by Linda Apple
“Heaven’s no. These are original frescos. So, when we were renovating this portion of the house, and the rooms you all are staying in, we just had them restored to their original beauty.
A tiny lady with orange, and I do mean orange, hair pulled in a topknot approached us. Jema put her arm around her and said, “Girls, this is Carina, our housekeeper and major general.” Jema gave her an affectionate squeeze. “She keeps us in line.”
Carina spread her arms open. “Welcome. Our cook, Lillianna, has prepared a feast for you. I hope you are hungry.”
“Now you’re talking.” Molly Kate looped her arm around Jema’s. “I haven’t eaten since we landed.” Carina smiled then nodded before hustling off.
“Okay, girlfriends, come with me to your rooms.” Levi will have your luggage brought to you in a jiff. We followed her up those amazing stairs. Jema pointed to the room at the top of the stairs. “This one is for you Avalee.” She pointed down the hall. “And Molly Kate, yours is the second on the right; Lexi, yours is first on the left. Freshen up but don’t take too long. The food is ready.”
I pushed through the large wooden door and stepped in. It was as if I had stepped back in time. This space was a piece of history. Goosebumps ran up my arms. Three of the walls were plaster, I guessed, with soft frescos adorning them. The outside wall was stone and it had a large arched window giving a beautiful view of the gardens below and mountains in the distance. The room had terra cotta tiled floors with large rugs under the bed and sitting area. In the wall across from the iron-canopied bed was a fireplace with a marble hearth and mantel. The wood was set and ready to be set to flame.
As much as I wanted to stay and explore further, I knew Jema waited for us downstairs. I hurried to the bathroom to freshen up. When I entered the room I was riveted on the spot. The mixture of ancient and modern was like a beautiful symphony. One harmonized with the other. The outside walls were the same stone as the room. The floors were heated black marble, so I assumed they were new. As were the fixtures, sleek and white, like something out of Architectural Digest. The freestanding tub had everything I needed for a hot bubble bath, which sounded really good. I’d be sure and take advantage of that before bed.
Lexi knocked on my door. “Hey, we are going down. Are you ready?”
I hurried to the door and stepped out in the hall. “Yep. How are your rooms?”
Molly Kate grabbed her heart. “There are no words.”
Lexi pointed to her face. “Is it green?”
We found Jema and Levi on the sun terrace, which was yet another amazing space. Three walls were made of glass giving a panoramic view of the hills and valleys. The wall adjoining the house was stone with arched openings. Some led to what I assumed were different areas of the villa. Others were simply decorative lighted nooks to display pieces of art.
“Well,” Lexi took the wine Levi offered her. “All I have to say is I’m going to be extra nice to any homeless man I meet from now on. Jema, this place leaves me speechless.”
“Not possible, Lex.” Molly Kate took her wine. “Thank you, Levi.”
“Oh hush up, MK.”
A tall, jolly woman wearing a white apron strode into the room pushing a cart laden with trays of food.
“Girls, this is our cook, Lillianna.” Jema patted her thighs. “And she is responsible for my extra padding.”
Lillianna bobbed her head in welcome causing some mousey-brown curls to fall on her forehead. She had ruddy cheeks and a wide smile. I liked her immediately. While she worked setting the food on the buffet table, I sauntered to the window and admired the view. The Chianti I sipped was warm and fruity, possibly the most delicious I’d ever tasted.
“Per favore goda.”
Levi nodded to Lillianna. “Ti ringrazio tanto.”
Lilliana bobbed her head and hustled out of the room.
“What did y’all just say?” Lexi grinned. “I might want to say that to Luca and Sal.
Levi shook his head. “Lillianna said please enjoy, and I said thank you so much.”
“Perfect.” Lexi turned to Jema. “Got a scrap of paper somewhere? I need to write that down.”
“I think not.” Jema cocked an eyebrow. “Both Luca and Sal are married.”
“They are? Shoot.” Lexi sighed. “Oh well, I suppose that’s just the way the mop flops.” She eyed the elaborate spread on the table at the end of the room. “Guess I’ll console myself with this fabulous-smelling food.”
“So, is this home?” I hoped not but couldn’t blame them if it were.
