Page 14

* * *

Five.

That was what Gabe was thinking.

He lit one for Nonna, two for his parents, and his throat closed tight as he lit the fourth, for his tiny sister Beatrice.

Soon there will be five candles to light.

And perhaps it was cruel, but in some ways Geo’s death would come as a relief, for finally there would be no one left to care about.

No more hurt to come.

It was a very freeing thought.

He turned and she stood from the pew. ‘Come on,’ he said, but as they came out, they walked into the very reason the church was open. Donatella was there, holding court with a group of tourists.

‘Gabriel!’ She smiled and then it rather faded when she saw Stella with him, but then she quickly snapped it back. ‘I didn’t expect to see you here.’ Then she addressed her group. ‘Gabriel is the grandson of il Conte di Sant Lavia.’

There were oohs and aahs as he stood there, stony-faced.

‘It is so good to have him home,’ Donatella said.

Home is Milan, he was tempted to answer, but just nodded and walked off.

‘Gabe—’ Donatella called, asking him to wait for a moment so she could speak with him.

It was Stella who halted, clearly happy to wait, when he’d have walked off. As the group made their way into the church, Donatella came over and moved to do the cheek-to-cheek kiss, but he snapped his head back. Gabe didn’t go in for all of that.

‘What did you want to speak about?’ he asked tersely.

‘I was hoping you’d introduce me to your lovely companion.’ Her eyes drifted to Stella. ‘You are?’

‘Stella,’ she said.

‘It’s so lovely to meet you, Stella.’

‘You’re Donatella?’ she checked. ‘I tried to get booked on your tour tomorrow.’

Gabe watched on. Stella was open and engaging…interested.

Donatella, pretending to be, replied, ‘It isn’t on, but you must join our tour tonight—we’re just going up to the fountain. Please come along.’

‘We’ve just been.’ Stella smiled. ‘But thank you.’

‘How long are you here?’

‘Just till tomorrow. I’m going to try and squeeze in some shopping.’

‘Then you must come and see me.’ Gabe watched as she glanced at Stella’s dress. ‘I am the curator of the Sant Lavia boutique. I can help with your wardrobe.’

‘I meant shopping for local delicacies.’

‘Oh.’

‘Let’s go,’ Gabe said, and took her arm and off they walked.

‘She seems nice,’ Stella said.