Ariana let him feed her, and the taste exploded in her mouth. “That’s delicious,” she said, swooning a little.
The children giggled, and Alessandro smiled. “We’re just getting started. You must be food deprived.”
“I’m extra hungry all of a sudden.” Ariana thought of her new condition. Was this normal? Even though she hardly felt pregnant yet, she should make a doctor’s appointment and start reading up on what to expect.
Alessandro grinned. “I like women who like to eat. Slice off some cheese to fortify yourself.” He poured a glass of wine for her and slid it toward her.
“Oh, thanks,” she said, inhaling the rich aroma of the red wine.
“It’s a local wine,” he said, pouring a small amount for himself. He touched her glass. “Cincin.”
Ariana lifted her glass, though she’d sworn off alcohol as soon as she’d discovered she was pregnant. Putting it down without drinking, she met Alessandro’s gaze. “I’m so glad you invited me. This is a special treat.”
Alessandro took a sip and smiled. Indicating a rack of knives, he said, “Choose your weapon.”
From the refrigerator, he brought out broccoli, orange and yellow peppers, and an assortment of other vegetables and herbs for her to slice while he filled a large pot with water.
While they cooked together, they chatted, and the children joined in. Ariana asked what they were doing in school, and Sandro proudly showed off his writing and math. Carmelo brought out a picture of a cat that she had painted, and Ariana immediately saw her talent and praised her.
Soon supper was ready, and the four of them sat at the table. The pasta, vegetables, and sautéed lake fish were delicious—simply prepared and flavored to perfection.
After eating their chocolate chip cookies, the children played outside in a grassy area of the garden while Ariana and Alessandro sat and watched them.
As the sun was setting over the lake, casting brilliant colors on the water, Ariana turned to Alessandro. “This is so nice. You’re lucky to have such a lovely family.”
Alessandro inclined his head. “I’m grateful for my children, but luck was not with my wife, I’m afraid.”
Ariana bit her lip. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s all right,” Alessandro said, resting his hand on hers. “We were lucky to have the time we did. I just miss her. She had breast cancer if you’re wondering. Very aggressive. If it weren’t for Paolina, I don’t know how I would have managed the children. They were so sad; it was heartbreaking.” He sipped the wine he’d brought out onto the terrace.
“I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been.”
“We’re getting better,” Alessandro said.
“I’m glad.” Ariana asked a few questions about his wife, and Alessandro seemed to enjoy speaking about her.
“Not many people ask about her anymore,” Alessandro said. “Thank you for letting me talk about her. And how about you?”
Ariana shook her head, and then, without really planning to, she told him about Phillip.
“It’s better to know you’re incompatible before the marriage than afterward,” Alessandro said. “If you hadn’t listened to your heart, you wouldn’t be here now.” He paused and touched her hand. “And I’m happy you’re here.”
“So am I,” she said softly.
“I hate to break this up, but I have to put the children to bed,” he said. “Will you stay longer?”
“I’d like that,” Ariana said. “If you don’t mind, I can help tuck them in.”
Alessandro lifted a corner of his mouth. “They’d like that. So would I.”
After reading to the children and putting them to bed, Ariana and Alessandro sat outside again, watching the lights of Lake Como glow in the night. Ariana cupped her hands around the bergamot-flavored tea that Alessandro had made for her.
“You don’t drink wine?” Alessandro asked.
Ariana felt heat rise to her cheeks. “It’s not that I don’t drink wine, it’s just that…I have to be careful about driving. I’m not used to such narrow, twisting roads.”
Alessandro chuckled. “They take some getting used to.”
As the night wore on, they talked for a long time. Ariana found it easy to share her thoughts on a range of topics that she hardly shared with anyone, from what she loved about designing to her relationship with her mother. And Alessandro told her what it was like growing up here and what he dreamed of for his children.
When it was time to leave, Alessandro walked her to her car.
“I had such a nice time,” Ariana said. Her heart was thumping as he took a step closer and brushed a strand of hair from her face.
“It was more than nice,” Alessandro said. “It’s been so long since I could talk like we did tonight.”
Ariana knew she should get in the car and drive away. But something inside of her welled up, and she acted on impulse. Raising her face to Alessandro’s, she kissed him, not on the cheeks as he seemed to be expecting, but directly on those full lips that she couldn’t resist.
Though clearly taken by surprise, Alessandro quickly responded, sliding his arm around her shoulders, tentatively at first, and then returning her kiss.
After a few moments, Ariana pulled away. Without a word, she slid into her car and turned the ignition. As she pulled from the driveway, she wondered where this friendship was going, and why she had taken such a chance.
Chapter 21
Hollywood, 1952
* * *
Ruby stepped off the bus in front of the studio lot, which loomed before her like a self-contained village. Clutching her purse, she stood in a line of people at the front gate. While she waited, she tamped down the churning feeling in her stomach. Silly nerves, she told herself. When it was her turn, she stepped up to the guard at the gatehouse.
“I’m Ruby Raines, and I’m here for an audition with Royce Blackstone.” She relayed the details her agent had given her and waited while the guard found her name on his list. He handed her the lot address of the building, along with a map of the studio lot.
Ruby joined the flow of aspiring actors and crew members streaming onto the lot for auditions. She was thrilled to be among fellow artists, writers, and performers. Many people were bustling to the sets in makeup and costumes. Cowboys, dancers, an Egyptian queen. Some clutched scripts, while others waited in line at the commissary for breakfast. The smell of food made her stomach lurch.
This audition was critical. Ruby needed money to rent an apartment for them when he arrived. She’d also have to wire funds to her parents for more food and supplies.
As Ruby crossed the studio lot, she imagined Niccolò whispering encouragement in her ear. Chin up. She wrote to him almost every day, although she’d only received a couple of brief letters in return.
Niccolò’s spelling and grammar were indeed as poor as he’d described. She smiled as she thought of his embarrassment. He’d learned his English verbally, but she would help him with spelling and grammar.
Ruby and Niccolò had agreed to wait until he arrived in Hollywood to tell her parents about their wedding. Based on how his father had reacted, Niccolò insisted on being there to protect her in case her father was angry.