Beyond The Island

by Mackenzie, Brenda

  Joanne allowed a little time beyond that arranged by Fabio before retracing her steps to Gianni’s. She hovered at the entrance and with a start, saw Fabio surrounded by a group of friends, both male and female. Clearly he was popular. The young men jostled Fabio in a friendly way whilst the young women seemed eager to flaunt their wiles. Joanne quickly noted Fabio’s casual stance; the ease and natural charm in the way they all conversed. In place of his usual cut-off jeans and paint stained top he wore light buff slacks with a sleeved aubergine sweat shirt. From the look of the smart young people she guessed this must be another Saint’s day when those who work on the mainland flock back to Ischia.

  It seemed ages to Joanne as she stood just inside the door but likely just a few moments before Fabio sensed her scrutiny, for he turned with an expectant smile of welcome.

  As he strode towards her Joanne’s feet moved in accord to his as if a magnet drew them together.

  ‘Joanne, Buongiorno! Molto felice. I’m so pleased you could make it!’ As usual when excited, Fabio mixed Italian with English phrases.

  They met halfway across the café. Joanne felt his gentle hands hold her lightly by the shoulders as his lips brushed both her cheeks in turn. Her body weakened for these were not the standard air kisses, conventional as a handshake but seemed more like... She had no time to think as Fabio held her by the hand and said,

  ‘Please come, I’d like to introduce you to my friends, Joanne.’

  Joanne looked up and met several pairs of smiling, inquisitive eyes.’

  ‘First, Elizabetta.’ A tall slender brunette with dark hair caught up in a hair slide, leaned over and pecked Joanne’s cheeks. ‘Piacere, Joanne. Welcome to Ischia!’

  ‘Lovely to meet you,’ Joanne said and smiled even as her buoyant mood threatened to dissolve.

  ‘Roberto,’ a broad shouldered young man with cropped fair hair introduced himself. ‘E come sta, Joanne?’

  ‘Bene grazie, e lei?’ She offered her hand.

  ‘Molto bene di fronte la sua conescenza, Joanne!’ I’m so happy to make your acquaintance, Roberto said charmingly as he quickly shook her hand.

  Two other friends introduced themselves, smiled their greetings before moving away. Her brief spark of envy vanished. They must meet up frequently she decided as they all separated saying,

  ‘Ciao a tutti; arriverderce; a domani!’

  She turned to Fabio who stood by with a big wide smile. ‘Hello, Fabio. That was really lovely meeting your friends.’ she enthused.

  ‘My pleasure, Joanne. Besides, they’ve been asking how long I was going to keep you to myself!’

  Desperate to clear the air regarding Renzo’s mistaken idea that she wasn’t free to join them for dinner, she was relieved when Fabio himself mentioned it.

  ‘By the way, Joanne. I’m afraid was too hasty with that note I sent you. Please forgive me. Renzo was in touch and apologised, explaining realized he must have misheard you.

  Joanne was lost for words. How dare Renzo! She rallied quickly and instinctively reached out and touched Fabio’s arm. ‘I’m so relieved that’s cleared up. I would never have let anything interfere with the chance for us to dine together!’

  She recalled Fabio’s words in his note – that he missed her, and an idle thought rushed in, if only… even as she changed the topic. ‘I did enjoy the other afternoon at your orchard and meeting Paolo. He’s such a wicked old dear.’

  ‘It’s a wonderful memory for me too.’

  The waiter held out her chair at a table for two and Joanne sat down and watched Fabio take the seat opposite.

  ‘Cappuccino and pastries?’ He asked her, his eyebrows rose.

  ‘Sounds perfect, thank you.’ She couldn’t stop smiling. These snacks were becoming a pleasant indulgence and she hoped her remaining clothes would still fit.

  Soon they were tucking in and chatting away between mouthfuls. Fabio’s so easy to talk to, Joanne confirmed. The thought came suddenly how with Renzo she always tried to read his thoughts and to keep one step ahead of what he might say.

  ‘Are you a film buff by any chance,’ Fabio was inquiring. And then not waiting for her response, he chuckled. ‘I’ve seen “Cinema Paradiso” and “Il Postino” several times and they still have me convulsed!’

  ‘Me too. I just love the quirky humour!’ Joanne relaxed with a giggle.

