CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER TWO
‘Juliet, this isn’t what we agreed.’
It had been three months since Gio’s wedding and Juliet was feeling even more behind with life… In an attempt to fix her finances and focus on her exams she’d responded to an ad on the noticeboard at the music school—free accommodation in return for a few light household duties.
Louanna had warned her she was making a mistake.
She’d been right!
‘Anna, I said ages ago I wasn’t available this weekend. I have a friend’s wedding.’ She shook her head. ‘I’ll be back in time to take the children to school on Monday.’
Juliet only had the hotel room for one night, but she badly needed her own space—this arrangement really wasn’t working out.
She was flustered as she picked up her things. There could be no hasty exit with a violin case as well as her overnight bag, but at least her dress and shoes were already at the hotel, and Louanna had sorted out the music stands and storage of her back-up instrument.
Today the ensemble had another Casadio wedding to attend—and this one was going to be huge.
Juliet’s instincts had been right. Susie was indeed pregnant. And on this sunny May day Susie and Dante were getting married.
It was such a relief to be out of Anna’s and to walk into the heart of Lucca. From the day she’d arrived in the ancient city it had felt like home, and Juliet truly hoped that if work and visas worked out one day it would permanently be the case.
The hotel was old-world and elegant, and she felt a little underdressed in pale green cheesecloth and espadrilles, but then she realised the glamorous women and suited men might well be already dressed for Susie and Dante’s wedding.
‘Juliet Adams,’ she said to the receptionist. ‘I have an early check-in.’ She couldn’t help but ask, ‘Are these people leaving for the wedding already?’
‘Not yet.’ The receptionist smiled. ‘A few overseas wedding guests are meeting in the restaurant. It’s an all-day event,’ she explained as she tapped in Juliet’s details. ‘You have breakfast in the restaurant tomorrow. Oh, and I am to let the bride know when you arrive.’
Soon Juliet had her door key, an old-fashioned one, and she made her way to her room. She was just unpacking her bag when Susie arrived, dressed in a huge fluffy dressing gown, her hair all curled and pinned, delighted to see her friend.
‘Oh, it’s so good to see you. My sisters are driving me crazy.’
Juliet laughed, and hugged her, frowning when Susie handed her a pretty bag. ‘What’s this?’
‘The underwear to go with the new dress that you wouldn’t let us buy. Honestly, Juliet, you’re part of the bridal party—you’re my family here in Lucca.’
Juliet was touched. There was a unique loneliness to being in a foreign country when trouble hit, and that was possibly why Juliet had shared her financial woes and in turn Susie had admitted she was pregnant—oh, and then engaged, and now about to marry.
They sat on the bed and caught up. ‘How was Dante with your family?’ asked Juliet.
‘They all seemed to get on. We’ll see them back in London after our honeymoon.’ She closed her eyes for a moment. ‘The best man arrived very late last night.’
Juliet knew Susie meant Sev, though deliberately didn’t react.
‘I am a bit worried…’ Susie admitted.
‘Why?’
‘You were there at Mimi and Gio’s wedding. You’ve seen what they’re like.’
‘Not really…’ Possibly the reason Juliet was so honest was that her very pale complexion flared red whenever she lied, but she attempted to lie now. ‘I was too busy playing.’
‘I’m surprised Dante asked him to be his best man,’ Susie admitted. ‘And perhaps more surprised that Sev agreed.’
So too was Juliet. She found she was biting her tongue in an effort not to delve, but Susie was anxious enough to fill her in.
‘The one thing they agree on is that they both adore Gio. It would kill him if Sev wasn’t there as best man. Even so…’ Susie drew in a tense breath. ‘Dante hasn’t yet told Sev about the baby—that’s why we’ve been keeping it quiet. Dante wanted his brother to hear it from him first, and he wanted to do it face to face.’
‘But surely he’ll be happy for Dante…?’
Juliet’s voice faded when she thought of what Louanna had said. Usually she didn’t probe, yet months on she still thought of that night and felt guilt-ridden when she recalled torturing him with her music.
‘ Was his wife pregnant when she died?’
‘No.’ Susie shook her head. ‘Rosa wasn’t pregnant. But…’ She struggled to speak for a moment. ‘When their engagement was announced Dante thought that she might be— The night before their wedding he suggested to Sev that Rosa might be trying to trap him. Dante’s not exactly subtle. As you can imagine, it didn’t go down very well.’
