Chapter 48 Elena
E LENA
As the vaporetto approaches the stop at San Marcuola, Elena sees Signora Bianchi on the platform. It’s unmistakably her – tall, thin, perfect posture with her silver hair in its high bun, in jeans and a long cream coat, looking as elegant as always.
Elena remembers well how hurt Mamma was by Signora Bianchi after Paolo died. The two women haven’t seen each other in years, and now here Signora Bianchi is at the Jewish Quarter. It’s too coincidental for her to be here for any other reason when it was today that she found out the truth about Elena.
If Christian sees Signora Bianchi this close to Mamma’s house, he’ll be instantly suspicious.
‘Babe.’ She taps his leg. ‘Let’s not tell my mother about the baby yet.’
‘Why not?’
‘She’s already grieving Papà. I don’t want to give her anything else to worry about. I’d rather wait and tell her after the twelve-week scan.’
He nods. ‘Fair enough.’
She touches his cheek, stroking his stubble with her fingers. ‘I’ve got an idea. Let’s not get off the boat at this stop. Let’s explore somewhere new instead. I feel so happy tonight, I want to soak up more of Venice with you instead of having dinner in her apartment.’
‘Are you sure?’ He raises an eyebrow. ‘I thought you really wanted to see her.’
The boat comes to a halt. She needs him to keep his eyes on her and not Signora Bianchi on the platform.
‘I’m absolutely sure. I just want to be alone with you.’ She pulls him in for a kiss.
He kisses her back with passion, his tongue darting all over her mouth.
She keeps him there, not caring who can see them, until she feels the boat pull away from the stop.
‘Wow.’ He exhales, chuckling. ‘That was unexpected. You’ve gone and made me all horny now.’
The boat picks up speed, leaving Signora Bianchi far behind and out of view.
Elena thinks of Mamma, who would have prepared dinner for them and now faces another lonely night. It’s worth it.
It takes every ounce of self-control for her not to wipe his saliva off her lips.