by SJ Molloy
Fuck!
File R for Ridiculous. Ridiculous behaviour.
I buy a new blush, bronzing powder, tinted moisturizing foundation and a set of lip-glosses in bright summer colours. Hazel buys her favorite foundation, mascara, lip-gloss and a smoky eye set from another counter. There’s nothing like a bit of make-up shopping to start the holidays. I make a mental note to get some overtime in at work when I return for extra money.
We perch up in the restaurant and order coffees and breakfast. It’s nice to sit down and relax after a busy few weeks. While we wait on breakfast, we chat about all the fabulous things we would like to do in Tuscany, and it starts to become a reality that in a few hours, we will be there.
After take-off, and the passenger seat belt sign is off, Hazel shuffles about in her hand luggage bag and pulls out the portable DVD player and earphones.
“You’re not serious, right?” I roll my eyes at her and she shrugs and carries on.
We order wine when the cabin crew come around as it’s just slightly after lunchtime. I browse the inflight magazine, an article on various Italian destinations and look down at the fold out table in front of me and think of Lucca Caruso. Jesus, why is he filling up my mental library with thoughts?
The cabin crew comes around with more drinks, but we both order iced water. The last thing I want is to lose my wits and control about me while traveling, and Hazel just hates feeling dehydrated and sleepy. I’m already in a panic because customs took my pepper spray off me and tossed it into their collection bin. I do have another in my suitcase, but it’s become a habit to carry it around. I wish I could be more relaxed and free spirited.
But I can’t.
Chapter 8
Aloe Vera
Hazel and I walk through the main entrance to Florence airport, looking for the holiday representative and the transport. The air is warm with the sun shining and a beautiful gentle breeze sweeps across us. Tourists scurry around the front of the airport, but the workers look laid back and immaculate, even the bus drivers leaning against their vehicles with sunglasses on.
I stop and inhale a deep breath, then close my eyes briefly and turn my face up towards the sun. I grab my sunglasses from my hand luggage and notice Hazel does the same. We find a woman with light-brown, highlighted hair—dry from sun damage—wearing a blue shift dress and a navy silk neck scarf, and holding a sign.
“Flavor of Toscana Cooking Vacations.”
We head towards her and introduce ourselves. She tells us her name is Ciara and her colleague is Liana. She welcomes us with a kiss on each cheek.
I will need to get used to this.
Another Lucca Caruso flashback absorbs my thoughts.
Hmm...
Liana takes half a dozen guests with her to the sister property, “Casa Sulla Collina” situated near Poppi, a scenic medieval town in the heart of the Casentino valley. It does look beautiful from what we saw on the Internet, but we eventually opted to go to “Villa di Tartufi”—Villa of Truffles.
The property is in the beautiful Val d’Oricia region south of Sienna. The website boasts that it’s a picturesque piece of land, brimming with an abundance of unique and extraordinary landscapes. Gentle hills dotted with yellow and crimson wildflowers, crystal rivers, springs overflowing with warm fresh waters, scenic country roads, impressive vineyards and olive groves blend to create glorious panoramas. Val d’Orcia boasts one of the most photographed places in Tuscany – the perfect place to enjoy a memorable holiday.
Sold!
As it’s just Hazel and I going to this property, we follow Ciara over to a black Ford people carrier. Ciara explains some tourist information and briefs us on various villages in the area and some local history as we set off on out drive.
The views are magnificent. It’s a pleasurable drive and we are both entranced and excited. We keep smiling at each other in the back of the vehicle with a reassurance that this was a great idea for a holiday. After ninety minutes, we drive up a series of winding roads lined with various shades of luscious vivid greens; the shapely hills winding and overlapping like a picture from a postcard.
When we arrive at the main entrance, I am speechless as is Hazel. The property sits uphill at the end of a brick driveway, sprawling across a perfectly kept emerald lawn.
Chic rural Italian at its best, and a vision of beauty.
The property has stone brick walls with climbing ivy and a red tiled roof stretching all the way across; its set over three levels and boasts French doors and brown teak shutters leading to private balconies on the top two floors which I presume are bedrooms. The views will be tremendous from up there. The lower floor has wide archways built into the brickwork with French style doors. The clear blue sky set behind the Villa makes the property look even more perfect, like a Mediterranean haven.
