Chapter 10
ROMEO
As I scrolled through the photos that I had taken of the pool volleyball tournament earlier today I blew out a frustrated breath.
This was the fifth time I’d looked at the photos of Samantha and Edward on my computer screen and I still could not find enough pictures of them looking happy together to consider printing for their memory book shortlist.
I had taken at least twice as many photos of them compared to the other couples, but I struggled to find more than two that were barely okay. And normally we aimed to provide at least six or seven amazing choices.
Samantha looked sad and frustrated, and in the photos where Edward was looking at Samantha, he was either scowling or had his lip curled in disgust. And I could not understand why.
When Samantha removed her kaftan to reveal a bold orange and white bikini, I am not proud to admit that my eyes roamed over her body for longer than they should have. But as soon as I realised I was staring, I quickly tore my gaze away.
I had no interest in dating right now and even if I did, like I had reassured my boss, I would never get involved with a guest. That would be stupid.
My point was, Samantha was an attractive woman. And based on our conversation earlier, she seemed to have a good sense of humour too, so I did not know why Edward was not making more of an effort.
I knew he was a guest, but I did not like him.
My phone rang and I was glad of the distraction.
‘ Ciao , Mamma,’ I smiled.
‘Hi, darling. Sorry I missed your call earlier.’
‘I was just calling to check on you and Biscotti.’
‘She’s much better!’
‘ Fantastico !’ My shoulders instantly loosened.
‘It’s such a relief. The vet said she should be fine now. She just needs to rest. Will you be coming for dinner this week?’
‘Ah, I do not think that I can, I am sorry, Mamma. I have a new group of guests. Next week will be easier though because they will organise their own activities.’
‘Oh, right. Okay.’
My chest tightened. I could tell that she was lonely. My mother was English and although she had moved here many years ago to be with my father I knew she still felt isolated.
With my sister away studying in Rome, my brother living in London and me busy working at the hotel, she missed us.
Even though I did not live far from her, because of the long hours at the hotel, it was difficult for me to see her and my father was rarely home. He was always off doing his own thing.
‘Are you sure you will be okay? I can speak to my boss and see if…’
‘No, no. I’m fine. Don’t worry. I just miss you, that’s all.’
‘I know, Mamma. I miss you too. Have you thought any more about going to London, to see your family?’
‘I can’t…’ Her voice trailed off. ‘I need to be here for your father. He needs me.’
‘He can take care of himself.’ I ground my jaw.
‘He’ll… It’s better if I stay here.’
I hated that she felt she could not go away. All because of what happened the last time she did. I hated him for doing that to her. But I did not want to get into that again with her now. It would only upset her.
‘I promise to visit on Sunday. And maybe next week we can go to the beach together.’
‘I’d love that!’ Her voice instantly brightened.
‘And I will bring a surprise for you.’
‘I can’t wait!’
‘I must get back to work now. Give Biscotti a kiss from me. Ti voglio bene, Mamma. Ciao .’
‘I love you too, son. Have a good day.’
After I hung up, sadness washed over me.
My mother was a broken woman, all because of my father. She would be better off without him.
If she had left him years ago, she would have had the chance to start a new life.
I knew this for sure because I had experienced the same betrayal and hurt.
It took a long time to get my life back on track, but now I was doing well. As long as I continued to stay focused, soon I would have the opportunity to follow my dream again, like I had tried to do years ago before my plans were derailed.
I wished that Mamma would realise soon that it was not too late to change her fortunes. But because my father controlled the finances, she was worried that she would not be able to survive without him.
That was why I had set up a secret bank account and every month I had put every cent that I could into it, so that when she did finally decide to leave my father, Mamma would have money for a fresh start.
If I kept working hard at the hotel, in just a few months, there would be enough for her to move back to England and pay for at least three months’ rent.
This was important to me because if I got the opportunity to work in the US, I would not feel comfortable leaving Mamma in Italy with my father. But if she moved to England she would have her family, friends and my brother nearby which would put my mind at ease.
I dragged my gaze back to my computer.
After going through the photos for a sixth time, I admitted defeat. A batch of better photos were not going to magically appear if I kept staring at my screen.
But if I could only submit two photos, I needed to cover myself with management. I could not afford any more complaints. My future and Mamma’s happiness were at stake.
I picked up the phone and dialled Victoria’s number.
‘Victoria, sorry to disturb you, but I have an issue with one of the couples.’
I explained my concerns about their initial interactions and the photos dilemma.
‘I appreciate you bringing this to my attention, but it’s still early.
See how they get on over the next few days and if by the end of the week you’re still worried, let me know.
As for the photos, submit the two you have and on the trip tomorrow, make a note to take some extra photos.
Maybe ask them for some posed shots too and prompt them to smile or look into each other’s eyes.
That way you know you’ll get some decent shots and hopefully when they see how good they look together, they’ll start showing more affection. ’
‘ Va bene ,’ I agreed.
‘And check the screen straight after taking them to see how they’ve come out.’
‘I will.’
I had done that earlier, but they were in the middle of playing volleyball games so I could not ask them to stop and pose. Tomorrow would be easier though.
‘Good luck.’
‘ Grazie ,’ I said, sensing that I was going to need it.