‘No.’
‘She wasn’t pregnant. Dante got it all wrong. But he did have his reasons. There’s more to it, but…’ Susie’s eyes filled with tears and she gave a helpless shake of her head. ‘And now we’re the ones marrying in haste.’ She gave a mirthless laugh. ‘Ironic, isn’t it?’
‘You two are crazy about each other,’ Juliet pointed out. ‘The baby’s a bonus—not the reason for your wedding.’
They chatted more lightly, and Susie had cheered up by the time she left.
Juliet started to get ready—she had to be there well before the bride.
Pinning her hair up, and then applying neutral daytime make-up, she felt butterflies starting to flutter in her chest as she thought of the many guests that would be there today—and how important this was to her professionally.
She was about to slip on her dress, but then paused and took out the lingerie she’d been gifted, rather sure the delicate French lace wouldn’t be enough support for her generous bust. She hadn’t properly tried the bra on—she’d just been going along with things in the bridal boutique, and behind the curtain of the changing room she had barely done up the straps.
Juliet had only really guessed at her size—she’d always loathed bra shopping and her mother had been no help. Too busy with her new family and buying her own maternity bras.
Juliet could still hear her sigh.
‘I never thought I’d be doing this again,’ she’d said, flashing a look at her daughter.
Her father had said the same several times, when Juliet babysat for him and his new wife.
She’d felt the implication— If only you’d kept your mouth shut .
Some implications she might have imagined.
Others not.
‘What did you think was going to happen, Juliet?’ her mother had hissed. ‘Of course you have to change schools.’
And, no, she hadn’t imagined her father’s glare when he’d snapped, ‘Why the hell do you think there’s no money for violin lessons?’
She did up the lacy bra, then pulled on the knickers and turned to the full-length mirror, still feeling as awkward as she’d been then. She looked at her pale body and rather fleshy bottom and stomach. The lace was so sheer she could see the pink of her areolae and nipples, and her hair was even redder down there and it showed.
Her phone rang and she saw it was Anna, but she was already nervous enough about playing and chose not to answer it.
She turned, about to reach for her own familiar underwear, but then hesitated and looked at her new dress. It had been a massive but necessary purchase. And because it was for work it wasn’t as simple as just finding a black dress. She didn’t like showing cleavage, especially when she was playing, and the arms had to be loose enough to allow movement, the skirt had to fall nicely when she sat…
She’d tried on several, and then the assistant had suggested this silky organza, way out of her price range. But the moment she’d slipped it on, Juliet had known it was perfect.
Now she felt the same, feeling the cool fabric sliding over her body, then doing up the concealed zip at the side. It looked better than she had remembered—the bias cut meant it fell beautifully, or was it the new bra that gave her a slight lift?
She slipped on her black shoes and took a seat in the dressing table chair. It was perfect. It didn’t rise and show too much thigh.
She wasn’t just being modest, worrying about cleavage and flashing too much thigh or worse… They were the last things she needed to distract her when she was playing…
Sevandro Casadio had distracted her.
The butterflies were still there in her chest, but she was aware of new ones too, fluttering low in her stomach.
They weren’t the same, though. They were really an entirely different species. Because they didn’t dart like the ones in her chest…they were subtler than that.
He’d be there today.
She’d thought of that when she’d first tried on this dress. She’d thought of him so many times since that night.
And now, even before she’d seen him, he was already distracting her. Her mind was darting with hope that they might talk, that she would find another piece of the delicious Sev or Sevandro puzzle and finally know the colour of his eyes.
Juliet closed her own—but not before she saw her cheeks turn an unflattering red.
She was blushing at the mere thought.
It was hopeless.
* * *
Sevandro knotted the pale pink silk tie— not one he would have chosen for himself—and had a word with his reflection in the large antique mirror.
‘Best behaviour!’
Just get through this day.
These next couple of days.
No distractions, and no burying himself in work or women—which were his usual escape routes of choice.
He wasn’t just here for the wedding—he was in Lucca to tie up loose ends.
This morning he’d been to the winery to check things were running to plan. Always he had a plan.
Patting his breast pocket, he checked for the rings—but for just a moment his hand hovered over his unexamined heart.
Just the wedding to get through, then a few detatils to sort, then one more trip for the ten-year memorial, and then…
He would be done with Lucca.
