Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
Aria held the phone in her hand, going over the conversation several times. Why had she asked him that question?
His answer floated around in her head, its meaning burrowing itself deep in her heart.
“He would have wanted you to do the same thing my mom wanted for me. Keep going. Keep dreaming. Don’t give up.”
He was right, and deep inside her soul, she knew it. Nicholas would have hated seeing her in this state three years later. But what that meant practically was what she was still working through.
She was glad that she invited Alex over for dinner. It was the polite thing to do, considering what he was doing for her. However, she needed to sort out her feelings before then, if that was possible.
She turned off the lamp in the living room and slowly headed toward her bedroom.
Aria stood in her bedroom doorway, thoughts of Alex flittering in her mind like butterflies.
That kiss, his arms around her as she cried. It was dangerous territory.
I shouldn’t feel this way. I shouldn’t think about how good it felt.
Walking into her closet, she slid clothes to one side where Nicholas’ favorite shirts still hung. Bringing a cream Henley to her nose, she inhaled sharply, desperately hoping that his unique smell had miraculously reappeared. But as always, she was left disappointed.
Letting go of the shirt, her eyes were drawn upwards. Standing on tiptoes, she moved things around until she found the shoebox she was looking for.
Placing it on her bed, she sat down with her legs crossed in front of her as she lifted off the pink lid.
Moving the old festival tickets, one earring she thought she had lost and funny pictures of her and Santo at Christmas, she found what she was looking for.
Picking up the picture, she laid back onto the pillows at her headboard.
She loved this picture of a graceful bird in flight.
Nicholas had given it to her as a gift when she was still in school.
She wrote a book report on a historical novel about a ship being led by an albatross to safety.
The bird fascinated her. It was all she talked about well into her fifth year because it made her visualize all the places around the world that she wanted to visit.
Thinking back and remembering the enchanting story, she felt free, as if she too could take flight.
She let herself wonder what it would be like to see the bird in person—a glorious, white sea bird with upwards of an eight-foot wingspan.
It was amazing to know that those wings could ride the wind in such a way that it would glide through the air for months at a time.
They weathered so many storms but were never deterred, just like her. Resilient, strong, determined.
Then she remembered what she loved most about the albatross.
They mated for life.
Aria walked into the office the next morning humming a song she’d heard on her way into work. She usually listened to a business podcast on the drive, but today felt different. She’d put on her favorite playlist and sang along to every song.
Passing her assistant’s desk, Aria said cheerfully, “Good morning, Luna. How was your weekend?”
“Morning. It was great. Looks like yours was a good one,” Luna said, eyeing Aria's outfit. “Love the dress. Is it new?”
“Thanks, yeah just something I picked up,” she answered as she walked into her office, realizing Luna had followed her.
“Did anything interesting happen this weekend?” she prodded, her brows arched.
“No, no. Nothing new. I went to an art exhibit and hung out with the girls, then went to the beach for a bit,” Aria replied, hoping to get away from the interrogation.
“Hmm. I see. Well, let me know when you’re ready to go over the week’s schedule,” Luna answered as she left, passing Natalia on her way in.
“Aria, your text didn't say who you got to do the photoshoot tomorrow,” Natalia said.
“Oh, the photographer is Alex Rossi,” Aria replied as she looked up from her desk.
Silence followed.
“The Alex Rossi, the world-renowned photojournalist?” she asked, her coffee cup held up midway to her mouth.
“That’s the one.”
“You can't be serious. Alex Rossi does not do photoshoots for book covers,” Natalia answered incredulously.
“Well, it turns out we went to school together. We happened to run into each other over the weekend.”
“I can't believe it. I'm a huge fan. I can't believe I'm going to meet Alex Rossi. Here. In our office,” Natalia mumbled as she ran off to her office.
Amused, Aria pulled out her laptop, moving on to the projects that were due.
Right before Aria was about to leave for lunch, a delivery came to the front desk.
“Flower delivery for Aria Bianchi?” the young man with a clipboard and a florist logo on his shirt said, looking around the office for a recipient. Aria could see him through the walls of glass that framed her office.
Everyone stopped working and looked up at the delivery man, then at Aria and back to the delivery man. The young man checked his watch to indicate he was in a hurry.