Levi sat back on the couch next to Jema and crossed his foot over his other knee. “It will be for a while, but of course we will move back to Moonlight. For now, my Jem is getting caught up on her dreams of Italy.”
Lexi pressed her finger to the side of her head. “Oh, that’s right. I remember now. Jema said she is going to let her three closest friends vacation here. Namely, the ones in this room.”
“But,” Molly Kate lowered her voice to a whisper. “When you leave, what about Lillianna and Carina?”
“We will keep them on to maintain the villa. Both of them have a house on the property. And we have gardeners who will keep the grounds up as well as the vineyards and orchards.” Levi rose to refill our glasses. “And when Jema’s best friends come to visit, Lillianna and Carina will have everything ready for you.”
After he refilled our glasses he said, “Now, I will leave you ladies to yourselves so you can talk as long and late as you like.” He bent, kissed Jema and winked. “But not too late.”
****
Lexi nestled into the pillows on an overstuffed chair and drew her knees up under her chin. “Girl, if I didn’t love you so much, I’d hate you right now.”
Jema waved her off. “Oh pfff. This house is beautiful, but it is the love inside that makes it wonderful. If I had this without Levi, it would be a cavernous waste of space.”
“Do we get to see Florence tomorrow?” I had never been to Italy and was anxious to experience it.
“Absolutely. But we won’t get to see it all, since y’all are only staying a couple of days. I suggest we go shopping. It is fabulous here. Wait until you see the Ponte Vecchio. There is shop after shop where you can buy gold jewelry.
“Well that lets me out.” Lexi picked up a piece of cheese from the platter in front of her and nibbled it. “Oh, this is so good. So creamy.”
“It’s Caprino. Made from goat’s milk.” Jema also took a piece. “And don’t worry, they do not charge you to look. Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence and is worth seeing.” Florence is also the birthplace of the Renaissance. I hate we won’t have time for the museums, so y’all will have to come back and stay at least a month.” Jema paused. “Let’s fix our plates and eat. And afterwards, I have something I want to discuss with you—a special favor.”
That got my attention. “What?”
Jema shook her head. “We eat first.”
Lillianna had indeed prepared a feast. Only I didn’t know what any of it was, so I decided to try a little of it all. We followed Jema through one of the arches to the dining room. Once again, I found myself gawking. A long walnut table stood between four arched columns with a crystal chandelier hanging above it. A massive fireplace was at one end of the room. The walls were painted a warm terra cotta and on the ceiling were pastoral scenes.
While we ate, Jema didn’t bring up her special favor. Instead, we talked about the room and the food.
“Jema,” said Molly Kate. “Do you think Lillianna would share her recipes?”
“Oh absolutely, that is, if you will give her your orange roll recipe.”
“Consider it done.”
“I don’t know if I could go back to Moonlight if I were you.” Lexi leaned back in her chair and held her stomach. “I want to stay myself.” She sat up. “Hey, Jema, why don’t I move in here? You’ve got enough room.” Lexi grinned. “If wishes were horses…”
“Well, that kinda brings me to
the favor I wanted to ask y’all. Could you all come back the week after Christmas for New Year’s Eve? My daughters are coming then. Levi and I thought, since they missed the wedding, that we would say our vows again. I’d love you being here in your bridesmaids dresses, and I will fly Tryna and David here, too, if they are free.”
Lexi laughed out loud. “If Tryna wasn’t free, she’d move heaven and hell to be free.”
“I don’t think you’ll have a problem with David either.” Molly Kate thought a moment. “The B & B will be closed, but I can’t leave Stan.”
“Of course Stan is invited. Just think of it as a second honeymoon. I’ll have Carina make up an Italian love nest for you in the room overlooking the lake.” She rose from her chair. “Why don’t we go back to the terrace for dessert? I’m sure Carina has the fire going for us.”
We settled in the four chairs in front of the fire, nibbling on chocolates and sipping a beautiful chianti.
“So,” said Molly Kate, “is Italy what you had imagined?”