Catching sight of his reflection, he pushed out a smile. But the mirror confirmed it was false.
‘Come on,’ he told himself.
But the best he could muster was the businesslike smile that he might use when he greeted an investor or chaired a meeting.
It would have to do.
He took the gated elevator to his brother’s suite, nodding to a couple who wished him good morning and asked him to pass on their best wishes to Dante.
They were, Sev was certain, talking about him before the lift doors had even closed.
Sev knocked on Dante’s door and entered.
‘Everything’s under control,’ Sevandro informed his brother, and gave him a few updates.
But their conversation was so forced it was a relief when Gio arrived.
‘You’re looking very smart,’ Sev said as he let him in. The Casadio men were all wearing dark grey suits and matching ties. ‘Where’s Mimi?’
‘Doing some vocal exercises before we head to the winery,’ Gio said, and then looked at Dante. ‘I thought I would come to wish you well.’
It dawned on Sev that Mimi might have stayed in her suite to give Gio some time with his grandson. Perhaps he should do the same?
‘I might head down to Reception,’ Sev said. ‘Check on the vehicles.’
‘Good idea,’ Gio agreed. ‘I’ll be down shortly. Wait for me there.’
Gio did want to speak to Dante alone.
Sev took the ancient lift down and found a seat by a large column in Reception, silently strumming his fingers on the leather sofa, just a little out of the way of all the activity, shaking his head when offered a drink.
He was trying not to consider what Gio might be saying now.
God, but his parents would have loved to be here today. Two social butterflies, they would have been in their element.
Closing his eyes, he breathed in deeply, refusing to go there.
Just get through today.
There was the trill of a mobile phone, a slight scent of summer, and the feel of someone entering his space.
A cousin? An aunt? A family member of his late wife, perhaps?
Best behaviour , Sev reminded himself, feeling the indent of the sofa beside him as his company sat down, bracing himself to be told how he was feeling…how he must be missing Rosa today.
It wasn’t that at all.
‘Please, no…’ someone said in English. ‘Just leave me alone.’
She was speaking to herself, staring at her ringing phone, and she looked both gorgeous and familiar.
He watched her startle as she realised she wasn’t on her own.
‘Sorry…’ She gave a nervous laugh and turned a shade more crimson than her reddish blonde hair. ‘I didn’t mean you.’
He said nothing, frowning a fraction, although not at the interruption. It was more that his slight frown was an invitation for her to explain. From Sev such an invitation was rare, but his recall of the stunning musician from Gio and Mimi’s wedding was of someone sophisticated and poised, yet she was clearly flustered, blushing and clearly anxious now.
Why?
‘My boss,’ she explained, gesturing to her phone. ‘She refuses to accept that I’m working today.’
‘Your boss…?’ he checked. ‘Shouldn’t she approve of you working on a Saturday?’
‘No.’ She shook her head. ‘I have another live-in job.’
‘I see…’
* * *
Juliet doubted that he did.
Furthermore, she doubted he wanted to hear about her dramas, so didn’t elaborate. She would never have sat here if she’d seen him.
She assumed the conversation was over, gave an apologetic smile for disturbing him and looked away, back down to her phone. But she was still impossibly aware. Every nerve in her body had leapt to high alert, and now, for the first time, she was treated to his expensive scent—she hadn’t been close enough before.
It did not disappoint. Subtle at first, spicy and peppery, but there was also a lower, woody note that made her breathe in a little more deeply, trying to define it. It was like night-scented tobacco plants after the rain…
Then he spoke. ‘You were playing at Gio and Mimi’s wedding.’
Somewhat stunned that he remembered her, even if she’d thought of him all too often, she turned and nodded.
He glanced down at her violin case. ‘Are you playing this afternoon?’
‘I am,’ she agreed, and then, to save any possible embarrassment, quickly added, ‘Though it’s not just work. I’m also a friend of Susie’s.’
‘I won’t be doing any speaking out of turn,’ he said with an edge, clearly misconstruing her hurried warning.
‘I didn’t mean that.’ She always left a conversation feeling like an incomplete Goldilocks, having said either too much or not enough. ‘It’s just better to say up front…given that I don’t look like a wedding guest.’ She gestured to her black dress. ‘Somebody thought I was a guest at a funeral the other week.’
‘Did they think you were the deceased’s mistress?’
