Chapter 24
Mattia insisted on driving us home and even paid for everyone's dinner. That's when I found out what he was doing there, since he'd only left a few days earlier.
“Giuseppe called me. We're having issues with a waiter, so I had to come back to sort it out.”
“We're leaving in a week. We've already scheduled some tours that start tomorrow.”
“Don't worry, I'll keep myself busy until then, and afterward you'll come with me to Venice.”
“Henry will be joining us. Anyway, I'm going to head up. We planned to start early tomorrow to make the most of the day.”
“I'm tired too. I came straight from the restaurant. Once I've sorted out this problem, I'll reach out.” He gave me a quick kiss and I said goodbye, getting out of the car.
We woke up early the next day. I was excited about the tour. Based on the route Henry gave us, we'd eat dinner out and then head back—and that's exactly how it went. Our first stop was breakfast, then we headed to the Colosseum.
“It's so beautiful.” I was in awe of the ruined beauty of that place. We got our tickets to go inside and finally fulfill my dream of visiting.
The Colosseum, built around 70-80 AD, was where gladiator combats, criminal executions, and battle reenactments took place.
Also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, it was damaged by fires and earthquakes over the centuries.
Today it stands as a historic symbol of Rome, drawing thousands of visitors every month.
I looked everywhere, took tons of photos, and walked wherever I could, until hours later I got tired and we left. The day felt too short—I was captivated by the city's history and wanted to see everything. We visited two more places, then had dinner and headed home.
“Remember, there's more tomorrow. I hope you enjoyed it.”
“I loved seeing everything, Henry. It's always been my dream to see the Colosseum. Thank you for today's tour. See you tomorrow.”
I watched our friend leave and we went inside. We were exhausted from all the walking, so we showered and went straight to bed. Sam lay down with me in my bed and we started talking.
“So after the tours, are we really going to Venice with Mattia?”
“Girl, you know if you don't want to go yet, we can stay longer.”
“It's the city I want to see, girl. Beautiful, romantic. Who knows, maybe I'll find my Italian prince charming there.” We laughed.
“But what about Carter?” I asked, and she looked at me, startled.
“Are you crazy? He's our boss.”
“Remember, I'm your friend, and I know you better than anyone. You two exchange looks, and anyone can tell there's something going on between you.”
“Nothing's ever happened between us, girl.”
“Because you've never made a move. He clearly feels the same way about you. I think you two just need a little push.”
“I don't think so, Emma. He and I just work together, that's all. He only sees me as his employee.”
“We can put it to the test when we get back. Then you'll see I'm right.”
“Stop imagining things. Now tell me, how are things going with you two?” I took a deep breath and answered.
“Wonderful, just like before. Sometimes I think it's too good to be true.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I don’t know, I just feel like something could happen and end everything between us.”
“But what could happen? The fact that we’re staying at his place proves he doesn’t have anyone else here.”
“I know, and I trust him, but I can’t shake this feeling that everything could end at any moment.”
“Stop talking nonsense and let’s get some sleep. You know how punctual Henry is.”
“Good night.”
That thought lingered in my mind until sleep finally took over.
I woke up the next day excited for our second tour.
I got up, showered, and put on comfortable clothes since we’d be walking a lot.
We followed the same routine as the day before, just in different locations.
First, we had a delicious breakfast, then headed to our first stop of the day: St. Peter’s Basilica.
We showed our tickets and went inside. I wasn’t prepared for the beauty of the place.
It was huge, and crowded with people. I explored every corner, taking photos again—I wanted to capture all these wonderful memories.
Finally, we made it deeper inside the Basilica, where I explored everything: St. Peter’s Tomb, the dome, which I also visited.
Everything was magnificent. From there, we went to the Vatican Museum, one of the city’s most important.
Once again, I was enchanted by everything—the works of art, the Egyptian mummies, and the highlight of it all, the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo.
Our tour was almost over when we stopped at a restaurant for dinner before heading back.
It had been two days of walking and culture, and I loved every minute.
We got home another day, exhausted. This time there was no chatting—we each went straight to our baths and beds. Now we’d rest up to enjoy Venice, where we were headed in three days.
Mattia got held up with work—he had to fire a waiter and hire a new one, and he liked to personally supervise every new employee—so we stayed an extra day in Rome.
We browsed the shops near the apartment, and I took the chance to buy some gifts for my mom and sister.
Finally, Mattia told me he’d pick us up the next morning to head to Venice.
Up until then, I’d assumed we were driving, but he pulled into the city’s airport, and I said:
“We’re flying?”
“Yes, it’s faster and more practical. Driving takes too long—I’m a busy man, and I can’t afford to be stuck on the highway.”
He parked in a private spot and we got out. I looked to the side and saw two men approaching with carts. Mattia said:
“The luggage is in the trunk. Take everything to the plane.” He walked off. I looked at Sam and we followed him.
He stopped in front of a jet with an open door and gestured for us to board. I stepped inside, taking everything in—it was spacious, with plush armchairs, and toward the back of the aircraft, a table surrounded by seats. Beyond that were two doors on each side, with another door in the middle.
“Make yourselves at home—eat and drink whatever you want. I need to finish up some work, so I’ll be sitting over there if you need me.”
He said this and walked away, settling into the seat he’d pointed out earlier, his back to us.
As soon as we took off, a flight attendant came over and asked if we’d like champagne and fruit.
We accepted, and the trip continued smoothly.
An hour later, we landed in Venice, marking the start of the final stretch of our vacation—but this time, I’d be spending more of it with Mattia, this Italian who was driving me crazy and slowly making his way into my heart.