Chapter Eleven
I’d had a couple of pool days topping up my tan and was starting to get into the swing of things. Sunrise, yoga, pancakes, pool, wine, cheese, sunset, sleep. It was a heady mix. Still no word from any of my theatre contacts, just blue ticks where I’d been left on read. I was in a strange sort of limbo, and trying to enjoy myself, but this aimless approach to life didn’t really work for me. I liked to know what was happening and what lay ahead. A clear path with a clear plan. Bobbing along in Tuscany, day after day, wasn’t really my thing.
I’d promised Holly I’d go to the opera with her tonight, so that was something to look forward to, but then I needed to revisit my plan and get myself organised. I chose a green silk dress, with shoestring straps, and my gold wedges, which felt appropriately dramatic for the occasion. My skin was glowing from all the sunshine and my hair was curled and loose around my shoulders. It felt nice to get dressed up for a glamorous night out. I ran down the stairs, messaging Holly as I went.
Me:Gah! I keep forgetting there’s no Uber. How are you getting into SG?
Holly:I’ve already walked in with Xavier. It’s only 20 mins from the restaurant xx
‘I love your dress!’ Mia trilled, looking fabulous herself in a strapless crimson number. The puppies trotted behind her dutifully, taking it in turns to look up at her in adoration.
‘Your little shadows,’ I said, scooping Nero up for a snuggle. He licked my cheek as I held him tight. ‘He’s too cute!’
Tony and Paolo walked through from the kitchen, in matching black chinos and white shirts, their features identical. Dark skin, wavy hair, and bright blue eyes, the picture of brotherly love. Tony had a polished, chiselled look about him and Paolo was giving off rugged man-of-the-mountain vibes. Both equally attractive in different ways.
‘Wow.’ Tony’s eyes lit up when he saw me, and he nodded in open appreciation.
I didn’t know where to look. ‘I’m going to the opera with Holly and Xavier,’ I said. I hoped I wasn’t overdressed.
‘Yes, of course, us too – everyone is going!’ Paolo said. ‘We will drive you.’
‘Oh no, I don’t want to intrude,’ I said, despite it being the perfect solution to my non-Uber situation.
‘Not an intrusion!’ Mia said, clearly baffled. ‘How else will you get there?’
‘Erm… I was going to get the bus,’ I said, and all three of them laughed.
‘Unlikely,’ Tony said, with total charm. ‘There won’t be another bus until Monday.’
This place was ridiculous! How did the non-drivers get around? ‘Well, if you’re sure there’s space?’ I said, feeling foolish. I didn’t have much choice. I couldn’t very well walk there on my own in the dark.
‘Plenty, plenty!’ Paolo ushered us all outside and into his Fiat Uno, where there wasn’t plenty of anything. Quite the opposite. We’d have to stick our heads out the window the whole way there. Mia got in the front, with me and Tony wedged in the back like their oversized children. I could smell Tony’s spicy aftershave up close and inhaling it made me giddy – a stronger hit of the hint he’d left on my bedsheets. Eau de Tuscan Tone, reminding my body of how he’d made me feel. I glanced at him in the dark.
‘I’m not following you, I promise,’ I said.
‘Are you sure? It’s fine if you are, you know.’ He gave me a playful nudge, and it felt good to be close to him again.
Paolo set off, bouncing us along the rickety dirt track and onto the main road into San Gimignano. It was only a ten-minute drive, but by the time we’d parked and walked up the hill to the main square, it was nearly showtime. The ancient brick walls were lit by intermittent streetlamps, and tables of al fresco diners busied themselves with bowls of fettucine and carafes of wine. Stage lighting had been put at the top of the steps in front of the church and was the only thing visible from the ground. We were in the middle of the crowd and there were too many people milling around for me to spot Holly and Xavier.
Me:Where are you?
Holly:On the balcony above Le Terrazze in the square. I can’t see you!
I looked up and could see her sitting with Xavier, over the other side of the piazza. Some chairs had been laid out and they were at the front with a VIP view. There was no way I’d make it over there and up to them in time.
Me:I’m stuck in the crowd. I’ll have to watch it down here with Paolo and Mia.
Holly:And Tony? ??????
Me:Yesss, and Tony. But not like that.
I followed Tony into the crowd, and he instinctively took my hand, connecting us like sleeping otters as we weaved through the throngs of people to the edge of the square. He eventually stopped outside Gino’s and Mia and Paolo headed in.
‘We are watching from in here,’ he said. ‘Our school friend owns the restaurant and has saved us a table, but I’ll come with you to find Holly, first.’
‘She’s with Xavier on the other side and it’s too packed to get across, but it’s fine, I’ll just watch it from down here,’ I said. I didn’t want to gatecrash their family reunion.
‘What? You can’t stay down here on your own. Come up and sit with us,’ Tony said, still holding my hand. ‘Please, I insist. There’s plenty of space.’
‘That’s what Paolo said about the car,’ I said, with a cynical eyebrow.
