Chapter Twenty-two
The email confirmation came through, and I double-checked the details. Yes. All sorted to fly back to London the next day. I felt sad to leave, but it was time to go. I didn’t want to meet a second group of guests, like some weirdy live-in resident. Oh, don’t mind Abi – she’s been here a while. I wanted to get back to my flat and the cocoon of London life. I was starting to crave my little home. I checked out what was on at the cinema and the local pub, loosely slotting plans in for the week ahead. I wouldn’t be hanging around like a spare part when I got back, scratting about for someone to hang out with.
Group Chat:Kat! Sara! My fave HIIT babes! I’m back tomorrow night – fancy dinner this weekend? Can’t wait to see you both xx
Me:Hey bro, time to move out – I’m coming home tomorrow night – sorry!
Me:Phoebe!! How are things? Any bookings? I’m flying home tomorrow – let me know when you’re free for a chat!
That would do for now. I’d pen in a few social plans and throw myself back into things. There was still only one tick on my messages to Tony, which was a bit depressing. It didn’t make any sense. He must have landed by now. Unless he’d flown to the moon, or… he’d blocked me? Surely not. Although it would explain the single ticks. Oh my God, that must be it. Maybe he’d just wanted to go home and forget he ever knew me. After all, I’d made my feelings clear. Why would he want to stay in touch?
Me: Hols – time for me to head back to London ? I’ve booked a flight home for tomorrow. Are you free for dinner? Also, do you think Tony might have blocked me? I’m only getting one tick on my messages.
I looked around my room. The half-empty bottle of limoncello from that first night together gleamed luminous in my welcome basket, next to the uneaten cakes and snacks. That first day when Mia had shown me in and pointed everything out felt like a lifetime ago. My clothes hung neatly in the wardrobe; shoes lined up by the door. It had been fun calling somewhere else home for a few weeks, but it was time to go back to the real world.
I slid my suitcase out from under the bed to get a head start on packing, pulling my dresses off their hangers, one by one, and folding them into colourful puffs. I left my long, purple dress out for dinner with Holly. One last wear before it was put into hibernation for the winter. I wouldn’t get much use out of it in London. I threw my make-up and toiletries into my packing cube and zipped it up. Everything in its place and ready to go. The weather was still sunny and gorgeous, and I wanted to make the most of swimming outside for one last day. I ran down to the pool and walked straight into Paolo, hopping along past the stairs.
‘Ooh, argh, sorry, Paolo,’ I said, as one of his crutches clattered to the floor.
‘Abi! How are you?’
‘I’m OK,’ I said, picking it up for him. He was the spitting image of Tony, and I couldn’t help but think about what he might be up to. It felt so strange here without him. ‘How is your leg?’
‘Healing nicely. The doctor said another month in plaster, and it should be fixed.’
‘Perfetto!’ I smiled; glad he was on the mend. ‘Oh – I need to tell you I’ll be checking out tomorrow.’ I’d been here so long, I felt guilty for leaving. As if I was resigning from a much-loved job.
‘Nooo!’ He looked genuinely crestfallen. ‘We have got used to having you here. You are like one of the family now.’
‘I know! I’ve had such a wonderful time, but I can’t stay here forever.’
‘Well, you are welcome back, anytime,’ Paolo said, scratching his head. ‘Tony will be sorry to miss you when he comes back.’
My stomach dropped. ‘Tony’s coming back?’
‘Yes, on Friday.’
‘That was a quick trip to LA?’
‘LA? He hasn’t gone to LA? No, no, he’s in Verona! He was only supposed to be gone for a day but there was an extra meeting he had to attend.’
‘In Verona? So, he didn’t fly anywhere?’ Then he must have blocked me. He hadn’t even been on a plane – he was still in Italy!
‘The train, I think. Unless he was on one of his private jets – who knows with him. He is always surprising me.’ Paolo chuckled and sat down to rest his leg. ‘There is one last paper we need to sign together. With the accident we didn’t get to do it, so they posted it on to us and we’ll sign it on Friday. Then I think he’ll fly home after that. Maybe at the weekend, I’m not sure.’
Holly:I didn’t think you had Tony’s number? Why would he block you? Don’t leave meeeee!! Yes, to dinner.