  ‘There’s an old Picture Palace here on the Island where they show ‘arty’ films. It’s just the right venue. Another interesting one is about to be released; “Mid-August Lunch” - promises to be fun.’ He shook his head. ‘Unfortunately it’s not due to arrive at the Picture Palace for a while.’

  ‘That’s a shame. I’ll have to watch out for it; maybe in Rome. Joanne couldn’t help wondering who Fabio would choose to accompany him and found herself asking an oblique question.

  ‘Is Angelina keen on these films – you know, rather than Box Office productions?’

  ‘Angelina is happier working with her amateur drama group – they put on good stuff. She’s keen on stage managing.’

  ‘And Renzo?’ Now why had she asked about his likes – surely she should know.

  ‘Renzo’s probably far too busy to take time off for such indulgences,’ Fabio remarked; not unkindly, she noted. But none of this revealed who accompanied him to see films.

  They were interrupted as someone behind her greeted Fabio. The voice was feminine and melodious and Fabio was on his feet before Joanne could turn to see who she was.

  ‘Buongiorno, Fabio.’

  ‘buongiorno Stella!’ Fabio leaned forward with a smile and pecked her cheeks. ‘Allow me to present my friend Joanne. Joanne, this is Stella.’

  Joanne tried to gather her wits. She looked up and saw Stella had lovely wide spaced green eyes set in a lightly tanned face and noted how she carried off her simple clothes with elegance. Even as she smiled in response Joanne couldn’t help another quick stab of envy as she invited, ‘Will you please join us?’ Her Italian words had fallen to pieces at the sight of yet another of Fabio’s exquisite looking young friends.

  Stella spoke perfect English. ‘Thank you, that’s very kind, but I am meeting someone...ah, there he is!’ And with a quick, ‘I’m delighted to meet you Joanne. Another time perhaps?’ she said, ‘Ciao’ and disappeared into the throng.

  ‘Stella’s an old friend who sometimes makes up mixed doubles for tennis,’ Fabio explained as he sat down. ‘Tell me,’ he asked, changing the subject, ‘have you found interesting places to visit when you’re not sailing?’

  Joanne forced her thoughts away from this brief encounter with Stella. Fabio would be very popular with women. She garnered her thoughts. Maybe this was an opportunity to mention her visit to the Winery. ‘Yes, I took one of those tours to the Balzarin Winery,’ she said hesitantly and saw Fabio raise his eyebrows. ‘Perhaps I should have waited for Renzo to take me but he hasn’t offered as yet.’ She fiddled with the edge of her napkin and spoke before she could change her mind. ‘When Renzo was working the other day I caught the tour bus that picks up people from hotels so I decided to join them. It took us to the Balzarin Winery.’

  Fabio was silent for a moment and appeared to be turning it over in his mind. ‘I don’t see why you should worry about taking the tour. Renzo probably likes to separate his business from pleasure; he keeps a very tight rein on the staff; detailed reports for instance. What did he say about you visiting?’

  ‘Nothing. I didn’t tell him I’d gone there. I reasoned there was no need to make any excuses.’

  Fabio nodded thoughtfully but made no comment. ‘So, did you find it an interesting visit?’

  Joanne stared down at her plate. ‘Yes,’ but she couldn’t stop the words which tumbled out, ‘and, well there was something a little odd...it’s been puzzling me,’ she ventured.

  ‘Odd?’ Fabio looked at her quizzically.

  ‘I made a bit of a fool of myself with the guide – repeated that I’d heard gossip that all young people left t
he Island in search of work. I asked how were they able to find sufficient able bodied workers to pick grapes.’

  ‘I see.’ Fabio’s expression was unreadable. Then his features transformed and crinkled with amusement. ‘Bet that made the guide jump to attention! But there’s nothing to fret about. Those guides are thrown off kilter if anyone interrupts their line of parrot talk. Allow me.’ He was leaning across to refill her glass with chilled limoncello. Then raising his glass, he smiled and suggested, ‘To happy days on Ischia.’

  Nevertheless, Joanne felt uncomfortable. It was as if a shadow had fallen between them. Although he’d failed to comment about the workers she quickly changed the subject. ‘Have you always lived here on Ischia?’ she asked.

