A Leap of Faith (10 page)

Making my way to the double glass doors that lead out to the balcony, I stood absorbing the landscape. The air had cooled significantly as the day was slowly drawing to a close. The sun kissed the earth as it set over the horizon, colouring the sky in a hue of orange and pink. Spring in Rome was magical, just looking out into the ancient city calmed me as I breathed it in slowly.

“You’re still here?” Alex questioned as he walked out, the water still dripping off his rippled torso, a towel slung low around his hips.

“Did you want me to leave?” I faced him, feeling the weariness of the long flight and the emotion overtaking my anger.

“No.” He stepped closer and kissed me gently.

“Alex, why were you mad? Is it Stefania?” I looked into his amazing clear eyes as I reached up and circled my hands around his neck.

“No...” He swallowed. “At the risk of agreeing with Dan, it was kinda hot. That doesn’t mean I want to share you with anyone even if it is with a girl.” His devilish half smile flirted with his mouth.

“You are all so predictable!” I breathed slowly, running my hands down his damp, rippled back. “If it’s not Stefania, then what?” I kissed his chest as I drew him in closer.

“I saw the way you reacted when she said his name.” Alex shivered.

“Riccardo?” I pulled away to engage him, he nodded silently.

“Ok, come with me.” I pulled him away from the balcony and onto one of the plush sofas, hugging his body close to mine, feeling the dampness seep into my shirt.

“I came to Rome when I was 22. I was done with Uni and I wanted to travel through Europe before I settled down and got a job…”

“Lexi, you don’t need to do this,” Alex hesitated as he weaved his fingers through my hair

“You’re right, I don’t need to do this, I want to do this. Just listen.” I gave him a pointed look before repositioning myself in his arms again.

“So, I was 22 and craved adventure. I had come out of a toxic relationship and needed to feel alive again. So I hoped on a plane and came here. It was amazing. It was intoxicating, the culture, the art...It felt like waking up after a long sleep.

“I met Stefania on the Spanish Steps, she asked me if I spoke English and if I wanted to earn some extra cash. First I thought it was some kind of scam but the idea of earning some money sounded appealing so I agreed to hear her out.

“She took me to a small Trattoria, a small restaurant and introduced me to the owner. Stefania waitressed there and they had lost a waitress earlier in the day. A lot of foreigners came to the Trattoria so they wanted someone who could speak English.

“It sounded like easy work so I took the job and Stefania and I became friends. I sensed that she had an interest in me other than platonic but I wasn’t interested in anything else and she seemed to respect that.”

Alex raised an eyebrow as I continued on my story.

“So it was ma
inly tourists, lots of Americans, Brits... and then one day, Riccardo walked in. I didn’t know who he was but his whole persona exuded power and prestige. Stefania told who he was, about his family. How wealthy and powerful they were. I got caught up in it.

“I flirted with him and he asked me out.”

“There’s a surprise.” Alex smirked.

“Do you want to hear this or not?” I paused.

“Go on,” Alex prompted.

“So he took me on this amazing date, we danced, we drank and then he asked if I wanted to go back to his place.”

“Another surprise.” Alex interjected

I rolled my eyes before continuing. “So yes, as you guessed we had sex. He fell asleep and I did what I usually did and that was to leave
.”

I watched as Alex scrunched his brow in confusion. “So you fucked him and then left him?”

“Yes, well at least that was my plan. You see I didn’t need a man and I certainly didn’t need a relationship so it’s what I did.

“He caught me sneaking out. He seemed amused by it all and that he admired my tenacity, he was completely not threatened. He had been sheltered all his life by his family’s affluence and wanted to dance on the shady side of the street. I guess he saw me as that opportunity.

“So in a way, it was a mutually beneficial agreement. He loved driving his family insane with the fact he was dating a nobody waitress and I enjoyed a low maintenance boyfriend while we lived large on his money. We had fun, we travelled and well one night we got drunk and we invited Stefania into our bed.”

“So you did fuck her!” Alex’s smile widened.

“Great, I tell you I started a meaningless relationship with a rich guy after he catches me sneaking out after sex, so we can piss off his parents and what you fixate on the fact I’ve been with a woman.”

“Sorry, hard to over look. Go on...” Alex relaxed back into the sofa.

“So things were great for a while, no strings. But I knew there was more I wanted to do with my life. I got bored and wanted to move on. I told Riccardo and he asked me to stay, to build a life with him... and he proposed.  I didn’t feel that way for him. I wasn’t even sure he felt that way for me, I think he thought I would agree and that would be a way of keeping me.”