Me:Viola gave it to me, but my messages aren’t going through. Dinner at yours or San Gimignano?
Holly: SG so I don’t get distracted. I’ll book us in at Le Vecchie Mura. It’s amazing there.
Mia came wandering out with some bottled water.
‘Morning, Abi! Paolo tells me you are leaving us?’ she said, sadly. ‘I’ll miss you – we all will – Nero especially.’ He looked up at his name. The puppies were taking a collective drink from a metal bowl and were the epitome of cute, getting prettier and fluffier each day. So much more confident than when I’d first arrived, when they were an inseparable trio – constantly chasing each other around the pool.
‘Are you keeping them all?’ I asked, watching them.
‘I wish we could. No – once they get to ten weeks, they will go to new homes.’
‘All of them?’ I said, surprised.
‘We will probably keep Toppa,’ Mia said, smiling fondly at the three of them. ‘He’s the runt of the litter and not as strong as the other two.’
‘Do you have homes for Bianco and Nero?’ I couldn’t imagine them living anywhere other than here.
‘Not yet, but we’ll find good people for them, don’t worry.’ Mia poured me out a glass of water and left the bottle on the table. ‘What time is your flight tomorrow? I can drive you to Poggibonsi to get the train to the airport, if you need a lift?’
I looked at Mia and at Nero, my little love, running himself ragged in circles, and thought of Tony back in a couple of days. I couldn’t cope with the thought of leaving if there was a chance to speak to him before I went back. Maybe I should move my flight. I’d ask Holly over dinner – she’d know what to do.
‘Thank you, Mia That’s so kind. I fly from Florence at 6 p.m., so I’ll need to leave after lunch if that’s OK?’ I said, pulling out my phone to check alternative flight times, as Mia went inside, three puppies in her wake. How could she bear to let them go?
*
My tan was coming on a treat, although I’d always tanned easily. A month of sun-kissed summer days and I was starting to look and live like a local. I couldn’t decide if I needed a swim, a sleep, or more sunbathing time. Decisions, decisions. My phone started ringing, distracting me momentarily, and I moved into the shade. Phoebe.
‘Is that my September wake-up call?’ I answered.
‘It sure is,’ she replied. ‘Your fairy godmother calling to grant your wish as promised. Although why your wish is to work, I’ll never know.’
‘Have you got me a job, then?’ I asked, unsettled at the thought of getting back to it. I’d finally relaxed into the swing of things – was it really all over already?
‘Oh, hi, Phoebe, how are you? How was your weekend?’ she said, sarcastically.
‘Sorry, Phoebs. Hi. How was your weekend?’
‘I’d rather not talk about it,’ she quipped, and I laughed. ‘But – guess what? I’ve got you a job!’
I rolled my eyes into the phone. ‘Have you?! Well, thank God for that!’ I suppose it was a relief to know there was some work on the horizon. That I hadn’t been forgotten.
‘And it’s a good one.’
‘Tell me, tell me, tell me!!’ No TV ads here then.
‘I’m gonna level with you, Abs, I was worried you’d been blacklisted. I didn’t want to worry you with it, but I was getting a lot of ghosting and closed doors. Something very strange went on with that Moonmen job and I don’t think we got to the bottom of it.’
‘Really?’
‘Yeah. I found out from another agent that Lucy Rowan is still working there. She didn’t get the boot as we were told.’
‘Oh.’ I felt stung. Why had they lied?
‘And I’ve been struggling to get responses for jobs for you ever since.’
‘That’s so weird. I was only there a couple of days?’
‘I know!’
I thought back to my time on Moonmen. To Lucy and Danny and Blake and Travis. It hadn’t been the best experience, but I certainly hadn’t done anything wrong.
‘Unless there was a problem with Blake Thomas?’
‘Blake Thomas? Why would there be a problem with him?’
‘Umm… it’s a long story. The short version is we had a bit of a thing – but in my defence, he was using another name and I didn’t realise who he was. Until somebody told me. On set.’
‘What???? Abi, you little vixen! When? Where? How the hell did you manage that?’
‘I was in the sauna at The Langham – minding my own business. You know how these things can sometimes go.’ My delicious memory of that night had been soured by my last encounter with Blake. The whole ‘family man’ performance with his wife and kids after he’d tried it on with me had made me sick.
