"There shouldn't be much lag," Paulo said.
Guillermo dimmed the lights, and slid into the chair beside Clio, his pulse racing.
Clio fidgeted, smoothing her hair, but keeping her eyes averted, facing forward. It was as though ions leapt from one skin surface to the other in a wild reunion, crashing and casting sparks in the air between them, her nearness was that tangible.
Conversations continued, murmured and hushed, while the Speaker opened the session, and outlined the agenda. Guillermo gripping one fist in the other, squeezing tightly, and prayed. Coraggio, Lapo. Per favor, Lapo. You can do it, fratello. Jacopo had to find his moment. He had to use the normal way of things to take the stage and hold it. There was no knowing when or how it might happen.
Guillermo could hardly breathe. The odds were against them. Jacopo's speech would be unconventional, even unprecedented. Filibustering was unheard of these days. It might even be received with hostility or ridicule. Anything was possible.
The session marched on, one mundane topic after another. Minor bills being passed. Various MPs ranting about their favorite causes and pet peeves. They all listened in silence. It was difficult to concentrate with Guillermo sitting beside her. She sat on pins. Her ears buzzed, and her skin tingled with the thrill of his nearness. Her shoulders were pinched with cramps from holding still, hardly breathing, yet she kept her gaze trained on the computer screen.
"There he is, there he is!" Pia said, and everyone's murmured conversations died as they all leaned in to the monitor. Paulo nudged the volume up a bit more.
On the screen, Jacopo stood rigidly at his podium, gripping a sheaf of papers in front of him, eyes downcast. After saluting the Speaker of the house and its members, he began his speech.
"I doubt you will pity me, though I am pitiable. But I ask you to listen to my explanation and request. After today, if you wish me to resign my position, I will do so graciously."
In the chamber, a confused murmur rose up among the MPs like a wave.
"Detailed documentazione have been distributed to every member, and to the press, and I trust you will all take an opportunity to familiarize yourselves with them.
This latest series of events, in all honesty, was not my doing."
Jacopo placed a palm against his chest, and Clio flinched as Guillermo's hand came down on top of hers, gripping it tightly. She gasped, held her breath again, waiting. But he kept it there. With difficulty, Clio forced herself to pay attention to Jacopo, studying his polished, confident manner. What he was doing was very hard, but he was stronger than she'd thought. More like Guillermo than her first impression of him.
Jacopo continued talking… "–found out about it after my esteemed colleague, Senior Brunello and the press already knew." There was a soft roar. He held up a hand. "Hear me out. I understand that seems implausible. I find it all rather hard to believe myself.
As you know, my family's legacy is long and honorable. And through the generations, my ancestors have attempted–"
"We have to talk," Guillermo whispered.
She glanced at him at last, to find him staring at her intently, his blue eyes shining in the dim light. "Now? But–"
"Now. Come." He rose and tugged gently on her hand, and they slipped quietly out the door to the hallway.
"We should be listening."
He nodded but continued to the adjacent green salon, where they could speak without being heard. "The outcome will not be altered by our listening. But much else is at stake."
She peered closely at him. His eyes shone with… tears?
Guillermo grabbed her other hand, and raised them both to his lips, pressing a kiss against her knuckles. "Bella."
"What is it?"
"I'm so sorry. You were right. I should have listened to you."
"About?"
"The directorship. I know I have to do it."
She shook her head. "You can't do it if… if it makes you unhappy. I understand that."
"I could do it. There is a way I could–"
"Hey, you two. Come back. You have to hear this." Bibi leaned out of the den door and hissed at them, beckoning. "Vieni!"
Their eyes met and Clio burned with intense questions. With a sigh Guillermo led them back to their seats.
Guillermo listened to his brother's speech with only half his mind. He had to tell Clio how he felt before the opportunity was lost. He took her hand.
"–expect us to continue on as before, providing focus and consequence to their towns and villages.
