I looked over at Evie and saw the wide-eyed look on her face. She looked like how I felt.
* * *
Evie
* * *
I wasn't ready to be without him. I wasn't ready. I was ecstatic for Lucy, thoroughly overjoyed and happy that Angelo was alive, but I never thought about the part where finding him would signal the end of our journey. It would mean going back to the world where I lived in New York, and Gage lived in L.A.
In that world, I hadn't seen him for five full years and even when I saw him before that it was just in passing.
Normal for me was not seeing him. Normal was...
My heart ached at the thought of it.
My heart ached, and there was a hollow feeling inside, but I had to be realistic.
Gage played for a national team, and he was busy all the time. Lucy didn't even see him as often as she wanted, what room was left for me?
As Lucy said we could go back to our normal lives, I looked over at Gage and saw the uneasy expression that washed over his face. Then he looked at me, and it seemed that he was thinking the same thing I was. I could tell he was, from his eyes.
I had never been in love before, but I knew I was now. I was certain of it. Love stared me right in the eye and waved itself to me every time I looked at him. Gage held my mind, body, and soul. They were all his. Treasured keepsakes of me. No one had to tell me that I'd only ever feel this way about him and no other. I knew. But what control did I have over our lives?
I tried to keep my worries at bay while I listened to Lucy and Vanessa talk. The whole incidence of all that had happened was one of excitement and wonder. From Lucy receiving Angelo's letters, to where we all were right here and now.
Vanessa explained that her caretaker had gotten in touch with her yesterday and told her about Lucy.
On hearing that she came straight here and informed Lucy that Angelo was very much alive and living in Bacoli, a city on the coast of Naples. He lived there with his family, and he still painted.
Lucy switched between tears of joy and tears of sadness, particularly when Anna was mentioned. Anna had sadly, died a couple of years back.
Vanessa practically filled us in on what had happened over the last seventy years, and of course, the plan now was to take the near seven-hour journey to Bacoli tomorrow. It was understandable that Lucy didn't want to wait another minute before she saw Angelo. I would be the same too if it were Gage.
We all talked for a long time, Gage and I took the first chance we got to excuse ourselves so we could spend time together. I went back to his room deciding it was where I would stay for their last night here. We both knew that in a few days everything would change, going back to how it used to be.
When I woke up in the morning, he was already awake, lying on his back staring up at the ceiling, looking troubled. It was just after six.
"One last walk on the beach?" he asked rolling over and cupped my face.
I nodded, too choked up to talk.
The sun welcomed us with is usual brilliance, bathing us in its light. He held my hand as we walked along barefooted leaving our footprints behind us in the sand.
Before we went back inside Gage knelt in the sand and picked up a sharp looking pebble from the rock pool. I watched in complete awe as he drew a heart in the sand and wrote our names inside. I did my best to hold back the tears that threatened to flow, especially when he took both my hands and kissed us as he stood. Instinctively, I reached up to his broad shoulders and pulled him towards my for a sweet kiss that I wished could last forever.
* * *
Gage
* * *
Although we could have potentially made the journey to Bacoli a little quicker by taking the train back to Rome it was easier and more straightforward for us to drive.
Vanessa had been in touch with Angelo's family who was now expecting us. Angelo, on the other hand, was staying at their summer home in Procida, an island just over an hour away from Bacoli. He went there at the start of the summer to catch the essence of the season in his paintings. Since he refused to be disturbed by things like phones he was completely unaware of their mission to him.
It would take us the whole day to get to Bacoli then we'd have to catch a ferry to Procida in the morning. It was understandable that while Grams was glad to finally have news of Angelo she was also eager to see him. Hearing she'd have to wait another day to see him made her sad.
Everyone could see it, and it was Vanessa that succeeded in cheering her up before she left, and we began our journey.