‘Nothing as exciting. They did direct me to the viewing, though…’
He gave a soft laugh and she saw that his eyes were grey. But then she quickly looked away, simply pleased she now knew that much.
‘So how do you know Susie?’ he asked.
‘We used to share a flat.’
‘In England?’
‘No, here in Lucca,’ she explained. ‘We hadn’t met before that. I’m studying music.’
‘Is your dreadful boss part of the ensemble?’
‘No!’ Juliet gave a small laugh, hesitant to explain, and positive that he was just doing his best man duty and being polite. ‘It’s all very boring.’
* * *
She had turned away again.
He glanced at the huge gold clock on the wall and wondered how long Gio’s pep talk with Dante would last. What was being said?
She was now staring at her phone as if waiting for it to explode, and he realised he far preferred the distraction of their conversation to thinking about what was being said upstairs.
‘Juliet,’ he said, and she almost jumped at the use of her name. Two vertical lines appeared between her eyes and those lines were rare these days. ‘You are allowed to turn it off.’
She had a beautiful unspoiled face. Her skin was as pale as porcelain—not just her face, but her bare arms and legs too. That was pleasantly unusual as well, and he wasn’t thinking of olive-skinned beauties here—more those ghastly smelling spray tans.
‘You could even block the number,’ he added.
‘That wouldn’t be very sensible.’ Her voice held a wry edge. ‘I’m guessing you don’t have a boss?’
‘No,’ he agreed. ‘Well, I do have Sheikh Mahir. We’re…’ How best to describe that relationship? ‘We’re professionally intertwined, and he can be rather tricky at times.’ Then he added, ‘That’s a polite way of putting it. And you’re right—it wouldn’t be very sensible to block him.’
He liked her gentle laugh.
* * *
Her phone bleeped again. ‘Louanna,’ she told him. ‘The cellist. She messaged to say they’d soon be on their way, but now they’re stopping for rosin.’
He frowned.
‘For our bows. I’m sure she has plenty…she always does this…’
‘Superstition?’ he suggested.
‘Maybe.’
And it dawned on her that Louanna might be nervous about today too.
It was then that the oddest thing happened. She realised she was no longer blushing. She took a breath and found it went all the way down to the bottom of her lungs, and that surprised her.
She’d thought she’d be blushing and dreadful if she spoke to him, and although she’d jumped out of her skin when she’d first seen him she felt more settled in his company now—if it was possible to feel ‘settled’ around someone as gorgeous as him.
Then she met his eyes and of course she was still a touch nervous—only not in the usual way.
They were more than grey. They were like a hail-filled sky with little glints of black and hints of a silver lining, as if the winter sun was struggling to appear.
She did not jerk her eyes away.
Those other butterflies were gently fluttering.
And they were curious.
‘How do you know my name?’ she asked.
‘Probably the same way you know mine—that wedding went for hours,’ he pointed out. ‘And Mimi put in a lot of requests.’
‘She did…’ Juliet smiled with fond affection. Mimi had, of course, got to know all her accompanists. ‘It was a wonderful experience.’ And his confidence must be catching, because now she felt not so much bold, just assured in his company. Enough to ask, ‘Do you prefer to be called Sev or Sevandro?’
‘I answer to both.’
She liked both.
‘And what do you do?’ She knew about Dante’s dazzling career, and Sev knew a little of her own, but she wanted to know about him. Not rumours, or scattered pieces put together. She wanted to hear from the source. ‘You live in Dubai?’
‘Correct. And, with the help of Sheikh Mahir, I used to purchase hotels. Now, though, we’re looking to build a rather large one from scratch.’
‘How large?’
‘Over a hundred storeys.’
‘Wow!’
‘More than looking,’ he added. ‘We’re in the procurement stage—pre-construction.’ Now he asked a question. ‘Are you looking forward to today?’
‘Very much so!’ She nodded, but then she saw he’d cocked his head slightly to one side, as if he knew that wasn’t the entire case.
‘Well, I will be once we get there. We’re all a bit nervous—this wedding is the biggest we’ve done…’ She halted abruptly. ‘I probably shouldn’t be saying this to a member of the bridal party.’
‘Susie clearly thinks you’re up to it.’
‘Yes,’ she conceded. ‘Hopefully she’s not being biased.’
‘We’ve all heard you, Juliet,’ he said. ‘And Mimi isn’t backwards in coming forward. She’s singing today, God help us.’