‘Sadly, I do not know how these things go, Abs. Men leave the sauna when I arrive, and men like Blake Thomas are not to be found in any sauna I’ve ever been to.’
‘Anyway – let’s not worry about him. Tell me about the job!’
‘YES. Well, it’s almost unbelievable really,’ she gabbled. ‘I got a call this morning from Sparkle Productions who said you’d been recommended for the… wait for it…’ I held my breath – Phoebe never got excited, ‘…Venice Film Festival.’
‘What??? To do what?’ This made no sense. The crème de la crème of the acting world would be there. Why would they want me?
‘To assist on make-up for the awards ceremony and wrap party. The guest list has just been sent through. Hang on, I’ll have a quick scan…’
My heart was thumping in my ear.
‘Hmm… ah yes! Here he is. He’s on the list.’
‘Who is?’
‘Blake Thomas, you idiot – keep up! Now that you’ve told me about your, little, er… dalliance, I’m wondering if he requested you as some sort of long-game apology. If he did get you the boot from Moonmen. It’s tenuous, but at least it makes sense. If it’s not him, then you’ve got friends in high places, because I didn’t get you this one – although I will still be taking my fifteen per cent.’
My brain was overflowing – the Venice Film Festival? My dream job landing right in my lap. Getting the boot from Moonmen? Blake Thomas trying to apologise?
‘Do you think…?’ I frowned. I couldn’t stand the idea of seeing Blake again. Or having to grovel and thank him for putting me forward. But I couldn’t deny it was amazing to hear I’d be working at the Venice Film Festival, however it had come about.
‘There is one slight downside,’ Phoebe said, as my thoughts tumbled into one another.
‘Go on…?’ I groaned.
‘They need you there on Friday. I know you said you’re back in London tomorrow, but I’m thinking you cancel that flight and get the train direct to Venice instead. Have you got all your make-up stuff with you?’
‘No. Well, some of it, but not everything.’
‘OK, welllll, it’s a dirty job but someone’s got to do it.’ Phoebe sighed. ‘I’ll get your kit and fly out and meet you in Venice. That way we can both arrive on Thursday and you’ll be ready to go on Friday.’
With Phoebe it was always easiest to say yes and go with the flow.
‘Really? Thanks, Phoebs, that would be fab. My brother is flat sitting, so I’ll give you his number to liaise. My kit is by the front door – all washed and ready to go – still sitting there, post Moonmen.’
‘Alright, sweetheart. I’ll send the details through – they’ll book your hotel, obviously, so I’ll confirm where you’re staying once I know. All you need to do is get yourself to Venice and I’ll see you there.’
‘Thank you so much, Phoebs – this is a total game changer. New career – here I come!’
I put the phone down and did a little dance. The Venice Film Festival! This was an amazing opportunity. I’d missed out on Tony, but at least my career was going in the right direction. They only had the very best people working there, so I’d be assisting someone really special. I closed my eyes and ignored the replies coming through from Kat, Sara, and my brother. I’d reply later. For now, I wanted to bask in the sun and the excitement of my Hollywood dreams flickering back to life and bursting into flames.
*
Holly had reserved a table for two at Le Vecchie Mura, and they had given us a beautiful spot on the edge of the terrace, overlooking the vineyards, cypress trees lining the horizon in clusters. The sun had just gone down when we arrived, and candles flickered on every table, giving the restaurant a soft, romantic glow. It was still and warm, the crickets chirruping away as we took our seats. Perfect conditions for dinner al fresco with my best friend. I was going to miss these long Italian evenings – and yes, the sunsets. Hanging out with Holly in San Gimignano, the two of us together, putting the world to rights.
‘I’ve got something exciting to tell you,’ I said, diving straight in.
‘Me too!’ Holly replied. ‘You go first.’
‘You know I said I was flying home tomorrow? Well, I’m staying until Thursday now, as I’ve landed a bloody amazing job at… the Venice Film Festival!’
Holly’s face lit up in delight at the news. She looked almost as happy as me about it – the sign of a true friend. ‘Whatttt?? That’s fantastic news! Congratulations! You SO deserve this!’ She leant in and hugged me tight. ‘See? I told you it would all work out alright.’