“So what did you do?” Alex moved in closer.

“I left... I didn’t say goodbye, I just got on a plane and went home.” I folded my arms in front of me.

Alex gently took my chin in his hands, “He loved you.”

“I doubt that Alex, we didn’t have that kind of relationship. It was just for fun.”

“Yeah like we started out? Just fun, no strings. That worked out so well for us.” Alex lightly kissed my neck. “Deep down Lexi, you must have known too. That’s why you ran.”

“No, it wasn’t like that Alex, what we have is different. I didn’t feel the way with him that I do with you. I never loved Riccardo, it had been fun while it lasted. But love… no, he never loved me.”

“Lexi, you do know that despite your own feelings, you can’t control someone else’s right?” Alex slid his tongue up my throat. “I never set out to fall in love with you, yet once I got to know you it was impossible not to. You are very easy to love and almost impossible to resist.”

“Yeah that’s me, I’m like cock kryptonite.” I snickered sarcastically.

Alex chuckled, “I think the fact you don’t actively try is what makes you so attractive.”

“Whatever!” I argued.

“So we are having dinner with your ex... threesome?” Alex questioned.

“Yes, I guess we are. You ok with that?” I trailed my finger down his chest and down his abs.

“Do you have any photos?” Alex’s mouth twisted in his delicious half grin.

“Ummmm, No!” I snorted.

“Ok, then dinner it is!” Alex laughed

“Lexi!” squealed Stefania as Alex and I entered the dining room. “Please, come, sit down.” she lightly tugged on my arm. “So, this is the famous boyfriend!” Stefania looked Alex up and down.

“Yes, I’m the boyfriend.” Alex responded, amused.

“Ahhh, she has done well, our Lexi!” Stefania applauded enthusiastically.

James, Dan, Troy and Jason slowly filtered into the room, all seeming to be struggling with the time difference and jet lag.

“Gentlemen, come....sit down” Stefania beckoned. Troy’s eyes lit up as he glanced at her low cut, figure hugging
dress, which showcased her ample assets.

“
Hello, Stefania
!” he greeted.

She reached out at ruffled Troy’s mohawk. “They are all so adorable, Lexi. How ever did you choose?”

“I made them draw straws,” I joked.

“Wait! What? I never got a turn!” Dan answered indignantly.

“She was joking, you idiot!” mused Jason as he found a seat at the table.

James, ever the charismatic front man, shook Stefania’s hand before taking his seat.  “Thank you for the dinner invitation, Stefania.  We have a jam packed schedule for this tour, starting tomorrow. Lexi runs a tight ship so it’s nice to kick back and relax this evening.” Clearly at least one of the boys remembered their manners.

“Oh! Our pleasure!” Stefania chattered, “Any friends of Lexi’s are friends of ours!”

The door swung open and Riccardo walked in. His perfectly cut Armani suit caressed his body to showcase his impeccably toned physique. His dark wavy hair, styled into a flawless just-been-fucked haphazard mess, his brown eyes were so dark that they were almost black. It was as if the air vibrated around him, like even the atmosphere felt the gravity of his lineage and power.

“Alexia.” My name rolled off his tongue like honey. A name I hadn’t been called in years.

“Riccardo.” I stood as he neared the table.

“So, you finally return to Roma.” He lifted my hand and gently kissed it.

“Yes, I’m here on business. A promotional tour with the band
.” I slid my hand from his and relaxed it at my side. Good one, Lexi, nothing like stating the obvious.

Riccardo turned to the boys in acknowledgement. “Yes, the band. I don’t have a lot of time for music but Stefania is a big fan.”

“Riccardo, this is my boyfriend Alex,” I lightly tugged Alex to my side and turned to watch Alex shake Riccardo’s hand. Riccardo regarded Alex closely.

It was weird seeing my past and present together. I never really had to worry about a situation like this before, because generally once I was done with a guy, I moved on. There really wasn’t a reason to be “friends.” Riccardo had been so kind though; he had never treated me with anything but respect despite my selfish agenda.

“Please, sit down. We have a special feast for you this evening.” Riccardo signalled to the waiter to bring in the first course as we took our seats.

Stefania positioned herself between Troy and Dan, much to their delight. Her long lashes batted furiously as Troy pulled out the chair for her. In all these years, she had not changed. She still got men to do exactly what she wanted, when she wanted.