‘Buonasera, ladies and gentlemen!’ The compère was on stage and the show was about to start. I nodded at Tony and he bustled me into the restaurant as they closed the doors. We ran up to the first floor, where there was a table set up on the balcony with ice buckets and glasses, bottles of prosecco, red and white wine, and beers, for people to help themselves. A party of ten, including Paolo and Mia, had already taken their seats, and were happily hushing each other with excited eyes. The stage lighting was hitting the performers on all sides, as they launched into the opening number of La Traviata. Candlelight flickered from the tables and balconies, giving a soft glow to the audience. Paolo pointed us at two empty seats.
‘What are you drinking?’ Tony whispered, opening himself a beer. ‘Limoncello?’
I smiled. ‘Maybe later. Red wine, please.’ He poured me a large glass and we silently took our seats. The town looked magical, and the audience were collectively holding their breath to listen, as everyone crammed in together to watch the show.
‘Are you an opera fan?’ Tony asked. We were sat on the end of the front row, with a clear view. I nodded, eyes shining, and my heart raced as the diva started to sing. I loved everything about the opera. The costumes, the scenery, the music. But this was on another level. Opera in Italy, al fresco, the feeling of the air whipping around us as we drank red wine, and oh… the voices. Like angels, singing into the night, every single person giving it everything they had. It felt like magic to witness such raw talent, and the more intense the music got, the more self-conscious I felt, sitting next to Tony. The love and angst seeping out from the performance and into my psyche. Their voices vibrating through my soul. It was all consuming.
‘Unbelievable.’ Tony leant in towards me. ‘To think this level of talent is hidden away in the Tuscan hills, singing so passionately into the night.’ He took a couple of discreet photos and then a selfie of the two of us.
‘I was just thinking the same. Artists staying local but true to their unique gifts. It’s beautiful to watch – and even more so to hear.’
After two hours of body-quivering intensity, the lights went out and the crowd erupted. The entire balcony leapt to their feet.
‘Brava!’ Tony clapped and whistled next to me, while I closed my eyes and took a moment to absorb the final notes of the music. It had been a truly jaw-dropping performance. I wasn’t sure whether to cheer or cry or go and have a lie-down.
‘Encore!’ I shouted, clapping high into the air, as the performers took their bows.
‘That final scene was just incredible,’ Tony said, his eyes watery.
‘It really was. We all know the death scene is coming, but it doesn’t make it any easier,’ I said, with a sigh. ‘It breaks my heart every time.’
Tony looked like a lost little boy for half a second, then pulled himself together.
‘Mom would have loved this so much. To be here, with her boys. The opera was one of the highlights of her year. We used to come as a family when we were small. So, tonight feels like a moment to raise a glass to her, and my dad.’ He held his beer bottle up to the sky.
‘They’ll be smiling down on you both, I’m sure,’ I said, confidently, even though I’d never met them. I flashed my eyes to heaven, hoping the same of Josh. Would he be happy to know I was here? Or was it too soon to think about moving on? ‘I know how it feels to lose someone so close.’
‘I can’t believe she’s gone. I thought she’d be around forever,’ he said, wistfully.
‘Death doesn’t care about timing, that’s for sure,’ I said, quietly. ‘Was it sudden?’
‘Yes. Heart attack. I’d spoken to her earlier that day, and then…’ he clicked his fingers, ‘…gone. Just like that. Number’s up.’
Holly:Sorry we missed you. We’re heading back. Speak tomorrow xx
Me:Night night xx three rings so I know you’re safe xx
Holly:?????? I’m always safe with Xavier xx
*
We finished our drinks and headed back to the car park, wandering through the streets, full of laughter and chatter, the wind keeping my hair off my face. Paolo’s Fiat Uno was sitting waiting for us, but the back tyre was completely flat.
‘Mamma mia,’ he said, rolling his eyes to the sky.
‘Do you have a spare?’ I asked and three sets of eyes looked at me. Obviously not. There were people everywhere, so the likelihood of getting a cab seemed slim.
‘Gino will lend us a couple of his Vespas,’ Tony said. ‘We can bring them back in the morning.’
‘Si, bene. Yes. Good idea,’ Paolo said.
Mia smiled. ‘Don’t worry, this happens all the time. The car is falling apart, as you can see.’
‘It’s probably never had four passengers in it before.’ I laughed. ‘Thanks, guys, but I think I’ll pass on the Vespa. If we can’t get a cab back, then I’ll walk. I know where I’m going; it won’t take long.’
Tony stopped in surprise. ‘But why? Vespas are the best way to travel in Italy,’ he said. ‘They are totally safe. I’ll drive and you hold on. Like an Italian backie?’
‘Sorry, Tony, I can’t. I’m sure they’re very safe, but I’d rather not get on one.’ I didn’t want to sound too abrupt, but it wasn’t up for discussion. ‘I’ll be home for midnight if I set off now. I could do with the walk anyway, to be honest, after all that red wine.’
