Page 65 of Giorgio

“They are just slightly swollen.” She gave him an impish smile. “When are you going to invite her out to dinner?”

“Why should I?”

“Julian, she likes you and it’s obvious, you like her too. Stop trying to mother me and go out and have fun. Just don’t do anything to mess things up. I happen to like her a lot and I am very comfortable with her.”

“We’ll see.” Bending, he kissed her on the lips and propelled her towards her car. “Be careful on the road, it’s slippery.”

“Yes, mother.” Throwing him a cheeky grin, she waved and entered her car, easing the seatbelt over her swollen abdomen.

A gasp escaped her when she felt the slight movement and she had to take a second to savor it. Her son was letting her know he was alive and kicking, literally. With a soft laugh, she pushed the start button and called for some classical music.

*****

“Edoardo cleared you?” Alfred walked into the bedroom where his son was propped up on his pillows.

“Yes.” With a grimace, he reached for a glass of water and took a healthy swallow. His throat was parched, and he was still feeling very weak.

Two months ago, he had come to his senses and decided that he was going after her, but disaster had struck. First, there was the series of bomb threats on the Milan stores which had sent himand his father flying over to investigate and it had taken a month to sort things out.

Then there had been a threat to Giorgio, which had forced him into lockdown until they caught the culprit who turned out to be a crazed fan who had been writing him numerous letters.

Then he had caught a virus which left him weak and bedridden for three weeks. In his delirium, he had called out for Juliana.

“How soon are you planning on leaving?”

“A few days.” Putting away the glass, he closed his eyes wearily. “I don’t want to show up after six months, looking like I am a newborn kitten.”

Pulling up a chair, Alfredo stared at him anxiously.

“I think you should go to Switzerland and recuperate for two weeks.”

He shook his head. “I have already left it for too long.” He dragged his hands over his face. “It might be too late.”

“So, call her.”

He shook his head again. “I don’t want to give her any warning, or a chance to refuse to see me.” His expression was bleak. “I have been such a bloody fool. I tried to run away from my feelings and ended up dying a little inside each day I am away from her. What if she no longer loves me?”

“Love like that does not simply go away, son.” His father said quietly. He was happy Giorgio had finally come to his senses but was concerned that the travel was going to be too taxing.

“At least wait for a week.”

“No. I need to see her, and I cannot wait. As soon as I made up my mind, there is this urgency inside me that is saying that I should go now.”

“Alright son. Get some rest. I will be cheering for you.”

“Thanks, papa.” He sighed deeply. “I have wasted so much time being stupid and irrational. I thought that staying away was the best thing I could do for both of us. I need to be with her.”

Alfredo beamed at him. “Don’t come back without her.”

“Oh, I have no intention of doing so. No matter how long it takes and if I have to grovel, then so be it.”

“Get some rest.” Rising, Alfredo touched his arm briefly before leaving the room.

Leaning his head back, Giorgio stared up at the intricate pattern of the ceiling. He had tried to outrun his emotions, but that had left him exhausted and unhappy. Then he had foolishly tried sleeping with another woman and that had been a disaster. After that, he stopped trying. And it was then he had decided that he could not live without her.

“Juliana,” He whispered achingly. “Please forgive me for being such an imbecille.”

*****