As our first course was placed in front on us there was a heavy knock at the door. Riccardo shot an annoyed glance at one of the staff members who ran in the direction of the large, wooden doors that led from the private dinning room to the hotel.

The disturbance grew as the door opened and tense voices volleyed back and forth in Italian. It was hard to ignore, the voices growing louder and more animated.

Riccardo slammed his napkin on the table before making his way towards the commotion. Alex looked at me inquisitively, and I stared back blankly. Stefania, who had now perched herself in Troy’s lap seemed unaware of the disruption.

“Alexia
,” Riccardo called, gesturing to the door.

I had no idea what to expect as I stood and ambled to the doorway. Thinking it could have been an over excited fan who had broken through the security measures, I put on my game face.

“Lexi, can you please tell these Ogres you know me!” Marcy puffed, exasperated.

What the Hell?! Can this night get any more bizarre?

“Marcy? What do you want?” my tone was as unwelcoming as my glare.

“You know this woman?” asked Riccardo, his hand still on the door.

I hesitated, thinking it would be a lot easier just to say no and have her ass tossed out but I had never let anyone do my dirty work in the past so I wasn’t about to start now. I nodded before facing Marcy, “We are in the middle of dinner, what do you want?”

“Gee Lexi, I thought it might be nice to have dinner here, being that we are friends and all. You are a little heavy handed with the security, aren’t you?” She placed her hands on her hips as she stared at the two hotel security guards blocking her path. I glanced back at the table, Alex and James, who were unable to see Marcy, were staring directly at me their faces shrouded in confusion. 

As I stepped out into the hallway Riccardo was closely behind me. “We are not friends. Nor do I want to have dinner with you. Why don’t you tell me why you really came here? Cause this bullshit you are peddling - I’m not buying,” I sneered.

Marcy’s eyes narrowed, “You think if you keep him away from me that you’ll be safe?”

Her mere proximity was leaving a bad taste in my mouth. “I don’t need to be safe. Alex has free will, he can leave any time he chooses. Yet he doesn’t. Do you think that if you are close to him, he’s going to lose his motherfucking mind and make the same mistake twice?”

“The only mistake here is YOU
!” Marcy sputtered but I could tell her nerve was waning.

“That’s the best you’ve got?” I laughed as the absurdity of the situation hit me. I was standing in a hallway in Rome, with my ex-whatever arguing with my boyfriend’s ex-whatever. I struggled to breathe as I laughed harder. Riccardo scrutinized me like I’d lost my mind.  Marcy balled her hands into fists as she tried to formulate a comeback.

“You know what Marcy, go right in. Why don’t you go sit near Alex and see how that works out for you. I’m sure the psycho-pathetic needy routine is a major turn on.”

Maybe I had lost my mind but if there was one thing I knew, it was everything this woman was, I was not. Alex wasn’t mine to keep, much like I hadn’t been Riccardo’s
, so if he wanted to leave, eventually he would, just as I had.

“Is this some kind of trick?” Marcy spat angrily.

“No trick,” I held open the door, “go on in.” I watched as she tentatively passed me before entering the room.

“You are insane,” smiled Riccardo.

“Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been accused,” I giggled.

“You are exactly how I remembered you.” Riccardo took my hand before kissing my fingers, “Your eyes, your lips, your hair...your temper
.”

“Some things are different.” I pulled my hand away.

“Yes, some
things
.” Riccardo ran his hand through his impossible mess of hair. “The Americano. He’s new. You love him, yes?”

“Riccardo, I’m sorry if I ever hurt you.” I blurted out. For the first time I was seeing how my past actions had affected someone else. How, despite my needs, that didn’t make men disposable. Sometimes there were causalities and Riccardo had not deserved that.

“We were children Alexia. You were a bird who could not be caged. You needed to spread your wings. I understood that. My eyes were open, I knew what you were. The problem was my heart.”

Alex walked into the hall, his eyes glancing between us. I wasn’t sure what he had heard. “Did I interrupt something?”

“Not at all,” Riccardo responded.

Alex faced me, his brow furrowed. “Why is Marcy having dinner with us?”

“I thought it might be interesting.” I shrugged.

Riccardo stepped forward. “I’ll see you both at the table when you are ready.” He kissed my hand again before disappearing inside.

Alex raised an eyebrow. “He loved you.”

“I guess he did.” Guilt slowly welled in the pit of my stomach.

“I love you.” He placed his arms around my waist.

“You need your head examined!” I looked into his clear blue eyes.

“Not the response I was looking for.” Alex frowned.