This responsibility pertains primarily to the ownership and stewardship of our historic properties. And while these are a legacy of our great privilege, they also have always been and continue to be a legacy of our great responsibilities–"
Guillermo turned to Clio and leaned in, pressing his lips close to her silky hair. "I'm excited about it. About the directorship. This is what I'm meant to do. You said it yourself. This is a challenge that I must face."
Clio's eyes darted toward him, and then back at the screen.
"–deeply regretful for these mistakes–"
He persisted. "Even if this doesn't work tonight, I'm willing to do what I need to do to keep the villa. I'll become a farmer if I need to. Take tenants. Whatever."
That brought her piercing gaze back to his face, her brows pinched together. "Are you serious?"
"Perfectly. Clio, Bella. There's just one thing that I need."
"Shhhh," came several voices from the room.
"I'm proud of you, Guillermo," she whispered, barely audible.
He swallowed the lump that formed in his throat. Jacopo's speech was important, but he had to make Clio understand how much he needed her. She couldn't leave here without knowing how much his happiness depended upon her.
"–this government, on behalf of our citizens, for whom I work. I hold this post as a continuation of the role that my ancestors played as leaders and caretakers of the people, our culture and the land. And I take this role very seriously.
Last year's unfortunate events in my personal affairs are, ironically, not unconnected with my role. I will speak freely, since I no longer have any secrets from you. In the first instance, in an attempt to save the very villa–"
Clio leaned closer, whispering against his ear, her breath raising gooseflesh on his neck. "I'm not going to take the job in Ohio."
What?
"I've fallen out with my parents."
His attention shifted fully to her, their eyes meeting. What happened? He couldn't ask now with Jacopo building his argument. He squeezed her hand.
"–offer for sale the historic estate that I and my family hold so dear, and that last year I was attempting to hold onto. I believed it was necessary, and that it was concluded, and that my family supported this decision. This, you can imagine, has caused members of my immediate family great heartache. I cannot begin to express the heartache it has caused me personally." Jacopo's chin wobbled. He paused, dipped his head, and pressed his thumb and fingers into the corners of his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose.
The room was silent. Her throat thickened with tears, and she peeked at Guillermo. He stared at the screen, his jaw tight. His hand came up to smooth his brow, and he cleared his throat.
Drawing an audible breath, Jacopo continued.
"What's he saying?" Clio asked. "Is he withdrawing our ap–"
"Sh. Just wait."
"Without my knowledge, difficult as that may be to believe, members of my family have been working on a plan to save our villa, to keep it, not just for our family, but for all Tuscans, for all Italians, for all the citizens of the world who treasure its history and legacy. It is these recent efforts that Minister Brunello has discovered, and exposed as yet another example of my alleged corruzione and lack of respect for our laws."
He paused. "Nothing could be further from the truth."
"This I lay at your feet. My brother, the esteemed and talented Florentine architect, Guillermo d' Aldobrandin, along with
my sisters and the assistance of an expert in Renaissance art, have put together a scheme to–
Clio gasped.
Guillermo's warm hand came over hers again. "This is it."
"Is he referring to me?"
"Yes, that's you." He squeezed. "Without you, Clio, none of this would be happening. The villa would be sold and lost forever." Guillermo lifted a hand and pushed back her hair, caressing the back of her neck with his fingertips. She shivered, her mouth opening slightly, and he laid his arm across the back of her chair, gently rubbing her shoulder. His touch filled her with warmth, and her heart fluttered and filled like a balloon, lifting her, giving her a glimmer of hope.
Clio listened to Jacopo explain their scheme to parliament, but Guillermo's warm fingers on her skin, the familiar scent of him, drew her focus away.
"–and preservation of Renaissance art and architecture. As are the wishes of the people, the programs and funds are available to make this possible, and are open to anyone who qualifies, and cares to do the work and apply. It's a complicated business, as the documentazione before you attests. At least as complicated as running the estate and farm were several hundred years ago. They have been working without my knowledge to –"
"These are your ideas, Bella. This is your work."