‘What?’ She gave a shocked gasp. ‘Her voice is stunning.’
‘Is your step-grandmother an opera singer?
‘No.’
‘That’s why I get a pass to say it. She was also Gio’s “housekeeper” for years.’
Juliet heard the quotation marks. Usually indiscretions unsettled her. They made her shrivel inside. And yet he spoke on, and she realised he wasn’t being mean about Mimi’s singing, or status, or anything like that.
He was reassuring her.
‘I don’t think our family are known for placating people. That includes Mimi,’ he said. ‘Her voice is incredible, and I know she takes it very seriously. If she wanted different accompaniment then she would have no qualms telling Susie.’
‘Yes.’ That helped—it helped a lot. ‘She would.’
‘So enjoy today.’
‘Thank you.’
Juliet didn’t understand how she could be in such stunning company and feeling so intensely attracted, yet somehow reassured, somehow starting to relax.
She hadn’t felt any of these ways before.
These ways because there were many ways he made her feel.
It was just a conversation, one small part in his busy day, yet he gave her his full attention and it was like being placed under a gentle spell. She watched as he fiddled with his shirt collar, then checked his breast pocket.
‘The rings,’ he said. ‘I’m getting like Louanna.’
It was a tiny joke, but it was one only they could understand. He too was nervous about today.
She wondered if Dante had told him about the baby yet, or if he was about to find out…
Then he saw her looking and she had to think of something to say.
‘Your tie looks nice.’
‘I’m not so sure—the bride chose it.’
Juliet was, for a nano-second, tempted to add that the bride had chosen her underwear, and she wasn’t too sure about that either. Of course she didn’t say that. It would be inappropriate and just a dreadful thing to say.
She settled for, ‘Well, it looks very nice.’
‘Do you want a coffee?’ he offered as the eager waiter approached again.
‘I’d better not. They’ll be here for me soon.’
‘A whisky to settle your nerves?’
‘Gosh, no.’ She smiled at his slight wickedness. ‘Thank you, though. And for your company. I feel much better.’
Then she smiled at him .
* * *
She smiled from her plump pink lips right to her jade-green eyes, and for Sev it was as if her smile was a confirmation of what she’d just said.
There was no game, no flirtation, no attempt at seduction. Best of all there was no doubt as to its verity—it was a smile with no motive that came from such a rare place that, had his grandfather not called his name, Sev might, if he’d known how, have managed a real smile back.
One that said, Thank you too for a nice moment on a hellish day.
‘Sev!’ Gio called.
Sev didn’t roll his eyes. Best behaviour and all that. But nor did he rush to a stand. He had one more quick question for her.
‘Do I wish you luck or is that forbidden?’ He thought for a second. ‘Should I say Break a leg ?’
‘All good wishes are welcome.’
‘Good luck then,’ he said. ‘And please…’ He glanced down at her deliciously pale legs for the briefest second. ‘Don’t break a leg…’
Then he looked back up to hear her soft laugh and he did indeed smile. A smile so natural it remained even as Gio called his name again. It was there, even as he did now roll his eyes.
‘I have to go and check on the groom…make sure he gets there on time.’
‘What are you smiling at?’ Gio asked as he approached.
‘It’s a wedding,’ Sev pointed out, as if it was completely normal for him to be walking through this hotel lobby, smiling, when it was far, far from that. ‘I’ll head up to Dante.’
‘Try not to fight.’
‘Gio…’ He wished people would stop banging on about it. ‘That was years ago.’
‘Just hear what he has to say.’
‘Shouldn’t I be the one giving the pep talk?’
‘Of course, but weddings can bring out emotions…’
‘Please,’ Sev teased lightly. ‘We both know I don’t have any.’ Then he saw the concern in his grandfather’s eyes. ‘Gio,’ Sev reassured him. ‘I’ll take care of him today.’
‘You are brothers every day,’ Gio said. ‘Yet the two of you talk like strangers sitting on a park bench.’ He gestured to the couch Sev had just come from. ‘If anything, you chat more easily with strangers…’
Sevandro took the elevator up to Dante’s suite and was greeted by an immaculate groom whose nerves seemed to have caught up with him—he was pale and pacing as Sev poured the obligatory drink.
‘Salute!’ he said, handing his brother a heavy glass. ‘How was Gio’s talk?’