“I love you Alex and I’m not sure where this is going to lead but I know I want to go there with you.” I breathed into his chest.

Alex brushed his lips across mine. “That’s all I need to hear. Let’s go back inside.” He reluctantly pulled me through the doorway.

A place had been set for Marcy, who been introduced by James to Riccardo. I was hoping the introduction went somewhere along to the lines of “This is Marcy Bryant, she’s a talent-less oxygen
thief who Alex fucked when he lost his damn mind.”  Jason gave me a questioning look as he watched me sit down, Alex close by my side.

“So Marcy, you are on television?” asked Stefania as she tried to be polite.

“Yes I am, it’s one of the longest running daytime soaps in the US,” Marcy bragged as she flicked her long, blonde hair.

“Hey Marcy, didn’t your character chase after that guy who rejected her? Refusing to accept it was over even though he was in love with someone else?” Jason twirled his wine glass in his hand.

Dan spluttered his beer as he watched Marcy squirm awkwardly.  I bit my lip to stop from smiling, I loved Jason! He had always had a dislike for Marcy and saw through her mind games. He had been careful to be discreet in keeping his voice low so only Marcy, Dan and myself had heard him.

“You ok, Dan?” James looked over to our side of the table.

“All good brother.” Dan took another swallow of beer.

“Listen here,” Marcy whispered across the table to Jason. “I don’t chase after anyone. I just so happen to be here and I’m not about to let you stop me from seeing my friend.”

Jason, growing impatient leaned across the table. “So look at him. Look at how much he loves her and look at the fact that it is NEVER going to happen with you.” My heart swelled as I heard Jason speak those words. His support for me, for Alex’s and my relationship was overwhelming.

I turned my head as my eyes misted slightly and tried to engage myself in the other conversation at hand. Riccardo had captivated the attention of Alex, James and Troy as he described his stable of European sports cars.

“So how far in the red can you get your Lamborghini Aventador?” Troy queried as Stefania played with his hair, both of them unaware of what was transpiring between Jason and Marcy.

“She gets to two hundred miles per hour. No problems.” Riccardo crooned.

Marcy, unwilling to admit defeat to Jason, decided to try another tactic. “So, Riccardo, how do you know Lexi?” Her smug smile hinted at the trouble she was trying to cause. Riccardo had been an impeccable host, he was charming and sociable, occasionally I caught his eyes lingering on me before he’d turn away but I wasn’t sure how he was going to answer that.

“I met Alexia many years ago, here in Roma.” His eyes connected with mine as he spoke.

Marcy, sensing there was more to the story, pushed a little further.  Jason’s eyes narrowed as he glared at her from across the table. “Gee she must have made quite an impression. After all, a man of your importance and stature having a private dinner with her and her friends… I imagine your time is very valuable.” Marcy sipped her wine, barley able to contain her smug smirk.

Riccardo looked over at me before considering his answer. Alex laid his hand in my lap, sensing my tension. “Alexia always makes an impression. She is captivating, truly unique and time with her is not something I could put a value on, nor anyone else whom I class as my friend.”  Alex’s hand tightened around my thigh.

“Wow, sounds pretty hot and heavy?!” Probed Marcy further.

“Enough!” The words left my mouth before I had time to even think them. “I know what you are
trying
to do. You want to come after me, come at me! But you leave everyone else out of it!” I pushed the chair away from the table. “Excuse me Riccardo, I must apologize for Marcy’s rude and intrusive inference. It seems basic manners is something that was not taught while she was at her Acting Academy.

“Thank you so much for this amazing dinner, you have been most gracious. I hope our behaviour has not offended you.” I would NOT tolerate this, not by her. How dare she try and use Riccardo’s kind
hearted nature to further her own agenda.

“Marcy, you need to leave
,” Alex hissed, finally seeing her for what she was.

“Alex, sweetheart. I think everyone just misunderstood me. I wasn’t trying to imply anything. I was just trying to make conversation.” Marcy wriggled in her chair as she pleaded with Alex.

“That was not a request. Whatever you
thought
you were to me is done. Do you understand? This is not something that is open to interpretation or discussion. I have not wanted to be a complete asshole so perhaps I gave you false hope. My apologies if that’s what you saw. I am asking you to leave and take with you whatever convoluted scenario you have in your head where my future is with anyone other than Lexi.” Alex seethed as he stared at her with contempt. It seemed that all her attempts to unhinge me had done nothing for her but dig herself a bigger hole. Karma train came and ran that bitch DOWN!