Breathtaking
There is a generous, heated, negative-edged pool outside the property with charming sun loungers lining it at either side with wooden drink tables in between. The grass looks like turf, it’s that perfect. Tidy and neat with the contrast of the various aged, weathered, shaded, tall green pine and cypress trees surrounding the property which compliment the well-kept grounds, but still preserve the natural countryside landscape of the region. There is a huge outdoor dining area with a massive authentic wooden table sitting on a lovely terrace area looking very welcoming and perfect for entertaining, possibly seating twenty-four guests.
Another terrace area sits at the far side of the property, facing out to the plush countryside catching full sun. It is furnished with teak wooden loungers with large cream cushions scattered on them, and behind them are a few teak wooden tables and chairs with dark blue and cream sun parasols. Next to the dining terrace there are double rustic stone ovens which makes me smile, I love traditional stone baked pizza.
After thanking Ciara, and tipping the driver, we are welcomed by a beautiful older aged couple waiting for us on the pebbled steps.
“Welcome, welcome to Toscana to Villa di Tartufi. I am Franco, and this is my beautiful wife, Sofia.”
The old man speaks flawless English, but has the same authentic Italian accent Lucca Caruso had when he spoke in Italian.
Fuck!
File S for Sexy. Sexy Italian accents are very distracting.
Franco is a true vision of handsome Italian history; healthy, full of life and clearly has excellent taste. Sofia is the type of woman you would aspire to be like in your older age. She has a warm aura and glow about her, a great figure, marvellous skin, lovely shiny dark hair with a hint of grey neatly piled back in a tidy bun and the most beautiful smile. She really is extremely attractive. They look adorable together and happy. They must have a wonderfully enriched life.
They both kiss Hazel, and I on each cheek and Sofia holds her arms out and looks ecstatic. She almost has a tear in her eye. “It is so very nice to have such young ladies visiting and wishing to learn to cook, I was afraid that the younger generation weren’t interested in culinary art any longer.”
I hold her two hands. “Thank you so much for your kind hospitality. It certainly is a pleasure. My friend Hazel and I are delighted to be here and really looking forward to learning new skills. This truly is a wonderful, beautiful place, Sofia. It’s an honor to be here.”
Hazel looks at me with a quizzical look. She doesn’t see me offer contact very often, but I like this couple. I feel instantly drawn to them, the same way I did with Eleanor and Mr. Carlin. They seem pure, trustworthy.
“You have made me a very happy lady. My husband and I are thrilled to share this magic we have here. We hope you fall as passionately in love with it as we have. Please be comfortable and enjoy your stay.”
Franco holds out a guest welcome pack for us to take, and advises that there is a light lunch served outside in the alfresco area shortly. The welcome dinner is at 8.00pm where we will meet the other staff and guests which I’m not excited about. Sofia interrupts and says we are lucky because it’s quiet just now, a
nd that the season doesn’t pick up until the first week of June. Franco explains there is only a mother and daughter here on holiday and a gentleman and his wife on honeymoon, so we are fortunate because chef Maurizio can spend more valuable time educating us.
The couple gives us a guided tour through the vast villa, showing us the library, lounge, conservatory, kitchen, dining room, bar, utility room, huge living room area, restrooms and the spa zone. The spa zone is an extension to the building built five years ago. It has an indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and small gym. Hazel is in her element; she beams from one ear to the other. We are shown back to the large dining area where a young lady and gentleman are taking platters of food. They have white and blue striped aprons on, and I think this may be our two young lovebirds. The lady has strawberry blonde hair tied back in a loose braid, and I notice she is very thin and has pretty freckles on her cheeks. She smiles up at me when she notices me staring and I blush.
I turn around and Hazel is shaking the man’s hand, introducing herself. He reciprocates the friendly gesture and introduces his wife to Hazel, and she shakes her hand excitedly also, I wait, cautiously behind her as Hazel introduces me to Pippa and Laurence from Manchester. When I congratulate them on their recent wedding, Pippa’s eyes come alive, and I know she is desperate for female company to divulge her wedding chat.