‘He offered me a partnership in the winery.’
‘You knew that was coming.’
‘Yeah…’ Dante looked at him. ‘Look, I know it holds no interest for you, but while Susie and I are on honeymoon can you try and get back there? It’s been neglected for too long.’
‘Come off it,’ Sev said. ‘I was there this morning; it looks as if every last leaf has been polished. The place is stunning.’
He knew what Dante meant, though. The place had been beautifully managed and exceptionally well run by Christos since the accident, but Gio had seemed to age overnight, and since the tragedy his attention to detail had been lacking.
‘It’s managed fine without us all these years—just enjoy your honeymoon, as well as your time in England.’ He tried to say the right thing. ‘I know our parents would have been proud—’
‘I know.’ Dante cut him off.
Gio was right. They spoke like strangers. After all, he’d never even properly met the bride. How the hell did he know if they’d have been proud? Then he thought of them fondly and looked at his brother. Dante was in love and, yes, Sev knew for a fact they’d be both proud and happy.
‘They would be,’ Sev said.
Dante nodded. ‘Before we head down…’ He put his hand in his pocket and took out a black velvet pouch, which he handed to Sev.
‘What’s this?’ He opened it up and inside found a thin piece of paper, folded many times.
‘Are we doing drugs before you go down?’ he joked.
‘Open it.’ Dante wasn’t joking. ‘You know how after the crash I hired a search party…?’
Sev said nothing. He did not want to think of that time, especially today.
Opening the paper he saw a small dark ruby.
‘It’s from Mamma’s eternity ring,’ Dante told him. ‘They found two. I’ve never known what to do with them.’
‘Did you show them to Gio?’
‘God, no. It would finish him. I kept one for a gift for Susie. I thought you might want the other…’
‘Perhaps give her this one too? You could have earrings made?’ he attempted, just to get rid of the tiny stone that shone with memories. But Dante shook his head. ‘Okay.’ He pocketed it, not knowing what to say, steadfastly refusing to feel—he couldn’t afford to today. ‘Should we head down?’
‘There’s still plenty of time.’
‘Even so…’
It was awkward. He’d far rather be on that couch, talking with Juliet, than standing here in a strained silence.
Dante broke it. ‘Sev, I have something else to tell you.’ He took a breath. ‘Susie and I are having a baby.’
Ah, so this was the real reason for his brother’s nerves.
‘In October.’
‘Congratulations,’ Sev said, and met Dante’s eyes. ‘I’m pleased for you both.’
‘I wanted to tell you first, face to face, but…’ Dante spread his palms and the small gesture spoke of the abyss between them. ‘I haven’t seen you.’
‘No.’ Sev said. ‘It’s good news.’ He smiled and raised his glass, but it was clear Dante didn’t believe that was it.
‘Just say what you have to!’ he invited.
‘Meaning…?’
‘Whatever it is you’re going to say, whatever wry comment you’re going to make—just get it over with now.’
‘Oh, no.’ Sev shook his head. ‘I’m on my best behaviour.’
‘Oh, please…’ Dante was disbelieving.
‘I am,’ Sev insisted. ‘I am going to be the perfect best man. No smart comments…no chatting up the bridesmaids.’ He put a hand on his brother’s shoulder. ‘I don’t want the groom to black my eye.’
Dante gave a low, almost-laugh as Sev gently referred to yesteryear, then he looked at his brother and the faded silver scar. ‘I am pleased for you.’ It was the truth. ‘I know that you, Mr Divorce Attorney, must love Susie very much. I knew at Gio’s wedding it must be serious.’
‘How?’
‘You’ve never dated anyone who lives here,’ Sev pointed out—because, unlike himself, who had lovers everywhere, Dante only ever played well away from Lucca. His younger brother had always loathed the gossip here at home. And where the Casadio brothers were concerned there was always plenty. ‘I knew if you were seeing someone here, then it must be serious. I’m happy for you, Dante, I really am.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Why so serious?’ Sev checked, because his brother was still grey in the complexion and as close to tears as he’d seen him since the funerals. ‘Dante…’ Sev said. ‘We fought ten years ago—move on from it. I have.’ He spoke so assuredly Sev almost believed his own words. ‘We’re fine.’
They almost were.
Just as long as they didn’t speak of that time.
As long as they remained in different countries and rarely got together.
