Chapter Twenty-Eight
Pulling into port, the hydrofoil tied off and shut down the engines. “Welcome to Naples, the vibrant heart of Southern Italy,” Alicia greeted them with a warm smile at the disembarking ramp. “We’ll be taking a brief evening tour of this historic city before retiring for the night.”
The group boarded their tour bus, which Alessandro had driven from Sorrento after dropping them off hours before, and Alicia began her commentary as they drove through the bustling streets of Naples. “Naples is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and, of course, its mouthwatering cuisine,” she explained. “Keep your eyes peeled for some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. First up is Castel Nuovo, also known as the New Castle. This imposing medieval fortress, dating back to the 13th century, stands sentinel by the azure waters of the Mediterranean. Its robust towers and sturdy walls speak volumes of its military significance, having served as both a royal residence and a formidable defensive stronghold. ”
“And there, to the right, you’ll catch a glimpse of the majestic Royal Palace of Naples. Built in the 17th century under Spanish rule, this extravagant palace is a testament to Bourbon opulence and power. Admire the palace’s imposing fa?ade, taking note of the intricate Baroque architecture, characterized by ornate balconies, elaborate sculptures, majestic columns, rows of arched windows, and imposing entrances adorned with sculpted embellishments. The palace’s grandeur is further accentuated by its monumental size, spanning over 300 meters in length. That would be like turning your Empire State Building on its side. If you were to step inside, you would be transported back in time as you wander through the lavish interiors, including the grand Throne Room where monarchs once held court amidst gilded furnishings and sumptuous tapestries and the exquisite Royal Chapel, adorned with magnificent frescoes and intricate stuccoes, offering a glimpse into the spiritual life of the royal family.”
Sophie and Fernando marveled at the colorful buildings and lively atmosphere as they traversed the winding streets. “It’s like a live-action postcard full of history and culture,” Sophie remarked, her eyes scanning the surroundings, trying to take it all in.
Alicia nodded in agreement. “Indeed, Naples is a city with a story around every corner. From ancient ruins to Renaissance palaces, there’s something to discover at every turn. Prepare to be captivated by the majestic Teatro di San Carlo, Europe’s oldest continuously active opera house.” She pointed to the left side of the bus. “From the intricate detailing of its neoclassical facade to the towering columns that flank its entrance, every inch of the Teatro di San Carlo exudes elegance and sophistication. Inside, you would find gilded balconies and plush velvet seating, every detail speaking to the grandeur of the operatic experience. Fun fact: The famous Italian tenor Enrico Caruso made his debut at this very theater!” she exclaimed, a twinkle in her eye. “ And if you’re a fan of ‘The Godfather’ films, you might recognize the Teatro di San Carlo as a backdrop in ‘The Godfather Part III.’ It’s just one of the many ways Naples’ rich cultural heritage has left its mark on the silver screen.”
Their tour continued as they made their way to the hotel, with Alicia pointing out other notable sights, such as Piazza del Plebiscito and the iconic Spaccanapoli street. “Naples isn’t just famous for its stunning architecture and historic landmarks; it’s also the birthplace of pizza. This city of nearly a million people has about 8,200 pizzerias. Fathers here often hope their sons will become either soccer players for SSC Napoli or pizza chefs, known as ‘pizzaioli’ or ‘pizzaiuoli’ in the local dialect. The art of pizza-making in Naples is so cherished that UNESCO has recognized it as an intangible cultural heritage.”
“The classic Neapolitan pizza,” Alicia continued, “is soft and chewy with a moist, almost soupy top and a pillowy crust called ‘cornicione.’ It’s cooked in about 90 seconds at extremely high temperatures, making it thinner than the plate it’s served on.”
As they arrived at the Grand Hotel Vesuvio, Alicia bid the group goodnight, reminding them of their early start the next day.
“I’m hungry and will never be able to sleep with a growling stomach. Care to join me for a taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza?” he asked hopefully, not ready for the day to end.
“Sure, that sounds good. To be honest, I have been craving pizza all day,” Sophie admitted with a shy smile.
They walked to a nearby pizzeria recommended by Alicia, the aroma of baking dough and melting cheese guiding their steps. The small restaurant was cozy, with checkered tablecloths and framed photos of Naples on the walls. They found a corner table, the perfect spot to unwind.
“This place looks promising,” Fernando said, glancing around.
They ordered a classic Margherita pizza, and soon, a piping hot pie arrived at their table, the scent of fresh basil and tomatoes making their mouths water.
“Let’s see if it lives up to all the hype,” Fernando said, lifting a slice from the plate and folding it expertly before taking a large bite.
Sophie tried to mimic his technique, but the sauce dribbled down her chin. She laughed, dabbing at it with a napkin. “Clearly, I need more practice.”
Fernando chuckled, reaching across the table. “Here, let me help. You missed a spot.” He gently wiped the sauce from the bottom edge of her jaw with a napkin, his thumb brushing her lower lip. The touch lingered for a moment, sending tingles through Sophie.
“Thank you,” she said softly, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks.
They ate in companionable silence for a while, savoring the chewy crust and rich toppings. “This is amazing,” Sophie said between bites. “I can see why Neapolitan pizza is so famous.”
Fernando nodded in agreement. “It’s perfect. I could get used to this.”
They lingered at the table a little longer, talking and laughing about the day’s adventures while sipping their glasses of Chianti. The pizzeria hummed with the sounds of locals and tourists alike.
A group of young American tourists entered and began snapping selfies, causing Fernando to move closer to Sophie, wrapping his arm around her in a romantic embrace. He had forgotten his ballcap on the bus and felt exposed. One young woman, observing them carefully, squealed, rattling something to her friend, who instantly looked over at them before whispering furiously to the others in the group. The first young lady was already making a beeline for their table. Fernando quickly cupped Sophie’s cheek and pressed a kiss to her lips. He heard a gasp but couldn’t be sure if it came from Sophie or the disappointed fan. Not wanting to make any more of a scene, he led Sophie back to the hotel, his arm wrapped tightly around her waist, tucking her close to his side.
“Sorry about that,” he whispered as they walked down the sidewalk. “I know we didn’t discuss how far we were willing to go with this ruse. It was a knee-jerk reaction when I saw that female charging us. I hope I didn’t offend or startle you.”
“It’s fine,” Sophie assured, her heart still racing from the impromptu lip lock. “I prefer my kisses to have meaning, but I did agree to provide you cover from the fans, so I can’t be offended when that includes a chaste kiss. A little warning might be nice next time.” Her tender smile let him know all was well, and she was teasing him.
“I will keep that in mind and do my best,” he promised.
Feeling exhausted after a long day of travel and exploration, Sophie and Fernando checked in and gathered their waiting luggage from the reception desk where Alessandro had left them.
Outside Sophie’s door, Fernando paused. “I had a great time tonight. Thanks for sharing this with me.”
“Me too,” Sophie said, feeling a warm glow inside thinking about the kiss they had shared. “Goodnight, Fernando.”
“Goodnight, Sophie,” he replied, watching as she slipped into her room, her smile lingering in his mind. As he walked to his own room further down the hall, he couldn’t help but feel excited about the adventures that awaited them the next day. He hadn’t planned for that kiss, but he certainly wasn’t going to regret it.