  ‘Oh, I’ve been around a bit in my youth. Done the usual trekking in the Himalayas; climbed the Southern Alps in New Zealand and river rafted in Chile. Spent time in Naples latterly – custodian of an Art Gallery. But for me, none of it compares with the simple way of life I enjoy here,’ he said thoughtfully.

  Taken aback by all he’d accomplished she shook her head. ‘You’ve done so many exciting things.’

  ‘I was just fortunate to be free, that’s all. How about you, Joanne? City soul, are you? How do you like living in Rome?’

  She thought for a moment. ‘I love just wandering slowly about in Rome; stopping to take in the antiquity. It’s overwhelming and makes one feel humble - a mere speck on the vast timescale. Unlike most capital cities, Rome is free of high rise buildings. It’s strange - all that ingenuity the ancient Romans possessed to design and build beautiful structures, yet at the same time, the cruelty they displayed - which seems so at odds with their culture.’ She saw Fabio gazing at her as she spoke and gave a little cough, about to change the subject.

  ‘Those are my sentiments too,’ Fabio said seriously, ‘but you express them far more succinctly than I could.’

  ‘I’m sure that’s not so. I wish I could express things better. Anyway I really enjoy the present day buzz of Rome as well,’ she said lightly. ‘It’s a marvellous place to live.’

  As if she’d not voiced her last remark, Fabio said. ‘It’s such a change meeting someone like you, Joanne. A young woman I can relax with, who doesn’t hide her true feelings with a veneer of pretence - someone to exchange philosophical ideas with and does not leave me to submerge my real thoughts beneath banter.’

  Fortunately she was saved from responding as Fabio’s phone rang. He excused himself and holding it to his ear he frowned, nodded and agreed to something.

  Joanne’s heart beat fast. She felt herself more and more drawn to this pleasant, attractive man and hoped he didn’t take this line with all his lady friends. But Fabio radiated sincerity, quite unlike Renzo. ... but was she herself open and honest with him?

  She must be fair, for Renzo was generously giving his time to her with sailing instruction. She watched Fabio slip the phone back into his trouser pocket.

  ‘Joanne, I’m afraid that was Angelina ringing to apologise. She’s had to go to visit someone sick and won’t be able to see you today. She does good work, you know; visits some of the old folk who live on their own.’ Fabio shook his head. ‘I am sorry. She asks if you will give her a ring tonight to make another date. She’s really taken to you.’

  ‘I’ve grown fond of Angelina and her children.’ Joanne’s forehead creased in a frown. ‘I shall miss seeing her today.’ Almost without thinking she added, ‘Renzo thought one of the children had contracted measles and warned me against visiting but fortunately it turned out a false alarm, just a heat rash.’

  ‘News to me,’ Fabio shook his head. ‘Of course, I’d have known if my nieces or nephew was unwell. Maybe ...’ he closed his mouth and appeared to be thinking.

  Concerned not to spoil their time together, Joanne said quickly. ‘No, I expect I misunderstood what Renzo said. His Italian is often too fast for me to grasp his meaning!’ She brightened as she remembered something. ‘I need your advice please. I do need to shop for gifts – for the children – and girlfriends in Rome,’ she added. ‘I’d be grateful if you could tell me the best place to find presents - not the usual tourist trinkets but things that don’t cost the earth.’

  ‘I now wish to be open with you,’ Fabio said. He clasped his hands. ‘Do tell me, am I...’ he seemed to search for the expression, ‘treading on Renzo’s toes? Do you and my cousin have a...relationship?’

  Joanne shook her head. ‘Good Lord no, we absolutely do not. Renzo invited me here to crew for him. He lives on his yacht and I pay for my accommodation in the hotel.’

  Fabio appeared relieved. ‘Thank you. I appreciate you telling me.’ He hesitated before speaking further. ‘If you would like,’ he said slowly, ‘I would be happy to guide you about the shops. I haven’t anything planned today.’

  Why did she feel so uplifted? Why this surge of happiness which must show him she was attracted? She knew the answer. Fabio was interested in her in the same way she felt for him. Somehow Joanne managed to reply evenly, ‘Why, that’s very kind Fabio. That is, if you won’t find my mission utterly boring?’

