Kate Fitzroy - Dreams Of Tuscany

‘How on earth did you retrieve one of the roses from that bouquet? It is one of them, isn’t it? They are so distinctive – so very dark and velvety and so perfumed.’ She raised the flower to her nose and breathed in the heavy scent.

‘Yes, one from the bouquet.’ Massimo smiled mysteriously. ‘I can make anything happen – haven’t you realised it yet? Black Baccara – they are the only roses beautiful enough for you. I would like to plant you a rose garden of them…’ At that point, Luigi arrived at the table and lit the candle. The dinner was becoming impossibly romantic. Massimo reached across the table and enclosed her hand in his as she held the rose.

‘I can’t help telling you that I love you, cara Zoe.’ He leaned across the table, his head close to hers. ‘I won’t give up, you know.’

Zoe moved her head slightly aside and at that very moment the door to the restaurant opened and Alex Knight walked in. Larger than life – larger and more alive than she remembered him. Their eyes met in recognition and for one moment she saw his face register shock, and then he smiled sadly and turned to hold the door for his companion. Into the restaurant walked one of the most beautiful women that Zoe had ever seen. Not pretty but truly beautiful. She moved gracefully into the small restaurant, ahead of Alex, confident and serene. She simply radiated loveliness. Zoe’s head reeled with shock and she felt a sharp pain as a rose thorn pierced her finger. She realised she was clutching the flower tight in her hand. The pain brought her back to reality, the reality of dodging a kiss from Massimo. He had noticed her sharp movement and was studiously studying the tiny pinprick of blood that had formed on her finger. He was talking but Zoe was deaf to his words. All she could think was how well Alex and his beautiful companion looked together. They were now seated at a table near the window and talking animatedly. Alex’s slate-grey hair was close to the sleek black hair of the woman. As close as her own head had been to Massimo’s when Alex had seen them. Zoe closed her eyes momentarily and felt a pain so sharp that the rose could have pierced her heart. She opened her eyes again, determined not to look in the direction of Alex. She smiled across at Massimo and caught the end of what he had been saying.

‘… and we could meet up with Flavio there, if you’d like to?’

‘Sorry, what did you say?’ Zoe replied.

‘Are you all right, cara ? You have suddenly gone quite pale.’ Massimo looked at her anxiously.

Zoe grabbed at the opportunity to excuse her odd behaviour.

‘Actually, it’s so hot in here – I do feel a bit faint.’

‘Drink some water. That’s the trouble with these small trattorie – no air-conditioning. Would you like to go somewhere else?’

‘Oh no, Luigi will bring the pasta soon. I expect I’m hungry too!’ Zoe tried to smile at Massimo but it was an enormous effort. In one way she wanted to run from the restaurant and in another she couldn’t leave. She was irresistibly drawn to watching the couple in the window. Now they were looking at the menu together, joking and laughing as though they knew each other well, very well indeed. Then, Luigi arrived with the pasta and Zoe forced herself to begin to eat. The first few mouthfuls stuck in her throat but then it became easier. She couldn’t believe how rude she was being to Massimo. She must make an effort – none of this was his fault.

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