Evie sat in the passenger seat and from time to time I'd hold her hand for a few brief moments. When I caught Grams eye in the rear view mirror and saw the pleased expression on her face, I remembered that she didn't know about us. Although, I knew she must have suspected something. She was very intuitive, and I hadn't exactly held back on showing Evie affection since coming back from Venice. I decided I'd tell Grams everything after we saw Angelo.
Until then, I had a lot to think about, so the long drive was good for me. When I woke up this morning, I realized that there were changes I would have to make to my life to make it better.
Changes only I could make because I couldn't go back to a life without Evie, a life where I was already quite unhappy, to be honest. I'd tried to patch my grief up after that accident by getting lost in training and trying to be the guy I used to be. But some things couldn't be patched up. It was only a matter of time before disaster struck if you tried to fix a thing that couldn't be fixed. Why fight so hard to keep things going when they weren't working? Surely it was better to fight for life to be better, for something that mattered. That made more sense to me. When I looked at Evie, it seemed like the only viable choice.
It was Angelo's son that greeted us first. Grams brightened upon meeting him. According to her, he was the splitting image of Angelo, and so was his daughter.
They were both in their late fifties and had children and grandchildren of their own, some of whom were there. The family had gathered for a meetup. The house we were in was the family home they'd grown up in. A vineyard surrounded it but since it was night the true beauty couldn't be fully appreciated.
Evie sat next to me as we got to know the family. Everyone was intrigued by the story of how we got here. Again I felt happy for Grams, and saw how eager she was to see Angelo. I wondered what she would do when she saw him. She hadn't mentioned what she planned to do after.
I doubted that it would just be a general catch up like she'd had with Vanesa. I supposed I'd have to wait to find out.
* * *
Evie
* * *
Since the first ferry was at nine, Gage snuck me away for a walk in the vineyard.
He looked at me as we walked through the beautiful vineyard that appeared to stretch on endlessly.
We had about an hour together before we had to leave. It was nice spending time with him. Just us together.
"I'm going to your next game." I stated looking over at him when we sat on a solid oak bench at the edge of the vineyard. "And the one after that, and all the others after that too."
He smiled at me and took my hand. "That would be really nice Miss Evie. I know football isn't your thing."
"It is if you're playing it." My smile widened then faltered. "It's going to have to be if I want to see you."
"You'll see me." He assured me.
"Gage." I adjusted myself on the bench so that I was facing him. "I don't want things to go back to normal."
The tears I’d been holding back ran down my cheeks. I tried but this was too much, and since Gage hadn't said anything I was only left to assume what our next move would be.
I decided to take things into my own hands and make the next move. I would go and see him in L.A. That was the best I could do. After all, he'd traveled to New York on several occasions - unknown to me - to see my concerts and listen to me play.
I covered my mouth to keep hold the tears in, but it didn't work.
<
br /> My emotions got the better of me, and I could no longer control them. He pulled me into his arms and held me, stroking my head in that loving way I'd grown accustomed to.
"Princess please don't cry. I can assure you you'll see me," he said.
"But when. You live in L.A, and you train every day. When you aren't training, you're travelling. You don't have time for me." That was the reality of it. Aside from being busy, he wouldn't have time to see me.
He took a lock of my hair and curled it around his finger then he held my gaze for a few moments and smiled. "Evie," he began. "I've decided to move to New York."
I straightened up quickly and looked at him, not quite sure I'd heard him properly. "What?"
"I'm moving to New York," he smiled. "I decided that that was the best thing I could do to see you."
All I could do is stare in complete shock, and when I found my voice, I could barely move my mouth. "Gage you can't do that. What about football?"
"I was thinking I’d see the next season through and probably retire. You’re right, I’m super busy. Football tends to take up my life. I’ve always wanted to coach and get involved with that side of football. Maybe now’s the time. That aside, New York is where I want to be. I want to be wherever you are."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I just couldn't believe that he would go to such lengths to be with me. I was filled with gratitude, appreciation, and love, but I didn't want him to do something that would affect what he loved most. "I'm utterly speechless and grateful that you'd do all that. But Gage, you love playing for the Gladiators and living in L.A."
