Chapter 34
Stella replaced the budgie’s water bottle.
She switched the shop sign to Open, humming to herself.
Her uncle hadn’t embraced her relationship with Gino like she’d hoped he would but the dinner at Leo’s house had passed without incident.
Domenico had eaten everything that had been put on his plate and declared it all to be molto buono!
It was a start, a slow thawing, and for now that would have to be enough.
After all, Stella hadn’t fallen over herself to build a relationship with Fernanda; they’d done no more than exchange the odd buongiorno and buonasera in the street.
Domenico had also remembered the whereabouts of a box of costume jewellery bought during an ill-fated attempt to diversify into fashion accessories.
But amongst the unlikely collection – a dollar sign studded with rhinestones had been ordered in triplicate – were some simple gold-plated chains, some of them surprisingly delicate.
They weren’t particularly pretty and the clasps were awfully fiddly but one of them would do for Amy’s coin necklace until the girl was able to find a more permanent solution.
All in all, things were looking up and the day would only get better.
Gino had promised to pop by. Both of them were desperate to see more of each other but her old love understood that Stella was tied up with looking after the shop.
And she had no plans to repeat their cheeky afternoon siesta; she felt too guilty to leave Domenico alone during the extended lunchbreak.
But they were seeing each other again tonight and this time the stakes were higher.
Gino was coming to Domenico’s home. Now, what should she make for dessert?
Stella drifted off into a world of pan di Spagna and baked peaches stuffed with amaretti and dried apricot. The jangle of the shop bell made her jump.
‘Hi!’ Amy said. She looked remarkably well. Village life was suiting her. Even with the pale skin of a redhead she’d developed a hint of a tan and her air of being slightly lost had vanished.
‘Hi,’ Stella said. ‘Nice to see you.’
‘I was wondering…’
‘Your necklace?’ Stella interrupted.
Amy’s face lit up. ‘You found something?’
‘Perhaps one of these.’ Stella pushed two thin chains across the counter. ‘I’ve tried threading both of them through the coin. Either works so you’ve just got to choose which length. Oh, and they’re only five euros.’
‘Really? They must be more than that.’
‘To be honest, I’m probably ripping you off! These have been in the stock so long the prices were originally in lire.’
‘If you’re sure. That’s a bargain.’ Amy picked one up, winding it around her fingers. Stella retrieved the old coin from its hidey hole beneath the counter. She turned it over and traced her forefinger along the flourish carved on the reverse.
‘I don’t suppose you’ve got any nearer to finding out if this symbol means anything?’
‘No, I’ve found nothing.’ Amy took the longer of the two chains, screwed up one eye and threaded it through the coin.
‘Do you want me to help do it up?’
‘Thanks, yes.’ Amy unwound a fringed cotton scarf from around her neck. She tentatively pressed a finger against the pink flaky patch on her shoulder.
‘That looks painful.’
‘I stupidly didn’t realise quite how hot it was. Fernanda’s insisted on lending me this scarf.’
‘That’s kind.’
‘I know some think she’s a bit odd but she’s been nice to me and I like hearing her old stories. She’s cooking for me tonight, just the two of us. Leo’s out with a friend.’
‘I’m sure she’ll make something good. Now, turn around, let’s fasten this then you can check you definitely want the longer length.’ Stella came out from behind the counter. ‘There you go, all done.’
‘Thanks.’ Amy slipped the coin under her shirt. Near her heart, Stella thought.
‘Is that all?’
‘Almost. I’m looking for an apron or an overall.’
‘Fourth aisle, bottom shelf.’
Amy rooted in a box, retrieving a navy apron big enough to swamp someone twice her size.
Stella suppressed a smile. ‘Has Gino got you helping with the DIY at Leo’s house? I know he’s managed to fix the shower but he said he’s got quite a list of jobs.’
‘Nothing like that; I’d be hopeless. I’m making ceramic tiles, decorating them before they’re fired.’
‘That’s a bit random.’
‘Leo’s had the tiles knocking around for ages.
When he was starting out he didn’t know how his stone masonry business was going to go.
He thought he might have to have a sideline making decorative panels to go above a basin or a cooker, that sort of thing.
But orders took off and now this memorial plaque may lead to other commissions, so he doesn’t think he’ll ever use them.
I’ve been making pots for years, in my grandpa’s shed.
I miss doing something creative, so Leo suggested I have a go at this. ’
‘Decorative tiles, mmm.’ Stella’s brain began to whirl. ‘And you make pots. Small ones or big ones like great urns?’
‘Little things. Decorative objects, the sort you might put on the mantelpiece.’
‘Interesting. Well…’ Stella stopped herself saying any more. She was already racing three steps ahead. Amy might not want to stay in the village much longer. But Stella couldn’t help noticing how the girl’s face lit up when she spoke about Leo.