"No. I only made suggestions. You are the one–"
"I could not have done this without you. I cannot– Clio, I can't do this without you. I want you to stay–"
Clio turned to him, a tingling sensation racing across her skin like a brush fire. He wanted her to stay?
She drew in a breath and held it, her chest tight as a drum from the pressure, the need to shout and laugh. Guillermo wanted her to stay. He needed her help. "I have decided to stay in Italy, Guillermo. To work here."
"Work where?"
"I am going to apply for the position of academic director, if I can. I already spoke to Dr. Bensen today. He seemed agreeable–"
"How? What about your thesis?"
"I completed it."
"You did it?" He pulled her closer, squeezing her. Then he planted a kiss on her cheek. "Beautiful. My clever Clio."
She nodded, smiling.
"Mio Dio, Bella. What about the defense?"
"It's all good. Dr. Jovi has arranged it."
"We will work together," Guillermo said, his voice breathy. "Of course you will get the job. You are perfect for it."
The room had gone silent, and so was the parliamentary chamber on the screen. He squeezed her shoulder again and turned to watch. Praying silently, she listened to Jacopo's closing statement.
"–humbled by their efforts. Had I been as creative, as diligent and as committed as they have been, perhaps I would have thought to do something like this years ago, using the tools that rested in my hands, instead of my feeble and failed attempts at raising funds through business investments. It does a greater honor to my family legacy, and to the office that I hold, and I am ashamed I did not think of it myself. I am so very proud of them.
Now, however, their ambitious plans are at risk because of my behavior in the past."
Jacopo slowly shook his head. "It doesn't seem right or fair. But it is no longer in my power to judge. I give this power to you. I ask you, individually and collectively, to review the materials in their application, and to vote according to your conscience, in favor of or opposed to the heritage designation for my family villa and estate, affectionately and appropriately known as Villa Cielo Incantato, which will enable the establishment of this foundation and academic institute."
Jacopo stood silently for a full minute, casting his gaze around the chamber, undoubtedly catching the eye of various colleagues who knew him well, either friend or foe. Then he sat down.
The chamber erupted into a thunder of muffled shouts and murmured conversations. The cameras captured heads bent and turned this way and that as the members conferred with each other.
Despite the hope that soared in Clio's chest, she couldn't go on without understanding. She wouldn't wait to find out that Guillermo meant that he only wanted to work together, and have her heart break like a fool. Better to be sure, so she could go into it with a strong spine, and her head held high.
Chapter 33
Memmo?"
He turned to her. "Si, Bella?"
Clio bit her lip, casting her eyes down, plucking at the pleats of her skirt. Her voice trembled. "I want you to understand…"
He dipped his head closer to hear her better.
"There's no need for us to go back to… the way we were. It's alright. I understand if–"
Her quiet voice couldn't compete with the sudden hubbub in the room. Everyone talked at once. Pia, Bibi, Paulo, milled about restlessly, hugging. Pia sobbed, and Paulo wrapped her in his arms. Valentina cried softly, too, as she approached Guillermo. He sighed, apologizing to Clio with a glance, and turned toward Valentina, soothing her, patting and rubbing her back. She drifted away at last to speak to the others.
"I'm sorry, Bella. What are you saying?"
"I… I just want to work together, to do the things we planned. That we both care about. I'll be okay if–
"Bella." She had it all wrong.
Her chin trembled, and she drew her lips between her teeth.
"You misunderstand me, Clio. I meant what I said. Sei tutto per me. I can't do it without you. I can't do anything without you anymore. Senza di te la vita non ha più senso, Bella."
She peered up at him, her eyes widened in understanding, shining with tears.
Could she doubt his intentions? "Let me be perfectly clear. I want us to work together, si, you directing the institute, me the foundation. But… Bella, I want more than that. Even if Jacopo fails, I want us…" He gestured between them. "I want us to be together. I need you, cara."