Jema smiled. “Well, it isn’t what I expected. But all I knew of it was from movies. It does have it’s beautiful scenery, and the small villages are lovely. But Florence and Rome are so busy. Oh, the traffic! Scooters flying all over the place. The center line in the road is just a suggestion. I don’t know how Levi drives in it. It gets really crowded too with all the tourists. Still, nothing can spoil the gorgeous architecture and amazing art. Statues everywhere. Why I declare, my mind goes numb from all the beauty.”
“Is Florence your favorite place in Italy?” I said.
“Actually, I think I prefer Rome. But we found this villa just outside of Florence and fell in love with it.”
“I can see why.” Molly Kate bobbed her eyebrows. “I might tell Stan we need to come here and open a B & B.”
Lexi shoved another chocolate in her mouth and chased it with wine. “Let’s talk about this party.”
I listened to my friends excited chatting about Jema’s first anniversary party. I hadn’t said much. To be honest, this conversation was almost more than I could bear.
After a while, Jema looked at me. “You haven’t said much, Ava. Will you be able to come? And of course bring Cladie Mae.”
I wanted to say no. But how could I? Without taking my eyes off the fire, I simply nodded. Here I was, alone again, by my own doing. I really didn’t even have an excuse to feel sorry for myself, but I did anyway.
Jema frowned. “Are you not feeling well?”
I forced a smile. “No, I’m fine. I’m just tired. I think I’ll go take advantage of that fabulous tub and then go on to bed if that’s okay with y’all.”
Molly Kate nodded. “Sure it is, honey. Go get your rest.”
“Night, everyone.” I stood and walked out, feeling their watchful stares follow me. I felt bad, but honestly, I just couldn’t listen to anniversary talk any more. Maybe tomorrow. All I wanted was a hot bath and a soft bed.
Carina had a fire going in the fireplace giving my room a warm, comforting ambience. I stepped into the bathroom, relishing the heated floors. When the hot water worked its way to the spigot, I pushed the stopper down and liberally poured in eucalyptus and spearmint bubble bath. The label said it was for stress relief. When the tub was full of soothing scented bubbles, I got in and sank deep. Heaven. I dozed off and on until I decided, reluctantly, it was time to get out. After I toweled off and put on my PJs, I surrendered myself to the soft, deep mattress. As soon as I slid between the soft sheets, I fell asleep and dreamed of Ty.
****
A soft knock woke me from deep slumber. Sunlight streamed between the drapes. I sat up and blinked. “Come in.”
The aroma of coffee preceded Jema when she opened the door. “Hello, sleepyhead.”
“What time is it?” I had to restrain myself from snatching the coffee.
“Almost noon.”
“Oh, no. The girls must be champing at the bit to go into town. I’m sorry.”
“No worries. I sent them on with Levi. We can go later.” She poured my coffee in a large mug, handed it to me, and then poured some for herself. “Actually, I’m glad you slept in. You needed it, and I wanted some time alone with you.”
I lifted the cup to my lips. If heaven had a flavor, it would be the coffee in my cup. “If you are worried about me, don’t be. I’m okay now that I’m rested. I was just tired, that’s all.”
Jema wasn’t fooled. “It’s Ty, isn’t it?”
No sense in trying to lie. “Yes. I just can’t convince my heart I did the right thing.”
“I don’t have to ask you if you are still in love with him. That’s obvious. But answer me this. If he were to propose to you again, would you accept?”
When I didn’t answer immediately, she tilted her head. “Look, Ava, you did what you considered the right thing. You stepped out of the way for Ty to be successful. Well, now he is well on his way. There is no reason to be apart now.”
I held my mug against my chin and thought about what Jema had said. “I think, perhaps, I’ve put a nail in that coffin. His emails have gotten more and more friendship like.”
“I have an idea he is protecting himself. You pushed him away. You know that, right?”
“Yes, that is exactly what I did.” I set the mug on the tray and dropped my face in my hands. “Lord, I’ve made such a mess of my life—all my life.” With a rueful laugh, I looked up at Jema. “With the same family, no less. And no doubt the only ones who are happy about my breaking up with Ty are his parents.”
Jema’s voice grew soft. “I think Ty still loves you.”
“I don’t know why he would. I don’t love me.”
“Call him. Talk to him.”
“I’ll think about it, okay?”