  ‘I’ll agree to be bored on one condition,’ Fabio replied, his eyes twinkling mischievously. ‘On the condition you will have lunch with me.’

  ‘It’s a done deal,’ Joanne said with a laugh. ‘However could I refuse?’ How indeed. It was no use kidding herself that her willingness was to discover more about Renzo. That was a very small part, even though Fabio’s help would be useful to unravel puzzles about Renzo’s actions – just to close the door on any doubts that lingered.

  Shopping with Fabio turned out to be tremendous fun. He escorted her to the right district and recommended items that might delight the children so that before long, Joanne had carrier bags laden with goodies for gifts. She kept thoughts to herself about what to buy Renzo and had almost given up hope about finding anything suitable when they came to a designer shop devoted to fine glassware.

  ‘Ah,’ Fabio remarked. ‘For a special friend, then?’

  ‘Not really,’ she said. For these items were not cheap. She merely shook her head. Fortunately, Fabio decided he needed to buy something in the stationers next door and left her to ponder. She was discovering it impossible to find something that wouldn’t cost too much but would meet with Renzo’s expensive tastes. The assistant proved helpful and was not one of those who intimidate with their superior air.

  ‘Perhaps, Signorina would like this little piece?’ She held up a small glass tray and Joanne was drawn to the way that light shone through it, transforming the shades of blue to green. It was evocative of the sea. ‘That’s lovely,’ she said with a smile but certain it was way outside her budget.

  ‘It’s the last one of a batch,’ the assistant nodded as she explained. ‘You may have it for eight euros if you like.’

  Wow. Joanne let out her breath. It was far less than she’d expected to pay for such a perfect gift. ‘Yes please I’d like to buy it,’ she replied with a smile.

  It had been skilfully gift wrapped and she had placed the bag inside another of her purchases unwilling to prick Fabio’s interest. She strolled along to the stationers as Fabio emerged. After that they’d dashed from one shop to another, laughing and joking and just when she felt her feet wouldn’t carry her any more, Fabio whisked her into a lively restaurant. Clearly he’d had this in mind as he led her about the town. A buzz of conversation greeted them as they were led to their table.

  Fabio nodded in greeting to friends and acquaintances seated at tables, pecking female cheeks both old and young as he introduced Joanne. Definitely popular, she realized, determined not to let it bother her that some of the attractive women fluttered their eyelashes, clearly enamoured with him. It was just the Italian way she consoled herself.

  She loved the ambiance in Italian restaurants, where it was taken for granted one discussed with the waiter the constituents of every dish and how it had been prepared. All this went on at the same time as the patron kept
up a lively discussion with the chef; maybe about politics, the arts and most importantly – the analysis of the local sports team’s performance.

  She had to wait to put her questions. Accompanied by a bottle of chilled prosecco, they demolished a platter of antipasti and followed this with a delectable dish of tiny fish fillets with black olives, tomatoes and pine nuts. She had to call a halt to eating so much delicious fare and declined a dessert. Finally they both sat back with small cups of black coffee and smiled contentedly at one another.

  ‘That was good, eh?’ Fabio grinned as he raised his voice over the general babble of conversation all around them.

  ‘This must be a favourite haunt for locals. No wonder, everything’s absolutely perfect and delicious. Thank you, Fabio; I love it here.’

  ‘My pleasure. Now, how are you placed for time? Would you care for a spin in my car around the Bay?’

  ‘Mmm. sounds great. Except I may not be able to fit in the car after all I’ve eaten.’

  ‘No problem. I keep a shoe horn handy for just such a problem.’

  Chapter 10

  Once again Joanne found herself in Fabio’s car, thrilled by the open air freedom of it as sea breezes ruffled her hair. It served to clear her befuddled head, unaccustomed to drinking wine in the middle of the day. As they whizzed past luxurious villas her mind filled with the hope there would be a chance to resolve things that puzzled her.

  Fabio pulled the car over into a lay by on the headland and turned off the engine. ‘Come; let’s stretch our legs on the beach, eh?’ He stepped out of the car, came around and opened her door. ‘I’ve locked the boot so your parcels will be okay. Even here on the Island you never can trust there won’t be a thief. See,’ he pointed, ‘there’s a way down to the cove from here. Will you manage in sandals?’