Ten Days in Tuscany (12 page)

“I know you’re busy with your work and everything…and your own painting, but I was wondering if…”

Regret filled Nic as her voice trailed off and he shook his head slowly. “I hope I haven’t overstepped the mark, but I’ve already made a call and asked someone I know—through my work—if they’d talk to you. It’s not the sort of thing I do.”

Nic had no doubt he could do it with his eyes shut, but Gia deserved the attention of someone who could give her more time than he could. Ben was not only one of his most trusted staff, but a good friend. He would set her in the right direction and help her to liaise with the right people. Nic didn’t want to tell her that although he was based in Carrara, he frequently traveled back and forth to the States.
Not yet. And maybe not for much longer anyway.
His gut burned as he thought of the argument with his father this afternoon, and he picked up his glass and let the cool wine soothe his throat.

He could have told her who he was, but he wasn’t going to. Not yet. When it was all done. He didn’t want to put the next week he had left with her at risk.

He wanted Gia to feel that she had achieved this with the quality of her work, and not because of the Baldini name behind the show.

I’ll tell her later. When it’s all done.

He pushed away the thought that he was being selfish, because he knew that if she thought he’d been lying to her, there would be no show. When the time came, he would explain why he had been secretive, and how important this board position was to him.

Her face colored and she mumbled softly. “Sorry, I know it was a lot to ask of you.”

He reached over the table and took her hand in his. Her nails were short, and it appeared no matter how much she scrubbed them there was always a rim of colored paint on the side of her fingers.

“No, Gia. It’s not because of that. It’s because you need someone who can give you the right advice and spend time on your career.” He wrinkled his brow. “I have to go back to work at the end of next week, and I wouldn’t have enough time to help you properly. Like you deserve. You have to realize that this show is going to put you up with the big players, and you’ll need a plan.”

She opened her mouth, but he interrupted her before she could speak. “But I’ll be down here both weekends to help you get the studio ready. All you have to do is keep painting and then get glammed up on the day.”

Her smile was shy. “If you’re going to come down for the weekends…would you like…to save booking somewhere to stay…it would make sense…if you stayed with me.”

Nic smiled. “I’d love to take you up on that offer.” He let a devilish smile cross his face to cover the guilt that rippled through him. One day he’d show Gia the villa. Next time he came back.
If she’s still here.
“But on one condition.”

Gia frowned. “What’s that?”

“We can’t spend all day and night in your bed. As much as I’d like to, we’ll have to work hard.”

Gia tipped one finger to her lips. “Oh, but we’ll be tired after our hard work, and I’m sure we’ll have to go to bed sometime.”

“Speaking of which…maybe we should order and then we can go back to your place and see what needs to be done.” He moved his fingers slowly up and down the inside of her wrist. “How long it’s going to take to get the space ready…and how much time we’ll have left to play.”

He turned and raised his hand to summon Stefano over to take their order. He was eager to get home and do something about the way Gia was looking at him.

Chapter Nine

The next week passed quickly. It was the happiest Gia could ever remember being. For the first time, the emotion and the happiness that came from her painting spilled over into the rest of her life. They painted together, they walked, they slept—she smiled to herself—well they spent a lot of time in her bed. They laughed together. Nic moved his painting equipment over from the villa and spent the days and nights at her cottage. The only thing that niggled at her was how he had taken over—almost as though she needed looking after. She shook her head and dismissed her doubt. That was unfair. He didn’t need to help her, and he was doing so much to ensure her show would go off without a hitch. Her independence was still there. Seeing Stefano in the restaurant the other night had cemented her determination to get away from the village.

If Nic could help her do that, she would take everything he offered. She loved being with him, he was great fun, and he made her laugh and…the sex was amazing. Her stomach muscles gave a little tug just thinking about him.

He would leave, but she would have fun while he was here. Once she managed to put aside that feeling of being overwhelmed, and a little out of control, her happiness was complete. She worked at the restaurant each night, noticing many a curious look between her father and brother, but she put her head down and worked quietly.

Gabriel caught her arm one night as she hurried past him back to the kitchen. “Gia, I heard you were out the other night. You haven’t taken on more than you can handle, have you?”

She looked up at her brother and fluttered her eyelashes. “You mean, a man?”

“No, I mean Nic. He’s a bit out of your league, isn’t he?”

Hurt suffused her chest, and she bit back the angry retort that sprang to her lips. “Whatever you think.” She would not let her family take over her happiness. Pushing past her brother, she kept her head down as she walked toward the kitchen. “I’ve got meals to take out.”

Finally, on Friday night, she summoned up the courage to mention Nic to her father. Although the village grapevine—and her brother—had probably filled him in on the details already.

It had been a busy night and the kitchen was chaotic. Gabriel had hired two extra girls from the village to work in the restaurant, and Gia had run all night, taking orders, delivering meals, and clearing tables. Finally, the last guest paid their bill, and Papa summoned Gabriel and Gia to the table beside the door.

“Come over here, my children. I think we all deserve a break. That is the biggest night we have had so far this spring.”