Her new husband, Laurence, has short blonde hair, and a round face, golden brown stubble on his chin and glasses. They do look well suited together and appear very happy. Laurence tells us they helped prepare lunch as part of one of their cooking lessons and hope we enjoy it.
The aroma from outside where the platters have been resting is divine. Beef Carpaccio with capers, lemon, rocket and a honey and mustard dressing. There is butternut squash risotto with white wine, garlic and rosemary and some fresh greens baked with ricotta and nutmeg and stuffed peppers with tomato and anchovies. They also bring out extra virgin olive oil, parmesan and hot baked bread.
Sofia, Franco, Laurence, Pippa and Maurizio the chef sit down at the table and pull chairs out for us. I’m overwhelmed, and it’s certainly an experience I’ve never had before. Maurizio is round and dark skinned, and he has a clear desire for good food. I love the way he seems so passionate. He has long dark hair tied back in a ponytail, and his chef overall clings to his sprawling chest, making him look like a stuffed turkey. He has thick dark eyebrows and a wide nose that suits his plump face. His shoulders are broad, and his neck is thick. I like the look of this hearty chef. He plates up a platter and starts passing it around.
The warm sun is lovely against my arms and face. Hazel stretches her legs and slyly looks at me; she’s trying to make a point because her denim shorts have come in handy. Franco and Sofia enter into the house and return with some wine and jugs of water, they have brought some white Italian Pinot Bianco and red Chianti which he tells me are local wines, a true treat from the region and of a great blend. The Chianti is delicious and smooth and it complements the food pleasingly. My taste buds come alive with every mouthful; the flavors fusing beautifully.
“This is delicious, truly divine. Well done. You really have cooked these dishes to perfection,” I say, smiling at Pippa and Laurence who look ecstatic and very proud of themselves.
“Thank you, Lexi, but we have Maurizio to thank. He’s a fabulous instructor and extremely skilled.” Pippa nods over in his direction and Sofia smiles proud as punch.
“I am honored to be able to share my cooking skills and experiences with you all for you to share with others,” Maurizio says with confidence deep from his heart.
Finishing all the food, Pippa and Laurence excuse themselves, but ask if we will be at dinner this evening.
“Absolutely, if this is the great food and service we are to receive,” Hazel replies. I blush, Laurence laughs and Pippa is delighted. We shake their hands, and they seem eager to get away.
“Lucky bastards,” Hazel scoffs. She obviously is thinking the same as me; they are off for afternoon lovemaking.
When we’ve finished our wine, we’re feeling somewhat giddy and tipsy. Maybe the bright warm sun, and wine combination is a bit much for the first afternoon, but it’s a nice feeling, so I’m not complaining, nor is Hazel. Sofia shows us to our rooms on the third floor. I have a double with an en-suite called “Vera Bellazza” simply meaning true beauty, and Hazel has the double room down the grand hall way called “Pieno di Vita” meaning full of life.
Appropriate for her, I think.
Sofia leaves us to unpack, and Hazel quickly dumps her case, then comes running into my room and grabs me in for a tight embrace. “I am so glad you talked me into this. It’s amazing! I love it.”
The wine has definitely gotten to her.
“I have a feeling this is going to be a trip to remember,” I quietly reply. I drop my face slightly and look down at my hands.
“What’s wrong? Why the long face like thunder?”
“I thought we’d be sharing a room. I don’t think I’m comfortable on my own in a strange place, but I was too embarrassed to mention it to Sofia. She is sweet.” This sounds so lame, and I’m an adult for goodness sake!
Please, get a grip, Lexi.
“It’s okay. Everyone seems trustworthy and there are locks on the doors. Look, if you’re so uneasy, I’ll sleep with you tonight then see how you are tomorrow.” Hazel really is a good friend. I’m so thankful for her patience and understanding.
Hazel opens the huge French styled doors onto a gorgeous balcony. “Oh my God, you have to see this!”