Aria scooted her chair back from her desk and walked to the front reception area to retrieve the flowers, ignoring Luna’s curious stare.
“Please sign here. Thank you. Have a great day,” the young man said as he checked the signature before turning on his heels and heading out the door.
As Aria opened the tiny white envelope, Luna appeared behind her like a ninja. Aria shot her a warning look and Luna stepped back a few feet.
I hope these brighten your day. –Alex
She tried with everything in her not to reveal the warmth that filled her, but she was unsuccessful as she felt her cheeks flame.
The flowers were a friendly gesture, and the note didn’t have even a hint of romantic intention in it, yet the gesture made her feel wooed.
Gio walked in through the main door just as she tucked the card back in its envelope and shoved it deep in her pocket for safekeeping. Aria looked sheepishly at him when he saw the flowers. She picked them up and strode to her office.
Moments later, Gio knocked on Aria’s door, leaning inside.
“Those are lovely. It's not your birthday. Are they from a client?”
“No, no, just from a friend,” she answered.
Gio nodded, apparently satisfied. Aria's phone rang as he left her office, and she reached for it. Her heart picked up speed when she saw the caller ID.
“Hey, Alex,” she said excitedly. “The flowers were just delivered. They’re beautiful. Thank you.”
“Oh, they’re there already. That’s great. Glad you liked them.”
“They absolutely brightened my day.”
“Mission accomplished, then. See you tomorrow.”
Aria hung up and spun her chair around a few times, giggling. She caught the eyes of her staff who had stopped working again and were watching her curiously. She stopped, cleared her throat, and opened her laptop.
The sudden ringtone that let her know a video call was coming through had Aria reaching for her phone again. She hit the green button to answer the call when she saw that it was her mom.
“Hey! It's so good to see you,” she said with a huge smile when both her parents’ faces popped onto the screen.
“Aria, you look wonderful, my sweet girl. We miss you so much. When are you coming home for a visit?” Aria's mom yelled.
She didn't quite understand that she didn't need to talk so loudly on video calls.
“Maria, leave her alone. Honey, how are you doing? Are you getting any rest? I fear you work too hard, my little piccolo angelo,” Aldo said with concern.
Aria always loved when her dad called her his little angel. She missed them terribly. It had been well over a month since she’d been able to get back to Rome for a visit.
“Papa, I'm doing great. I went to the beach yesterday so yes, I'm getting rest. Work has been busy, and tomorrow we have an important shoot with a new author.”
Aria walked around her desk to close her office door, but the position brought the bouquet into view. She tried to angle the phone away, but it was too late.
“Oh, Aria, what a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Who are those from?” her mom cooed, eyebrows almost at the top of her forehead.
Aria couldn't lie to her parents, so she told them the truth hoping it came out nonchalant.
“A friend from school who is in town visiting. So, how is the restaurant doing?” She hoped to divert their attention, but Maria was not fooled that easily.
“Restaurant’s fine,” Maria answered flatly. “So, what friend from school? Do we know this person?”
“Alex Rossi, Mama. You don't know him. He was in Nicholas' class. I used to go to his house to study with his sister Sofia. He's in Positano visiting his family for a few weeks.”
“Hmm. I don't remember these people,” Maria said, skeptical. “I don’t know, Aria. I’m curious about this man. Are you hiding something? I feel it in my bones that you’re not telling me everything.”
“Mama, there’s nothing to hide. Look, I love you, but it's a busy afternoon over here.”
“Maria,” her father warned.
“Listen, I promise to get home as soon as I can break away for a long weekend. Kisses and hugs. Ciao!” Aria said, ending the call as her mom opened her mouth to say something else.
She knew this would not be the last of this conversation.
Aria sat back down. She needed to talk to Santo about all of this before her mom blew up the whole situation. Besides, she was sure that her mom was dialing his number at that very moment.
Her brother was only a year older than her, but he was protective, especially after leaving to take a job in Madrid at an architectural firm.
She had to convince him not to quit and move back after Nicholas’ passing.
She knew how much he loved that job. As she thought about him, she shot off a text to him.
Aria: Hey, free this evening? Let's catch up. Miss you.
She got a return text within a minute.
Santo: You’re on. Miss you too. Or better yet, take some time off and come visit Madrid! Oh, wait. Hold on. Mama is calling. Wonder what she wants?