“Bodes well for the summer season.” Gabriel smiled.

Gia leaned back in the chair and looked into the courtyard as Papa lifted a bottle.

“Limoncello, Gia?”

She nodded.
Anything to help fortify my courage.

“Just one, though, you know how silly wine makes you.”

Mou-Mou brushed the side of Gia’s leg, and she reached down and pulled the cat up onto her lap, trying not to pull a face at her father. She kept her head down and ran her fingers across the soft fur as Papa filled Gabriel’s glass and then half-filled hers.

“To a successful season.” His loud voice boomed across the empty courtyard.

“Papa?” Gia spoke hesitantly. Mou-Mou stretched up and snuggled into her shirt. She focused on the cat, stroking the pet to calm her own nerves.

“Yes,
bella.
”

“I… I have met someone, and I would like to bring him to lunch tomorrow. Would that be all right?”

“Of course, of course. That is wonderful to hear. I had heard a little whisper.” Papa’s face split into a huge grin and his drooping moustache wobbled. “He is not from the village?”

“It is Nic that bought my paintings. Nic Battistoni who is staying at the Baldini place.” Gabriel glanced at her sharply. She was tempted to poke her tongue at him; the look of disapproval on her brother’s face was uncalled for. It was
none
of his business.

“He is from Florence. Well, for now, anyway.” Gia lifted her head. “He works at Carrara, and he is going to help me…”

“So he told you he
works
for the Baldinis?” Gabriel’s stare was intent.
What is his problem?

“Gabriel, leave your sister alone. It is wonderful that she is seeing a young man.”

“But—”

“Enough.” Papa held his hand up at Gabriel and turned to her. “That is all good. Any friend of yours is welcome at our table. He was a very nice gentleman. I will look forward to talking to him again.”

She took a deep breath and the cat jumped off her lap. That went well. While the going was good, she forged on… “And Papa, there is something else I want to tell you.”

His eyes narrowed and Gia could see he was expecting to hear something he didn’t like.

God, am I so transparent?
She sat up straight in her chair, lifting her chin.

“Nic is helping me with my art.”

“Helping you? How? By buying your little pictures?” Papa shook his head. “He paid too much for them, I think.”

Gabriel hadn’t spoken and was looking from one to the other, following the conversation with interest. Her temper began to simmer and she fought it back, remembering the faith that Nic had in her work

Paris, Rome, New York,
he’d said. And she trusted him.

“No, he is helping me set up a show of my work.”

Papa frowned. “Why would he want to do that? Who would look at them?”

Support came from an unexpected quarter. “Gia’s work
is
okay, Papa.” Gabriel spoke slowly. “It will be good for her.”

“
Pah
.” Papa dismissed his son’s words. “She doesn’t need that. What she needs is a husband and a home in the village. Forget all about this art nonsense.” He turned to Gia and patted her hand. “You’ll grow out of it,
bella,
and you’ll find a husband soon. Don’t you worry about that.”

Heat filled Gia’s cheeks, and she bit the side of her cheek to stop the angry words flowing. The last thing she was worried about was a husband, but she didn’t want to create a scene, especially with Nic coming to the family lunch tomorrow.

Ignoring Papa, she reached out and lightly touched Gabriel’s arm. “Thank you.”

She was rewarded with an encouraging smile from her usually impatient brother.

…

Gia smoothed down the plain, white T-shirt she had put on with her jeans to wear to lunch at home. Her colorful clothes stayed in the cupboard. Being with Nic every day and night made her newfound confidence flourish. His faith in her work and the enjoyment he took in her company made her feel good about herself. But her self-confidence had taken a pummeling at the hands of her father last night.

She and Nic had slept in after a late night, and he had gone back to the villa for the first time in a few days, to get some more clothes and to make some business calls. Gia wondered why he would be making business calls while he was on vacation but soon forgot about that in her nervousness. She was hesitant about taking Nic to meet the family, even though he’d already met Papa and Gabriel, and they were expecting him.

Walking across to the window, she looked down the valley. It was a brilliant day and she knew that Mamma would have the table set up outside. The family home was at the other side of the village and overlooked the lavender fields. At least if they were outside, it wouldn’t be so difficult if there was an awkward lull in the conversation. She grinned ruefully—there would be little fear of that with her noisy family.

Why am I so worried about the family liking Nic?
He would be gone soon, and their time together would be over. He’d hinted at seeing her when he went back to work, but she didn’t let herself hope for one moment that he would really follow through when he went home.

She gave herself a mental shake. He was coming down to Castellina for the next two weekends and then for the show. He believed in her. She must trust him. Taking a deep breath, she let assurance fill her. If Nic said he would come, he would.

The low purr of his little sports car came up the winding road, and Gia hurried across to the door, casting a longing glance at her easel. She would much prefer to spend the afternoon painting with Nic, but she couldn’t miss two lunches in a row. Mamma would have her moving back home, and Gia couldn’t think of anything she’d hate more.