‘Today is your wedding day—let’s not go over the past.’
* * *
It was everywhere, though.
It was there in the air they breathed, there as they drove in the car and passed the church, and the cemetery that housed Rosa’s grave—which, to the scorn of many, Sev had never visited.
He did his level best to be there for his brother, trying not to compare the two wedding days, even managing a private joke as Mimi started to sing.
‘Please, no…’ Sev said, feeling his brother’s silent laugh, as Mimi serenaded the groom. He knew Dante hated being sung to, because… Because they were brothers and he just knew.
Then Sev turned around and saw Susie approaching. And he was grateful that Dante had already told him about the baby because he’d have certainly found out now. She must be… He started to do the maths in his head, and then recalled looking at Rosa, whose pregnancy hadn’t shown at all.
Stop , he told himself. Don’t compare, don’t look back, just get through this day.
‘Your bride looks beautiful,’ Sev told his brother, who now turned around.
‘She does,’ he said fondly.
And as she arrived by his side Sev saw there was so much love between them that, standing at the altar, he felt somewhat a spare part. Then he looked a little to the right, to the string quartet accompanying Mimi, and there was Juliet, playing her violin. Her eyes were closed and there was a slightly pained expression on her face. The same one he’d seen at Gio and Mimi’s wedding, when she got into a particular piece. He’d been watching her that day too. How she swayed, how her left hand shook as she held a note…
There was tranquillity in the music, and the seemingly untroubled way she made it. She was back to being the woman he had first seen play…sensual and poised. Her red hair was almost gold in the sun, and her skin was so pale he found his eyes looking up to check there was adequate shade.
When the music stopped he watched as she rested her violin on her lap, her face flushed with pleasure as Mimi turned and thanked them. Then he watched as Juliet got her first proper glimpse of the bride, her mouth briefly gaping before breaking into a smile, and then she looked away from the bride and caught his eyes.
He gave her a small nod, to tell her just how perfectly she’d played.
* * *
Sevandro would never know how much that small gesture meant to her. Juliet had ached for it all her life—for that nod that told her she’d been heard and recognised. She was used to applause—it was part of her job—but to have that special nod was entirely different.
It was something she’d never known.
Not since she was twelve had there been someone there in the audience just for her.
Of course it was his brother’s wedding, and from what she’d fathomed a difficult day for him, yet he made her feel special all through the proceedings. It felt as if he was looking out for her.
Of course he wasn’t, Juliet told herself. He was best man, and it was his role to ensure things went smoothly.
As the guests mingled after the service with their aperitivos, and the quartet moved their equipment and instruments into the cellar, where the reception was being held, she saw him speaking with a waiter, and soon there were drinks and snacks waiting for them.
‘Woo-hoo,’ said Louanna, taking a long drink of sparkling water. ‘For once we don’t have to beg.’
It was a light tease, but all too often they were dashing to refill their own water bottles in the brief interludes.
‘The cellar looks incredible,’ she added, and Juliet too was taking in the scene.
It was one long table, dressed with incredibly tall candles. There were small posies of flowers, so as not to obstruct people’s views, and the glass and silverware were stunning. It was a table prepared to enable conversation.
Like a ginormous family dinner, Juliet thought as they resumed playing and the guests drifted in to be seated.
The wedding feast commenced—and what a feast! Chefs from both Pearla’s and the winery worked together and flamed huge cheese wheels to melt, tossing in fresh pasta beside the vast table, and it both looked and smelled incredible…
‘We’d better get some of that when it’s our turn to eat,’ Louanna grumbled.
For now, they played, but that looked-out-for feeling remained with Juliet.
Occasionally she was aware of Sev glancing over.
Once, when she dashed to the ladies’ room, he leant back in his chair as she passed. ‘All okay?’ he asked.
‘Yes.’
He’d probably done the same with the others. She’d seen him speaking with all the staff. But this attention, this awareness of one other, was something she could not quite define.
When the guests started tapping their glasses for the bride and groom to kiss they obliged, and then there was a demand for Dante to speak.
‘Grazie,’ he said, thanking everyone for being there.
It was a very informal speech, more a call for people simply to enjoy, but then there were a few comments from guests about a bambino , and the secret was certainly out. As Susie stood, Dante kissed her, lightly touching her bump in a tender gesture that said there was nothing to hide, and everyone at the table applauded.