“Fair enough. Now, get dressed and we will meet them somewhere.”
“Can we take a to-go coffee? This is delicious.”
“Of course. Oh, and layer your clothes. It’s pretty chilly today.”
“Will do.” When she left the room, I went to the bathroom and splashed my face. The woman in the mirror looked pitiful. Gaunt and hollow-eyed. If Ty saw me now, he’d run away screaming for Cadence. And I wouldn’t blame him one little bit.
Jema waited at the bottom of the stairs with coffees in hand. “Let’s go. They are waiting for us to join them for lunch.”
“Good, I’m famished.”
We met up with Levi and the girls at the Panini Toscani. There, we did a tasting of four cheeses and three meats. Then we were given choices of breads, meats, and cheeses. I wanted it all. By far, that was the absolute best sandwich I ever ate in my life, and even though it was enormous, I ate every bite.
After lunch, Lexi had to stop in every shop, but she didn’t buy a thing. I thought about the extra luggage she brought. “Lex, you better buy something to justify all that luggage.”
She shot a smile at Jema. “Oh, don’t you worry about those. I’ll find a use for them.” Looking around she asked, “Where’s MK?”
“Oh, she’s with Levi in the pasticceria. He’s translating for her while she picks the baker’s brain.” Jema shrugged her shoulders. “That girl is always working.”
The sun sank behind the hills sending out dazzling red and gold rays. I pulled my coat closer. “I hope she gets her information soon. It’s getting chilly.”
Jema squinted down the street. “I think I see them.”
Just as Molly Kate stepped off the sidewalk to cross the street a bus rambled by and a scooter darted past it. MK jumped back on the walk before trying to cross again. When she reached us she said, “Lord. These streets are no wider than my hips. How on earth can those folks drive like that and not kill themselves?”
“I’ve wondered the same thing—many times.” Jema turned her coat collar against her neck. “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for some wine around a roaring fire. “
“Sign me up.” Lexi huddled closer to me. “Wish I’d brought a heavier jacket.”
�
��I tried to tell you.” Jema pulled her scarf from her neck. “Here.”
Lexi grabbed it. “Thanks.”
On the way home, I promised myself another bubble bath before bed. However, once we girls were in front of the fire, sipping wine, and nibbling on the platters of meats, cheeses, breads, spreads and fruit Lillianna prepared for us, all my plans changed. Like yesterday, Levi escaped to his library.
Way into the evening, we had talked ourselves out. But none of us were ready to go to our rooms. It just felt good sitting together, staring at the flames licking the huge logs. After a while, Jema left the room, then returned and settled back into her chair. “Avalee? How do you think I should decorate for my anniversary party? I want it to be beautiful for my girls, but I doubt I can replicate what you did in Moonlight.”
“I’m not sure? What is available here?” I finished my wine and tipped my glass at Lexi. She jumped up and poured another.
“Well,” said Jema. “We can get almost anything. Just go wild. Think about a perfect wedding.” She leaned her head to one side. “What would be a perfect wedding to you?”
Normally, this question would have brought me to my knees, seeing how I had planned so many for myself, none of which came to fruition. But the anesthesia of wine and the warmth from the fire protected my heart and opened my mind. “Well, if it were me, I’d have it right here in this villa—at night. I would float down that beautiful staircase. There would be groupings of candles of all sizes on each step. Then I’d come into this room.” I moved my hand in the direction of the three walls of windows. “So I could see the stars. You girls would wear black and carry red roses. The men would wear black tuxedos with red cummerbunds. I’d carry a bouquet of ivory spider mums, tiny white sweet heart roses, white ranunculus, with green herb fillers.
Lexi interrupted. “But you’ve always loved tulips.”
“Not anymore. Tulips must be bad luck.” I grinned and took a drink. “There would be no flower arrangements around the room. Only candles. And the cake. It would be the pièce de résistance. Six tiers, each a different flavor, all my favorites. Carrot cake with cream cheese filling, German chocolate with coconut-pecan filling, Italian cream with buttercream filling, coconut with coconut cream filling, lemon mousse with lemon filling, and cheesecake, all frosted with buttercream icing and decorated to look as if it is draped in lace and pearls.”