A deep breath and she closed the door behind her as Nic vaulted the fence and hurried across the courtyard.

“There is a gate, you know.” Her voice was dry but she smiled at him. Nic had dressed up for the occasion. He wore a pale-blue collared shirt and dark jeans. She looked down at her plain clothes. She couldn’t carry off flamboyant colors at a family lunch. She preferred to fade into the background. Mamma had called to let her know that the cousins were coming over from Montepulciano, and she hoped it wasn’t only because she was bringing Nic to lunch.

This could be a very awkward afternoon.
Why the hell did I invite him?

“Yes”—Nic caught her in his arms and planted a hard kiss on her mouth—“but I like to impress a pretty woman.” He placed his finger beneath her chin and tipped her head up. “What’s with the frown and the black and white clothes? Where’s my colorful artist gone?”

“Oh, Nic, I am so nervous about this lunch.” He was such a kind and thoughtful guy. That’s why she had invited him to come along. All would be well.
It would.

“Why? It’s your family? Would you rather go alone?”

“Oh no. I want you to meet them and I want you to tell Papa all about the plans for my show. He was less than enthusiastic when I mentioned it…but you know what? For the first time in twenty-five years, Gabriel actually supported me. I nearly fainted.” She laughed. “If I had, Papa would have blamed the Limoncello!”

Nic frowned. “Why?”

“Don’t worry,” she said. “You’ll see what I mean at lunch.”

…

Nic held the gate open for Gia as she stepped through the rose-covered arch at the front of her family home. Fat pink roses spilled down in profusion on both sides of the latticed timber. A small east-facing courtyard was shaded from the sun, and the overpowering fragrance of lavender drifted on the light breeze. She slowed her pace in front of him, and Nic noticed her straighten her shoulders and take a deep breath. He was getting to know her little mannerisms very well. Although why she’d be so nervous with her own family, he found hard to understand. He was envious of the close family relationship they seemed to have.

“Come on, let’s get this over with.” She slipped her hand through his elbow, and a smile appeared on her face. But it wasn’t the impulsive smile he’d seen all week.

He was looking forward to seeing her with her family. He would support her and try to bolster her confidence, and he was certainly going to talk up her talent. Whether it made a difference or not to them…time would tell. He had no doubt it would make a difference where it mattered.

The noise of a dozen or more people speaking at once met them as they walked through the narrow stonewalled courtyard at the side of the old house. Gia slowed as they stepped onto the smooth green lawn and Nic put his hand on her back. She turned and gave him a sweet smile.

“Thank you,” she whispered, obviously feeling the support he was trying his best to give her. Nic frowned; it was such a shame if what Gia said about her family was true. Maybe she was oversensitive? Although he had heard her father dismiss her landscapes as unimportant. Why couldn’t her family see the person he saw? And support her? She was a confident, talented artist. It reminded him of the way his father looked down on him. He was a successful businessman, so why did his father dismiss every success he had and praise Antonio to the skies?

Nic understood. He loved his work at Carrara, overseeing the mining of the marble that was sold all over the world. Providing the marble for the creation of beautiful environments satisfied his creative needs. Being with Gia this week had been a wakeup call for him. Unexpectedly, watching Gia paint had satisfied his creative urge, and despite his intentions he didn’t care if he painted or not. He also hadn’t thought about the quarry or the contracts or his share prices.

Nic could admit to himself that yes, he could paint and, yes he had talent, but he didn’t have the passion she did. Seeing the emotion that she invested in each stroke of her brush—it was almost Gia herself, and not her art, that spoke to him from her landscapes. Fulfilling his promise to his mother to come to Tuscany was beginning to put things into perspective for him.

Nic was still lost in his thoughts when Gia turned and took his hand. They crossed the lawn toward two long tables set up beneath a green bower of verdant grapevines, which shaded the tables from the sun. She led him to the end of the far table where there was a space. A tall woman with dark, curly hair just like Gia’s looked at him with a wide smile on her face.

Gia reached over and kissed the woman’s cheek “
Buon giorno, Mamma
. This is Nic. He is visiting our valley for a couple of weeks.” She turned back to him.
“
Nic, this is my Mamma…Sylvia.”

The woman leaned forward and took Nic’s hand and kissed him on both cheeks. Nic smiled back at her.

“Una bella figlia di una bella madre.”

A beautiful daughter from a beautiful mother. Gia’s eyes widened at his charm. “Very smooth, Nic. Say the same to
nonna
and you’ll be loved for life
.
” She pointed to an elderly woman who was dozing in a rocking chair in the corner of the courtyard, oblivious to the hubbub of noise around her.

Nic smiled at her mother. “It is a pleasure to be here. Thank you for letting me join your family lunch, Sylvia.”

“Pfft
, Gia’s friends are always welcome. But she never brings any home, do you,
bella
?” Sylvia waved a perfectly manicured hand. She was a very elegant woman, and Nic watched with interest as she frowned at her daughter.

“
Gia, where is your pretty dress? You know your father prefers to see you in a dress at lunch.”