Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
Dante
‘ I s all of that clear, Giovanna?’
‘Perfectly.’ I visualised her nodding as she memorised my instructions. ‘And I’ll think of a way to drive away from here.’
‘Good girl… I’ll meet you in Naples.’
‘Yes, I know, at Caffe Gambrinus—In Piazza del Plebiscito,’ she repeated. ‘I’m to leave my car at the harbour and take a cab to meet you.’
‘I’ll be there.’ My reply was resolute. ‘From there we’ll take a flight to Bologna for your meeting. Even if we only have a couple of days together, we can plan for our future.’
‘Only one thing, though. I’m scared of flying. Isn’t there any way we could get to Bologna by train or car?’ she questioned.
I released a laugh. ‘There is, but it takes longer.’
‘We could drive fast?’ she asked hopefully.
‘With you leaving there, you can bet your arse we’ll be travelling fast. You know they’ll follow, don’t you?’
‘I don’t want to think about it.’ I imagined her physically shuddering at the thought.
‘Then leave it with me, unless of course you’ve changed your mind?’
‘No, Dante, I haven’t. I’m a little nervous that’s all.’
‘Have you sent the email?’ I was talking about the one I’d asked her to send to her professor in Bologna about arranging an appointment with him for this afternoon.
‘Yes, but it’s still early. He’s efficient, but I know he won’t answer until just gone nine.’
‘Let’s hope he’s very efficient. You need that appointment to contact Salvatore.’
‘I know,’ she sighed.
‘It’s all going down today, amore mio. Later today we will be in each other’s arms.’
‘I can’t wait,’ she replied and my cock twitched enthusiastically. ‘Now, I’m off to do the compliant daughter act.’
‘Compliancy looks good on you, amore mio. You’ll do it well, I have no doubt.’
Giovanna
‘This is spectacular, Giovanna.’ My mama gushed at the fact I’d brought her scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on a small piece of sour dough for breakfast. Before she picked up her knife and fork and began to pick up the minutest pieces to put in her mouth I had to turn away, fearing the expression of ridiculousness on my face would give me away.
As I opened her curtains with a flourish, I remembered to pull the blind halfway down in its place. God forbid the sunshine might come through the window and tan the skin I was sure she must bleach to keep it looking so marble like. Then I turned back to face her, finding it difficult in the heeled slingbacks I hated so much, but that she told me made my calves that bit shapelier. Like I was some show horse. My deep blue dress was one of her favourites too, and even though it was difficult to move in, I’d worn it as part of my ruse to become the dutiful daughter they all wanted me to be.
‘I’ll be back soon, Mama. I’m just going to check on Papa.’ I reached out to take hold of the ornate solid gold knob on one of the double doors leading to her rooms.
‘One last thing, Giovanna… Salvatore Snr, is he still alive?’ I had to physically stop myself from reacting to her question, such was the sharp stab of pain that came with it. I gripped the handle tighter and turned around after forcing a smile to my lips. ‘I spoke with Salvatore yesterday and he said it wouldn’t be much longer.’
‘I see. I’m going to have to put my case to him today, then.’
Surely not?
Focus, Giovanna.
With that focus came an idea.
‘How about we order you in a new dress today? I think a dark, conservative one would be for the best.’
‘What a good idea. Yes, I believe it would.’ I watched her nod and force a small smile.
‘Shall I get a couple delivered here this morning for you to take your pick? I know my taste isn’t quite yours.’ I shrugged an almost apology.
‘That would be fine, Giovanna. As you know, I think you do conservative very well.’
I managed to repel the backhanded compliment and even carry on smiling at her. ‘I’ll make a few phone calls while you eat breakfast. I’m sure they could be delivered by late morning. Then you could pick one to wear this afternoon?’
‘That’s a wonderful idea. Well done, Giovanna.’
I smiled and made my way out of her room as quickly as I could, before the bile I could feel rising forced its way from my mouth. I had lied to her; her husband wasn’t part of my plans today. But it had to be said, so far Dante’s plan was going well. The only part we both felt was weak was the fact we had to get the gates opened to my family home for me to drive away.
Having arranged for some dresses to be delivered, it appeared I had hopefully filled in the gap.
Moving away from her rooms, I made my way to my own. As I walked, I took in the fact I heard no footfall behind me. The audible sigh I released was one of relief and satisfaction.
It seemed the dutiful mafia princess act was even working on Lorenzo and Paulo, who were nowhere in sight for the first time in days. Before seeing to my mama’s breakfast, I had cooked them up everything imaginable, as I offered my thanks to them for their devotion and protection. At first Paulo had seemed wary of my intentions, but as he finally sat down to eat, I gave them a breakdown of my plans for the day, by way of an apology. I’d added in that I was aware of how difficult I’d been the past few days and had realised that if I wanted to visit Mia, I needed to show Salvatore that I was mature enough to recognise how childish I’d been and wanted to make amends.
By the time he’d watched me making my mama her favourite breakfast, he and Lorenzo had been sat at the large kitchen table enjoying their feast and downing yet another cup of espresso.
Entering my room, I found my phone and searched for a couple of the more expensive boutiques in Calabria that my mama used; the ones I hated being pulled into. Finding the numbers I needed I took a screenshot, then picking up the heavy receiver off the hook, I dialled the numbers needed and placed the phone to my ear.
‘Good morning.’ I looked fleetingly at the time on my watch. It was just after nine.
‘Buongiorno, Signorina,’ the assistant replied with a bored tone.
‘This is Giovanna De Luca.’
I didn’t think I would ever get used to the way using my name made people sit up and take notice. But for once I was going to take advantage of it.
I went on to explain, in a friendly yet assertive tone, what I wanted and just what they needed to do to keep my mama’s custom. At least three dresses in her size, in darker respectful colours had to be delivered to our home at ten this morning on the dot. Upon their agreement, I’d then phoned the other boutique and repeated my request.
At last, with my deed done, I replaced the receiver back onto its cradle and rubbed at the ache in my wrist from pushing the phone so close to my ear.
‘Now to check my emails.’ I spoke out loud to myself.
Sitting down quickly on my bed I scrolled through my phone, and almost couldn’t contain my squeal of excitement to find the reply.
Dear Giovanna
I can understand your frustration with Schumann’s Toccata, but in time I know you will conquer it. I can, however, see you in my rooms at five this afternoon, and we can discuss the way forward.
Kind regards
Marcus Walten
Professor of Music
I replied quickly and accepted the appointment and forwarded it to Salvatore. Then, taking a deep breath, I called my eldest brother.
‘Ciao, Gi. Are you okay?’
‘Ciao. I am, but I’m not.’
‘No?’ His voice held concern.
‘I’m struggling with Toccata.’
‘Toccata,’ he repeated, as if he was trying to work out what the hell Toccata was, and by repeating it back at me, it might help him.
‘It’s the piece I need to perfect.’
I could hear someone talking in the background and felt guilty about taking up his time.
‘Okay,’ he offered.
‘I need to be in Bologna this afternoon to meet with my professor, so I can find a way forward.’ I used my professor’s terminology.
‘No.’
‘Salvatore, please. I have forwarded you the email of the appointment,’ I explained.
‘No.’
‘Salvatore.’ I heard the pleading in my voice.
‘Do not ask again. I don’t have the time today.’
I was sure he said something else, but it was too late, I’d pushed disconnect and dropped the phone next to me on the bed. Even though I’d known what his answer would be, I still felt the pain at his point-blank refusal and although I knew he loved me, the way he time and time again pushed away what was important to me was beginning to upset me.
But it didn’t matter anymore, because within the next hour I’d be gone.