Aria: Ugh, you’ll find out soon enough. Talk to you later.
The rest of the day went by quickly and Aria was grateful to head home, anxious to speak to Santo.
After dinner, Aria poured herself a skinny shot glass of limoncello, dialing Santo's number. She had to keep to their tradition. Grabbing her soft grey blanket, she leaned back on a pillow at the edge of her sofa.
“Hola, hermana,” Santo said as Aria's face connected on the video call. He was already holding up his glass.
“What's wrong? You look a little worried.”
“First thing's first,” she answered as they both sipped their drink. They had been sharing a glass of the tart drink together during their frequent video calls ever since Santo moved away. It made Aria feel like he was still nearby.
“Oh, that one’s smooth. Thanks for the bottle. I think that’s my favorite one yet. Okay, never mind that. Talk to me.”
“You already know exactly why I'm worried. Spit it out, what did Mama tell you?” Aria answered with a scowl.
Santo chuckled and shared with Aria that their mom felt like something more was going with this Alex person.
“You know Mama and her bones. She thinks she's clairvoyant. What is going on though?”
“I ran into Alex Rossi the other day. Twice, actually. Do you remember him from school? He was a grade ahead of you.”
“Alex Rossi? I kind of remember him. Hang on, looking him up.”
“Wait, before you do that, I need to tell you something first. You see, when I say ‘ran into him’ I mean it literally. He was coming out of the same door I was going into, and he caught me before I fell. When he went to kiss my cheeks, I jumped and the second one landed on my mouth,” she said quickly without taking a breath.
“Oh, really?” he said with a smirk. Aria could see that he sat up straighter. “So, he kissed you?”
Blushing again, she said, “Yeah. I mean, not on purpose obviously. It was so embarrassing. I ran to the restroom and hid, but he was gone when I finally came out. Then the next night we were at the same gallery opening.”
Huffing, Santo said, “So Corinna finally pried you out of your house, then?”
“So not the point. Anyway, he was all shy and nervous, and so was I. It was awkward but sweet. And then I told him about Nicholas. He walked me outside and held me while I cried.”
Grimacing, he answered, “Wow, that’s a lot for one night. How are you feeling about all this? Did he ask to see you again?”
“He did better than that. He offered to do the headshots for the new author I was telling you about. He’s a photographer.”
“Interesting. Not the same as a date but you’ll get to see him again.”
“No dates, Santo. Go ahead. Look him up now.”
Santo looked away to grab his laptop and she heard clicking and lots of “whoa’s”.
Aria’s prediction of his reaction was spot on as she saw his bushy eyebrows go up when he looked back at his phone.
“Oh, wow, Aria. He's a pretty big deal. And he's coming to do headshots for you? Yeah. I'm going with Mama's bones that something more is happening. Someone as well-known as this guy isn't going to do a menial job for a girl he once sort of knew in school. He’s into you, sis.”
“You think so?”
“Yeah, I do. Hey, speaking of male attention, has Gio made a move yet?”
“No, he hasn’t, but I’m pretty sure I don’t want him to. I’m so confused.”
“Well, be clear with Gio if he does. I know the kiss and embrace with Alex was a surprise, but you said you felt something.
That's a big step for you. Maybe it’s time to consider dating.
You'll never forget Nicholas, but you have the rest of your life to live, and I want it to be filled with joy. I loved Nicholas, too. But he would have wanted to see you happy,” he said, his eyes searching her face.
Aria took another sip of her drink. “Daniela said the same thing recently.
I don't know, Santo. I'm confused but mostly scared.
And guilty, nervous, excited. I'm a mess.
Plus, Alex doesn't live here permanently. He travels all over the world. Maybe I should just say yes to Gio if he finally asks me out. At least I know him.”
“Look, don’t say yes to Gio or Alex if you’re not ready. And I know you love running the publishing house, but when are you going to take your writing seriously and publish your own book?”
When she didn’t answer him, he continued, “I've got to go finish up some emails before it gets too late here, but promise to keep me updated, okay? I love you, Aria. Remember, you deserve to chase your dreams, too. That's all I'm saying.”
“Love you too. And thanks for always listening,” Aria said as she ended the call and brought her cozy blanket up closer to her chin as if she could disappear in it completely.