She found herself looking at Sev. His smile was perhaps a little tight, but he seemed relaxed in his seat. And then the guests urged him to speak.
Insisted.
Juliet felt her hands grip her violin a little more tightly. She felt nervous and unsure why. Perhaps because Susie had been so worried about the brothers? Yet it seemed unfounded…the day was going beautifully.
Was Sev thinking about his wife? she wondered as he stood. Was he thinking about his own wedding day and what Dante had said all those years ago?
It would seem not. He was relaxed and fluid as he spoke. Juliet’s Italian was good, but it was a little hard to hear him with the guests laughing and chatting and teasing.
‘Zio Sevandro!’ someone called, and a few others joined in, all calling him ‘Uncle’ Sevandro.
He gave a smile, though not like the one she’d seen in the lobby. Juliet frowned. Had she not seen his smile this morning, she wouldn’t have known this one was forced.
‘There is a lot of good news today,’ he went on.
He was flawless, thanking the right people, toasting the stunning bridesmaids, saying how nice it was to meet Susie and see Dante so happy, how proud his parents would have been.
He was interrupted by a guest. ‘And being Zio…?’ the guest insisted, asking for his take on being an uncle.
Sevandro paused for just a second and Juliet waited for him to be the smooth best man and say something about the baby, or that he was looking forward to being an uncle. But he turned to his grandfather.
‘Gio…’ He raised a glass to the old man, who was smiling and dabbing his eyes. ‘Bisnonno!’ He called him Great-Grandfather, and Gio both laughed and cried as Sev once again mentioned his parents and how they would have loved this day, would have welcomed Susie.
Oh, the Italians loved a good wedding—and news of a baby too! They were all delighted.
Was she the only one who’d noticed that pause? Oh, Sev was impeccable, yet this was hard for him—Juliet somehow knew that.
The thought was confirmed when, at the end of his speech, he looked over to her.
It was Juliet who nodded this time.
It felt—although perhaps it was ridiculous—as if they were in this together.
Of course not…
The party commenced, and as more modern means of music replaced them they put their instruments away. Then, exhausted yet elated, the musicians sat down to their very own feast.
‘Caspita!’ Ricco exclaimed as, instead of a warmed-up meal, as was so often the case at this kind of function, Cuoco came to the table and they were treated to the same melting cheese display as the guests.
‘Ah…’ Louanna said, with a slight edge. ‘We’re in Casadio land now.’
Sev didn’t make his way over, and throughout their meal he didn’t once look their way. But Juliet could see him at the bar, his back to her, talking to various guests.
His attention on her had surely been her imagination…going into overdrive.
Yet as their dessert was served she asked herself why. Because when it came to men there had been no imaginings before. A few awkward dates, a handful of awkward kisses and some frantic attempts to relax as hands that felt unwelcome moved from her waist—whatever their direction, they’d always felt wrong.
‘You’re quiet,’ Louanna observed. ‘Are you worrying about the instruments?’
‘I might go and check on them.’ Juliet nodded, pleased to have a reason to excuse herself. ‘I’ll see if they’ve found somewhere suitable to put them.’
They had moved them to a safer storeroom than the one first suggested. Where to store their instruments at functions was a constant problem—the area they’d first selected had turned into a bit of a throughfare—but the wedding organiser had found a storeroom at the back of the cellar.
With the instruments all safely housed, she could now relax and enjoy the night. But instead of heading back to the table, or even joining the party, she used the staff exit.
Well, she was almost staff, and she was taking a small break.
It was her private thoughts she wanted to examine.
To work out what was happening.
If anything had happened.
Stepping out into the dusky night, she took a breath of warm air, listening to the muffled laughter and music from the party. Then, as her eyes grew accustomed to the dark, she saw a silhouette and recognised the broad shoulders.
Sev’s back was to her, his posture straight as he looked out to the hills, but there was something in his stance that told her he’d needed a break from the happy proceedings too.
This day was hard for him—Juliet was sure of it. But, more than that, she rather guessed he’d prefer this moment to be a private one.
She quickly turned—just as the door clattered closed behind her.
‘Juliet?’
‘Hello.’ She smiled. ‘I was just…’
‘Escaping?’
‘Yes,’ she admitted. ‘You?’
She didn’t expect an honest answer, but he turned around and in the inky night their eyes met.
‘I guess I’m escaping too,’ he said.