Paolo and Mia looked at each other, and Tony took charge.
‘You two go by Vespa, and I’ll walk with Abi.’
‘No… honestly, I’m fine,’ I tried.
‘I insist,’ Tony said. ‘The vineyards can be tricky at night and it’s easy to get lost, but I could do it blindfolded.’ He switched the torch on through his phone and lit up the path ahead of us. It was very sweet of him to offer, and I could hardly say no without a good reason. The truth was, I did feel a bit scared at the thought of walking back to the farmhouse on my own, but it was nowhere near as scary as the thought of getting on a Vespa. That was a definite no. It felt strange to have someone care enough to see me home safely twice in a week. There was no getting away from it – Tony was one of the good guys.
‘Well, when you put it like that. Lead the way.’ We kissed Paolo and Mia goodnight and walked down towards the main road.
‘Paolo and I have done this route a few thousand times over the years,’ Tony said, with a fond smile. ‘Mom always made me promise to get him home safe whenever we went out, no matter what. The curse of being the eldest child.’
‘Tell me about it. I’ve looked after my little brother my whole life. He’d never bother organising to go out with his own mates when we were kids, so Mum would make me take him out with mine.’
Tony laughed. ‘Smart guy – hanging out with his older sister and all her friends. Mine and Paolo’s friends were all the same, so we didn’t have that problem.’
‘My brother split up with his girlfriend last week, so he’s staying in my flat while I’m away.’
‘That’s kind of you,’ Tony said. ‘It’s good to look after your family, not everyone does.’
‘I’ve always kept my eye on him – I’ve had to – drama seems to follow him around. Last month he fell for a crypto scam, and I had to help him sort things out with the bank, the police and the fraud squad, it was a nightmare. They nearly cleared him out completely, not that he had a lot to start with.’
‘That’s some complex stuff. A proper big sister, eh?’
‘Yep. Although I somehow end up helping him with the basic stuff too; birthdays, Mother’s Day, Christmas presents. I’d rather that, though, than him forget.’
‘There’s a shortcut this way.’ Tony opened a wooden gate into a farmer’s field and started walking as the crow flies towards the vineyard in the distance. The traffic was finally behind us, and I felt much happier away from the chaos of the road, on a safe path home. The moon beamed bright as we walked, a sky full of stars alongside it lighting the way ahead. The night-time breeze was warm, and my dress fluttered about me as I followed Tony’s every footstep, single file, his torch shining in the dark.
‘I didn’t think it would feel this good to be back,’ he said, stopping to stare straight up at the sky. He had a wild, free energy about him tonight and it reminded me of myself in those photos with Josh. ‘It’s funny how home hits different, don’t you think?’ He stood still for a second and took a deep breath. ‘Remembering where you came from and who you really are.’ He took a photo of the vineyard in the moonlight, and a panoramic shot back round to San Gimignano lit up on top of the hill.
‘You’re lucky to have lived in different countries, I’ve only ever lived in the UK,’ I said, following his gaze into the night. ‘I think that’s why I don’t like to be away for too long. I like the bustle and the hustle…’
‘And the rustle?’
I laughed. ‘Yes, that too. I like all the noises. It’s too quiet here once you’re out of the town.’ The road behind us had emptied out, with only the occasional car or scooter whizzing past. A pair of owls were hooting, and the quiet crunch of our footsteps on the grass was all that could be heard otherwise.
‘LA is nothing but noise,’ Tony said, in contrast. ‘I can’t hear myself think most days. The traffic, the sirens, the shouting, the beeping. So much beeping…’
‘I quite like a beep.’
‘I’ve become anti-beep. I crave silence. When Mom died, I promised myself I’d be more mindful and start to meditate. Try and get back to a slower pace of life. I was totally stressed out – always rushing everywhere: from home, to work, out to dinner, back home again. I was struggling to keep up with myself, in a permanent race to get everything done. I was planning to visit Mom and Paolo once I got on top of things. I thought I had plenty of time, and then I got the call. I’d waited too long, and it was too late.’
‘I’m so sorry, Tony, that’s really hard.’
‘It was a shock to realise there was no time left. I could have chosen to stop at any time, or at least slow down. That’s one of the reasons I’m out here now. I vowed to visit at least once a year for a good chunk of time to see everyone and stay connected. I love my job – it’s got me to where I am today, and I’m grateful for that – but my family got me there too and I’ve learnt the hard way that working non-stop isn’t the way to get the most out of life. Being out here reminds me of the things I love. Of how to relax and what makes me happy.’
‘I think I’m beyond help,’ I said, trotting along next to him. ‘Although the swimming and yoga must be doing something for me. I’ve been sleeping so deeply since I got out here.’
‘Me too,’ Tony said with a smile. ‘And I eat much more slowly, otherwise I can’t fit it all in. And I really want to fit it all in, as the food is so delicious.’
‘Maybe we’re slowing down without realising it then. By osmosis.’