‘I knowww! I’m so excited! I’ll miss you though, when I go.’
‘Me too. I’ve loved having you out here, but what better reason to leave than for a kick-arse job like that?!’ Holly laughed. ‘It’s been good to see you so happy and relaxed. You needed a proper break.’
‘I really did. Although it does mean that I won’t get to see Tony again,’ I said, with a sad shrug. ‘Yin and yang. Oh, I haven’t told you, yet! Apparently, he’s been in Verona and is back on Friday for a few days.’
‘What?! For goodness’ sake! Why didn’t he say so?’ Holly said, looking bereft.
‘He was only meant to be gone a day, so I suppose he didn’t think he’d need to explain.’
‘That’s such a shame! Shall I pass on a message? Tell him to check his phone?’
‘Ooh yes, good idea! I could leave you a letter for him. The old-fashioned approach?’
‘Yes! I think he’d like that. He seems the sort.’
I hadn’t written a letter to anyone since high school. These days my communication style was more one line and one LOL at a time. I’m sure it would come back to me once I put pen to paper. Even if I just gave him my phone number to call me sometime.
‘That’s a thought. He can’t have blocked my number – he hasn’t got it,’ I said, frowning.
‘Eh? Hasn’t he?’
‘No. I messaged him, but he hasn’t got my number. So, he can’t have blocked me. The message just mustn’t have gone through for some reason.’
‘You could try calling him?’ Holly suggested.
I looked at her in horror and we both laughed. ‘Call a phone number? Are you OK, hun?’
‘At least you’d know if the number works. Or I can call it?’ she said, delighted with herself. ‘Yes, that makes more sense. I’ll just make something up if he answers. I can pretend I’m confirming his reservation at Lavedrine X for Friday night?’
‘What?! You can’t do that. He won’t know what you’re talking about?’
‘Then I’ll just pretend it was a mistake.’ She pulled out her phone. ‘Give me his number, quick.’
‘Noooo!’ I laughed, wickedly. But my first glass of wine had kicked in and this was actually an excellent plan. ‘OK.’ I read out Tony’s number and Holly typed it in, putting her phone on speaker so we could both hear, and turning it right down. It was very uncouth to run a conference call from somewhere so beautiful. The phone clicked and paused as I held my breath. It was such a basic thing to do, but somehow felt incredibly naughty. Like we were back at school, phoning a boy one of us fancied.
‘Hello?’ My heart stopped as I heard Tony’s voice, and Holly snatched the phone up.
‘Hi Tony,’ she said, with a terrified smile, then paused with the phone to her ear for one second and put it down. ‘Voicemail.’
‘I nearly had a heart attack! What did he say?’
Holly gave me one of her looks. ‘What do you think he said? Hello, this is Tony. Leave me a message, thanks. The usual.’
‘Do you think I should leave him a message?’ At least then I’d have tried absolutely everything to get in touch.
‘No. I think you should take a chill pill. You’ve messaged him and it hasn’t gone through. His phone is going straight to voicemail, which means it’s either switched off or broken.’
‘I know… OK, that makes sense,’ I said, embarrassed.
‘He’s back here on Friday so I’ll get the lay of the land, and once I know if he’s seen your message or not, we can decide how to play it. And if you want to leave a letter with me too, I can pass it on.’
‘Fine. Good. That sounds like a plan.’
‘You really like him, then?’ Holly said, her kind face full of love.
‘Maybe a little bit. And I don’t want him to forever think that I didn’t like him. Know what I mean?’
‘No. But I’m sure it makes sense in your mind.’
‘Anyway – didn’t you say you’ve got some exciting news as well?’ I asked, tearing apart some focaccia and making a beeline for the olive oil.
‘I did. I’m pregnant.’ Holly gave a shy smile, looking up at me from under her lashes.
I dropped my bread and screamed. ‘Whattttt? Oh, my Goddddd!’ I threw my arms up, engulfing her in a massive hug. ‘Congratulations! Why have we been babbling on about my load of nothing, when we could have been talking about this?’
‘You’re only the second person to know. I’m happy and scared and in love and terrified. I don’t feel old enough to have a baby.’
‘Well, you are. Any idea who the father is?’ I asked with a straight face, and we both laughed.