He pulled her close, feathering kisses over her face, burying his face into the crook of her neck. "Per favore."
She nodded, her hair brushing against his face, and made a small sobbing sound.
"Does that mean yes?"
She nodded again, and he pulled back to look at her, flushed now with a rosy hue, a wide smile stretching her face. "Si. That's what I want. What I was afraid to want." Tears coursed down her cheeks, and her eyes shone with happiness.
He laughed and threw his arms around her, held her tightly and lifted her off the ground. "Ti amo! Ti amo, mi cara."
He lowered his mouth to hers, and her lips parted and met his in a kiss that answered all his dreams. He swore on the grave of his parents to keep her and protect her, to nurture her brilliance and love her till the day he died. No matter what happened. She was his. He fell into their kiss, home at last.
A loud cheer broke out among his family, and he pulled back, embarrassed. This conversation should have occurred somewhere more private. They parted and looked up, giggling, but no one was looking at them. Everyone else stared at the monitor, their arms in the air or hugging each other, as the cheering continued.
What? The vote came in so quickly? They had won?
The cheer in the room drowned out the dull roar of cheering and thumping applause that echoed through the parliamentary chamber, even louder than the roar of blood in his ears. Most of the MPs were standing. They were giving Jacopo a standing ovation. Unbelievable! A few angry members jostled and it even looked like a skirmish would break out, but they were pulled apart.
They had won!
To celebrate, everyone ate a late meal together, Clio seated close beside him, his family gathered around Pia's table, laden with the delicious banquet she had prepared in advance. The family toasted Jacopo's courage and success, and all the hard work that had come, at last, to fruition. They toasted Guillermo's leadership, and Clio's vision and ingenuity. His family's knowing smiles and glowing looks told him what they thought of his reunion with Clio. They loved her, too, and that intensified his own happiness a hundredfold.
Guillermo kept a hand on her at all times, squeezing and caressing her shoulder, her thigh, touching
her hair, leaning in to kiss her. She was his again. How could he bear such joy?
Could all of this be happening? It was too good to be true.
A trilling ring interrupted their festivities. He dug his cell phone out of his pocket and glared at the screen.
"Who is calling me at this hour?"
"It's after nine o'clock," Pia said.
"Maybe it's Jacopo!"
"Jacopo, Jacopo!" someone cheered.
"Shh." Guillermo hissed and rose from the table, his palm held out for silence. "Si, si, this is he? How can I help you?" He hurried from the room into the hall for a measure of privacy and quiet.
"Senior d'Aldobrandin. This is Senior Belloggi, from the Banco Nationale. Your loans officer?"
What the hell? "Si. Of course. Buena sera, Senior. How can I help you."
"Well. I'm afraid I have bad news."
His heart lurched. Everything with the bank should be fine. All they needed was the heritage designation and the numbers would work. "What is it?"
"Unfortunately, there was some, er… I understand your brother made a speech tonight in parliament about your villa, which went in your favor?"
"Si. We are very happy. Our application for heritage designation was approved."
"Uh… I don't know how to explain it. I didn't see it myself. Apparently some of the members took offense. Someone with influence. In any case, one of the departments that had approved a grant for your project has withdrawn its support. I'm terribly sorry."
"Withdrawn? Which one? How much?"
"It's the Director General of Enhancement of Cultural Heritage. Your trust is now one hundred and fifty thousand Euros short. We won't be able to approve your loan."
Chapter 34
Before they slept, Clio sat down with the d'Aldobrandin siblings, less Jacopo of course, for an emergency meeting. It seemed clear that someone in a position of power in the office of the Director General of Enhancement of Cultural Heritage was either a crony or a pawn of Brunello. Someone had pulled strings. And someone else had pulled out money.
The Art of Enchantment (Life is a Journey Book 1) Page 33