He chuckled. "Okay then Miss Evie, you move then. Come to L.A and leave your precious Philharmonic Orchestra in New York."
That was supposed to be a sarcastic joke to highlight the absurdity of the thought, but I shocked him when I said, "okay," without any thought at all.
The smile fell from his face when he looked at me and saw how serious I was. I supposed that I probably surprised myself too.
"You would give up an actual dream, your actual dream of being a violinist for the New York Philharmonic Orchestra just to be with me?" He said it like it was completely farfetched.
"Yes," I replied, again without any thought to it. I would do it in a heartbeat if that's what I had to do.
He leaned forward and kissed me.
"That means everything to me. But, I can't, let you do that. I still get to have football if I coach. Your music is another story, and there is only one New York Philharmonic Orchestra, so that's where we'll be."
The words seemed to flow from his heart. They flowed straight from his heart and into mine.
I threw my arms around him and hugged him. As I held him I thought of Lucy and all she did for us. Her belief in us made us the people we were.
I pulled away from him and gazed into his eyes, loving the way he looked at me.
“Gage. Lucy made it possible for us to do what we love most.”
“She did,” he smiled. There was a twinkle in his eyes.
“You shouldn’t coach just yet. Maybe someday, but not yet. Gage Force.” I nodded with conviction. “I’m touched that you would want to make such a big change for me, but you love playing. You love being the Gladiators’ quarterback. That is you, and you should do that for as long as you want to. The way I heard it is there’s no one like you, and I am so proud.”
I would never have admitted that to anyone before but I was proud of him.
He beheld me with awe and adoration. Love.
He didn’t have to tell me what that look was. I saw it, felt it, and heard it.
“Evie, you never cease to amaze me.” He pressed his forehead to mine. “I’m still moving to New York. I will still do that. I don’t need to live in L.A. Football is football, I’ll be away for training camp during the summer months and playing during the season but there’s a chunk of the year where I won’t be doing that.” he pulled away and looked at me giving me that smile again. “You’re work is different. Your dream is different. You have concerts throughout the year. Please let me move to New York, Evie. Let me do that for you.”
I thought for a moment, not because there was anything to contemplate, but because I was imagining how things were going to change even more.
“Okay.” I agreed.
“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 fo
r believing in this."
I nodded. "You are extremely welcome."
Lucy turned back to Angelo and said, "this is my Evie."
I smiled at that.
"It's a real pleasure to meet you both." Angelo smiled. "Please come in."
* * *
We went inside where we were immersed in art, and tales from the war and life that had gone by.
When the time felt right, Gage and I left Lucy with Angelo, feeling it was right to give them some time by themselves.
We went for a walk by the pier and around the docks enjoying the scenery as we talked. When we returned, we sat out in the garden where Lucy joined us.
She looked the happiest I’d ever seen her.
"What happens now, Grams?" Gage asked.
Lucy smiled at him. "All sorts of things my darling."
"You ... aren't coming back are you?"
I looked from Gage to Lucy. Although it was glaringly obvious it actually never occurred to me that Lucy would stay. It was silly to not factor that in.
Lucy shook her head. "Angelo's asked me to stay. So I will."
Gage nodded understanding. Lucy turned to me and tapped my head, then looked back to Gage.
"I know you two are seeing each other." She smiled.
While I could feel my face turning red, Gage started to laugh.
"I was going to tell you," Gage stated with a sheepish shrug.
"Me too," I added. Amongst everything I'd been thinking about that was
definitely on the list. I just wanted to find the right time. I also wanted to celebrate the happiness that came with Lucy finding Angelo.
"I'm very happy that you both found each other."
"You are?" I asked cautiously.
Play of Love: The Gladiator Players Box Set Page 45