“She’s right, of course. It’s breathtaking. I have never witnessed such beauty. Views of the green countryside dotted with fields of red Tuscan poppies—simply stunning. I take in the picturesque views then decide to check out the room. It’s large in size, designed elegantly and traditional, but romantic. There is a large four poster bed covered in beautiful white muslin drapes, and a red throw over the white duvet with red and gold scatter cushions neatly placed on it.
Romantic. No. Need.
My attention is drawn to an antique stone open fireplace with candles and a vase of fresh red geraniums on the ledge. I think of Doris sprawled out in front of my own fireplace.
There’s an old-fashioned dressing table with a large gold gilt ornate mirror over it and an antique stool with red velvet cushioning. A dresser holds a bottle of Chianti, two wine glasses, two bottles of water, a few tourist brochures and a porcelain plate with homemade chocolate truffles. There’s a chaise lounge covered with gold damask fabric in the corner, and the wardrobes are built in around the stone walls in an alcove. The walls are covered with pretty hangings and bright artwork. The bathroom has a sunken bath with jets on the side, a double walk in shower, and a double vanity unit, tiled in a soft stone marble.
As Hazel lounges on a chair on the balcony, I unpack my clothes and hang them up on hangers, placing everything neatly away.
“What are you going to wear tonight?” Hazel asks.
“I don’t know. Maybe the cobalt blue floaty dress with the brown belt and brown wedges. What about you?”
It’s a rhetorical question because I know she’ll answer me with, “Whatever I put my hand on first.”
At 6.30pm, I suggest Hazel move to her room to get unpacked and ready. She takes her sunglasses off her face, and I explode into laughter. She has fried, quite literally. There is a white rim around her eyes, and the rest of her face is bright red.
“Alright for you, having dark skin. I feel positively fuckin red raw.”
This just makes me giggle more. “Go put aloe vera gel on your face. You better wear sun cream tomorrow,” I tell her as she storms off.
The warm water from the super power shower feels lovely against my skin. After towel drying, I apply my Brazil nut body butter cream and face cream. Leaving my hair wet, I sit on the edge of the bed with the towel wrapped around my body, and check my text messages.
Cameron – All good here, took Doris to Chatlerhaut for
a walk. Hope you are having a good time. Let me know you arrived safely, why is old Ted eating like a king and I am starving? x
Me – It’s beautiful, first cook lesson tomorrow and loving it so far. Better get used to starving if you won’t make something to eat :)
Granny – Is everything ok? Have you arrived? Is it bonnie? We love you darling, big kiss from us xxx
Me – We’re here, it’s beautiful, first cook lesson tomorrow and loving it so far. xxx
Samantha – Happy holiday’s girls, enjoy, PS Morven fuckin Stewart is getting it! x
Me – It’s beautiful here. First cook lesson tomorrow and loving it so far. Stand your ground with this Morven woman! xxx
Lucy – Hope you arrived safely and all ok xx
Carrie – Hope it’s sunny girls, Nicole and I made up xx
Me – it’s beautiful, first cook lesson tomorrow and loving it so far. I knew it would only take a day for the two of you to talk again :) xxx
Jessica – Have a wonderful time Lex, please relax and enjoy. Missing you already xxx
Me – Thanks! We’re here, It’s beautiful, first cook lesson tomorrow and loving it so far. xxx
Mark – Had a phone call last night from your new patient, chat about it when you are back.
What is Mark talking about, why would Lucca Caruso call him so soon? It doesn’t make sense.
Fuck!
File under S for Stalker. Sexy stalker, but stalker all the same.
Hazel – Fuck Help, I forgot to pack the straighteners, disaster get up here x
Hazel will be frantic about the hair straighteners.
I quickly get dressed, leave my air-dried hair tumbling down my back and apply some light make up. I grab my tan leather clutch bag, throw my lip gloss in it and spray my Tom Ford black orchid perfume before I open Hazel’s door. She is still in her underwear.
No surprise there.
“It’s a bloody disaster! You know I can’t wear it curly because I end up looking like I’ve been electrocuted. And my face is the colour of those bloody poppies,” she huffs in distress.
