Chapter 20 #2
They passed the linear water feature, its low fountain jets rhythmical and designed to metaphorically bridge the change between the lake and the land, at least that’s how he’d interpreted them.
As they crossed the next stretch of cobbles, Tad wanted to claw back the feelings he’d experienced when she turned a circle in the square only minutes before, taking in the beauty of the place.
The look of unfiltered pleasure as she’d brought her gaze back to him.
The way she’d stared at him before he’d gone off on a passion-killing rant about pressure.
What an idiot.
At the gelato shop, Amy selected a scoop of blackcurrant and another of mango, and Tad kept it simple with a double scoop of crema. There were some wrought-iron tables and chairs out front of the shop and Amy agreed when he suggested they sit there to eat.
‘Where are you heading next?’ he said. ‘What does your calendar look like working for Billie?’
‘It’s always full on. I think we get some time back at base – Billie’s house in London – after this trip, finalising copy and choosing photos for the article with the newspaper people.
She’s got a few parties coming up, invites to eat at a couple of restaurants’ opening nights, stuff like that before we head off again. ’
‘But what about you? Do you get time off?’
In other words, can you come back soon? Not that he could manage to say that.
‘Time off from being on holiday here, you mean?’
‘You’re not on holiday, though, are you? You’re working, same as I am.’
‘I suppose. Talking of which, can I get copies of the recipes we’ve tried during lessons this week? I meant to ask at the beginning of the week, and then things kind of spiralled.’
‘Of course. Everyone gets a link to the recipes we’ve used in the “haste ye back” email.’
‘“Haste ye back?”’
‘Aye. My input, obviously. It means we hope to see you soon, so don’t be a stranger, that kind of thing.’ Tad shrugged. ‘Don’t be fooled though – the email comes with a discount voucher for another stay at Casa del Cibo. It’s basically a marketing tool, but hopefully a pleasant one.’
‘Makes total sense. It’s a great idea. How much is the voucher for?’ Amy said. ‘In case I want to come back on my own time…’
How about don’t go? That way you won’t need to come back…
How Tad held his tongue before he spilled his thoughts, he didn’t know.
But he was being way too intense again. Leaping ahead of what was real.
One night of passion did not a new life make.
Amy was here for a few more days and then she would leave; he needed to face facts.
‘For you, I’m sure we can come up with a special rate,’ he said.
‘Preferential treatment?’ she said.
‘I definitely think so.’
A beat of time passed, then she defaulted to a look of amusement.
‘I’ll take it… Thanks.’ Amy licked enthusiastically at the miniature wooden spoon, the remnants of blackcurrant ice cream disappearing before she switched her attention to the swirls of mango running through the other scoop in her tub.
‘I haven’t tried the mango one,’ he said, pointing at the tub. ‘It’s good gelato, though, isn’t it?’
‘I mean, there’s ice cream,’ Amy said, enthusiasm radiating from her gaze. ‘And then there’s this ice cream. It’s delicious. Here, try some…’ She stuck her spoon into the creamy mixture and held it out.
This was the ambiance he’d wanted to create this afternoon.
Spending time having fun but with a frisson of something more running below the surface.
He reached to steady her hand as she aimed the spoon for his mouth, but at the last minute she jinked it to one side, smearing mango gelato onto his lips, rather than into his mouth.
She grinned, then began to laugh as he caught up the spoon, pretended to flick what was left at her before handing it back.
‘I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist,’ she said. ‘Everything else you try to eat ends up coated all over your face, so…’
‘Harsh.’ Tad licked at the corner of his mouth then followed his action up with a wipe from one of the paper napkins on the table. ‘But probably true.’
‘Here.’ She held out her spoon again, laden with another blob of mango ice cream. ‘No funny business this time, I promise. Try it properly.’
‘I liked the funny business,’ he said, taking the proffered spoon and trying the flavour. A bit too sweet for his taste, but still delicious.
Tad looked at her as he handed the spoon back for a second time, taking a moment or two to realise she was no longer laughing, that instead she was watching him intently.
‘I want to kiss you,’ she said.
‘With or without additional ice cream on my face?’ he said.
‘At this moment I don’t care.’
‘In that case, what’s stopping you?’
She leant across and he met her halfway, glad he’d taken the seat nearest her at the table, rather than on the opposite side as he threaded his fingers to frame either side of her face and her soft lips touched his, gentle and insistent and instantly banishing their surroundings from his conscious thought.