Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
When Corinna saw Aria make her way through the lingering crowd and head to the back of the venue, she followed.
“I’m so sorry, Aria. I, I guess I just assumed that they knew. You all seemed to have history together. You and I have never talked about who might know about what happened to Nicholas from school.”
“It’s fine, love. I’m alright. I’m glad they know. Alex was great about it and now that I know they live here too, we will probably see each other again. It would’ve been awkward if I didn’t mention it.”
Aria checked her face in the mirror, happy to see that her waterproof mascara held up its end of the bargain.
“Wanna leave? We can go right now,” Corinna asked as she watched her in the mirror, rubbing her back.
Aria answered, “No, let’s stay a little longer. There was a painting I wanted to get a better look at before all the waterworks started. I’d like to spend a little more time with Sofia again.”
Nodding, Corinna took her hand and said, “Alex is very nice. And you owe me an explanation, little miss.”
Blowing out a gust of air through her mouth, Aria answered, “Yes, I guess I do but on the way home. And Corinna. Behave until then.”
Her friend put her hands up in surrender, but Aria knew better than to relax.
They walked back out, Aria careful not to walk too quickly in the heels that were starting to pinch her toes. When Sofia returned, she pulled Aria into a hug and said, “I’m so sorry. I know this isn’t the time or place. Let’s talk another time, okay?”
“Thanks, Sofia. Yeah, another time,” Aria said softly, her voice steady and strong again. “Okay, I’m going to circle back to a painting we passed.”
“Lead the way. We will stay close if you need anything,” Corinna said, gesturing for Aria to pass as Sofia followed.
She scanned the room for a painting that had caught her eye earlier.
Walking up to it and leaning in for a closer look, she could see that Adrian had signed it “Tranquility”.
He had captured a scene from a seaside area in Positano with colorful buildings and terraces spilling over with greenery and hilltop villas.
Somehow, he had even made the azure ocean waves appear to be in motion.
Noting the name again, she made plans to ask Adrian about purchasing it.
“Beautiful, isn't it?” Alex asked, drawing her out of her musings.
Aria looked up as he spoke, caught once again by his soulful eyes.
“Yes, very. It's like I'm right there, like I could walk up to one of these doors and step right in. I love how the lighting looks so real. Incredible attention to detail,” she replied, her eyes drifting back toward the art.
“I'd love to live by the water in one of those colorful homes. I live in the city to be closer to my office, but I love the coastline.”
“Well, my cabin by the sea could be in this painting. It reminds me of it in a way, so I told Adrian I planned to buy it tonight.”
“Really? Oh, that's funny. I was thinking of buying it too. I'm sure it would be lovely in your... what did you call it? A cabin?”
Alex laughed lightly. “Yes, that's what Sofia and I call it. Actually, it was a shack, basically a dilapidated building when I bought it, but it's been renovated. I love it there. Especially being on the water. It's not much, but the view is spectacular.”
“It sounds lovely.”
Aria was about to ask him what he did for a living, but she caught sight of Corinna and Sofia talking, their heads touching as they spoke.
Narrowing her eyes at them, Aria shook her head. “They’re worse than the old ladies in my neighborhood in Rome.”
She and Alex laughed as they walked toward them.
The girls stopped whispering when Aria and Alex sidled up next to them, Enzo joining the group once more. Aria noticed that Corinna looked flustered when he did.
What’s that about?
“So, Alex, Sofia told me about your family’s cosmetic business, but I didn’t ask what you do,” Corinna said.
“I'm a nature photographer. I’ve also recently started working with some relief organizations as a photojournalist. I got back yesterday from a long project that took me all over Asia.”
“Oh, wait. Wait, wait, wait. Are you that Alex Rossi?”
Nodding, Alex answered, “Yeah, I guess I am?”
“Oh wow. Just putting it together. My co-worker mentioned one of your photographs recently. She’s a huge fan,” Corinna said excitedly.
“That’s wonderful to hear. I’m always so grateful for my supporters.”
“Well, I don’t know if you’d be willing to help, but Aria needs a photographer for one of her authors. She's apparently in a bad spot and is getting kind of desperate.”
Enzo chuckled. “Alex doesn't do that kind of—”
Alex's elbow landed sharply in his upper arm, making him grimace.
“Sorry, man. Went to stretch. Didn’t mean to hit you,” Alex said as they glared at one another. “Aria, I'd be happy to do it. Send me the information and we can make a plan.”
Enzo and Sofia gawked at Alex as Enzo continued to rub his arm vigorously, garnering curious looks from the other women.
Corinna recovered quickly and said, “Perfect. See Aria? Problem solved. Here Alex, let me give you her phone number.” Corinna grabbed Alex's phone which he was retrieving from his pocket.
Aria shot her friend an incredulous look. “Alex, please don't feel obligated to do this.”
“I don’t mind at all. I'll call you over the weekend to set it up.
Adrian joined the group again and thanked them all for coming. Alex was grateful the attention was off him as everyone expressed how incredible his work was.
“Thank you so much. I appreciate that.”
An hour later, Aria stifled a yawn as she gave Corinna the nod that it was time to go.
“It’s been great to see you all, but I think I’ll head home. Adrian, I’ll be watching out for your work going forward. You truly have a gift. And Sofia, we have each other’s numbers now, so let’s get together soon,” Aria said.
Turning to Enzo and Alex, she continued. “Enzo, it was a pleasure. I’ll have to pass the word on about your gym. Alex, it’s great seeing you again.”
Sofia interjected, “I’m out too. It’s been a long day.” She hugged everyone goodbye as she gathered her things.
“Wait, I’ll walk you all out to your cars,” Alex said as he followed, telling Enzo and Adrian he’d be back.
Grabbing their jackets from the coat check counter, the ladies made their way out into the now cool evening, talking and making plans to meet up again soon.
Aria looked up at the twinkling stars and sighed.
It was a clear night, and she could make out all her favorite constellations, once again reminding her of Nicholas and their shared a love of astronomy.
Glancing at the phone, she was surprised at how late it was.
She couldn’t remember the last time she was out past midnight.
“Aria, I can’t wait to spend some time with you,” Sofia said as she hugged them all goodbye again when her taxi pulled up. Alex waited until she was safely in and on her way.
“If you’re ready, I’ll see you all to your cars,” Alex said.
“Corinna and I came together,” Aria explained as they walked around the block to where they had parked her car.
Alex lingered for a bit and without a word, Corinna jumped in the passenger seat.
Aria couldn’t tell who was more nervous of the two.
“Alex, please don't feel obligated to do this photography job for me.”
“I really would love to do it for you. I'll call you on Sunday to set it up. Please let me help,” he said, meeting her gaze as their eyes caught and held.
Aria broke the trance first.
“Thank you so much. Talk to you on Sunday. And Alex...”
“Yes?”
“Thank you for earlier.”
“You’re very welcome. Good night, Aria.”