this is more important than just a place or a few people.’
He released her hands and sat down. She wasn’t sure what to say so she stuck to practical matters.
‘Tea, coffee, wine?’
‘A glass of wine, maybe?’
She brought a bottle of cold white from the fridge, filled two glasses and pushed one across the table towards him.
‘But what about work? Do you work? Surely you can’t just drop everything and head off?’
He shook his head. ‘That, at least, isn’t a problem. I told you I used to work in finance, didn’t I? By the time I gave it up I was close to burning out, but it had made me a whole heap of money; I mean an obscene amount of money. How do you think I could afford to buy the villa and effectively retire at the age of thirty? No, money isn’t going to be a problem. I won’t ever need to go back to that life again.’
Anna reached across the table to catch hold of his free hand and squeeze it. ‘We all have issues with our jobs, you know. I do with mine.’
To her surprise he smiled. ‘That’s a thought, your job. Maybe you might be sent over to New Zealand some time to hunt for your precious metals. If that happens you have to tell me. It would be great to meet up.’
